Composting in Small Spaces: Bins, Tumblers, Bokashi

You don’t need a sprawling backyard to turn kitchen scraps into rich, garden-ready compost. Whether you have a balcony, a tiny patio, or just a spare corner, small space composting methods can fit into your life. The key is choosing a system that matches your available space, the amount of waste you generate, and how hands-on you want to be. In this guide, we’ll look at three popular options—enclosed bins, tumblers, and Bokashi systems—focusing on how they perform in terms of space, speed, and odor control to help you find the right fit. For a broader look at garden infrastructure, see our guide to garden equipment.

Choosing a Small Space Composting Method

Before picking a system, consider your constraints and goals. How much physical space do you have? A tumbler needs room to spin, while a compact Bokashi bucket can tuck under a sink. How quickly do you want finished compost? Some methods are faster than others. And, crucially for close quarters, how will you manage smells and pests? The right system balances these factors with your daily routine. Remember, successful composting relies on the right mix of “greens” (nitrogen-rich food scraps) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials like dry leaves or shredded paper).

Enclosed Stationary Bins

Enclosed bins are simple containers, often made of plastic, with a lid and sometimes a door at the bottom for harvesting finished compost. They sit directly on the ground, allowing worms and microbes from the soil to enter and aid decomposition. This is a passive, slow-cook method well-suited for gardeners who are patient and have a small, out-of-the-way spot on a patio or in a corner of a tiny yard.

Space: These bins have a small footprint but need to stay in one place. They work on soil, grass, or patio pavers.

Speed: Decomposition is slow, often taking 6 months to a year to produce usable compost. You add scraps to the top and harvest from the bottom.

Odor Control: When managed correctly (with a good balance of greens and browns), odors are minimal. Problems arise if the pile becomes too wet or compacted. Turning the contents occasionally with a compost aerator tool helps maintain airflow.

Compost Tumblers

Tumblers are fully enclosed barrels mounted on a frame that allows them to rotate. Turning the compost is as easy as spinning the drum, which mixes and aerates the materials thoroughly. This active approach accelerates decomposition and is ideal for those who want compost faster and prefer not to manually turn a pile with a fork.

Space: Tumblers need enough clear space around them to rotate fully—about twice the diameter of the drum. They must be placed on a stable, level surface like a patio or deck.

Speed: This is one of the faster small space composting methods. With regular turning, tumblers can produce compost in as little as 4 to 8 weeks during warm weather.

Odor Control: The sealed environment contains odors effectively. However, if the mix becomes too wet and anaerobic, a sour smell can develop. Ensuring the compost has enough browns and isn’t overfilled is key.

Bokashi Fermentation Systems

Bokashi is a different process altogether. It’s an anaerobic fermentation method that uses a special inoculated bran to pickle your food waste in a sealed bucket. You can compost all food scraps—including meat, dairy, and cooked foods—which are typically not recommended for traditional compost bins. The pre-compost produced needs to be buried in soil or added to a traditional compost bin to finish breaking down.

Space: This is the ultimate space-saver. A typical two-bucket Bokashi system can fit under a kitchen sink or in a pantry. No outdoor space is needed for the fermentation stage.

Speed: The fermentation in the bucket is quick, usually taking about two weeks. However, the process isn’t complete until the fermented waste is buried or added to soil for a further 2-4 weeks of breakdown.

Odor Control: When the lid is sealed properly, a Bokashi system produces a sweet, pickly smell, not a rotting odor. It is widely considered the best method for odorless indoor food waste composting.

FAQ

Can I compost on an apartment balcony?

Absolutely. A small enclosed bin or a compact tumbler are both good options for a balcony. Ensure the bin has a secure lid to manage odors and prevent litter from blowing out. Check with your building management about any restrictions, and place a tray underneath to catch any potential drips.

Will composting attract bugs and rodents?

Any composting can attract insects and animals if not managed properly. The key is to avoid putting out meat, dairy, or oily foods (unless using Bokashi), always cover fresh food scraps with a layer of browns like leaves or shredded paper, and use a bin with a tight, locking lid. Burying food waste in the center of an enclosed bin also helps. For more on safe pest management, the EPA provides guidance.

What can I put in a small space composter?

For bins and tumblers, stick to plant-based materials: fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard trimmings. Always add an equal volume of “browns” like dry leaves, straw, or non-glossy shredded paper to absorb moisture and balance carbon. Bokashi systems are the exception, accepting all food waste, including meat, bones, and dairy. The EPA’s home composting page has a good general list.

How do I use the finished compost?

Finished compost is a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material. You can use it as a top dressing for lawns, mix it into potting soil for containers, or work it into your garden beds to improve soil structure and fertility. It’s a fantastic way to feed your plants naturally. If you’re building new beds, our guide on how to build a raised garden bed shows where compost fits in.

What if I don’t have any outdoor space at all?

A Bokashi system is your best bet. The entire fermentation process happens indoors in a sealed bucket. Once the bucket is full, you’ll need to arrange to bury the fermented waste. This could be in a friend’s garden, a community garden plot, or even in a large planter or deep container filled with soil on a fire escape (where allowed).