I know what you’re thinking. Compost? Eww. Worms? Double Eww. I get it, I was like that too at first. But after realizing how much food waste I produced in my household and throwing it away, I reconsidered this. Since we cook frequently to save money and eat a lot of fruits, composting is necessary. Why create rubbish when you can create golden soil?
Malaysians generate thousands of tonnes of food waste every day—and almost half of it can be composted. Whether you live in a spacious landed home or a compact apartment in the city, composting is possible (and easier than you think). The key is choosing the right method for your living situation.
Let’s explore the best composting options for landed properties and condominiums/apartments, along with their pros and cons.
If You Live in a Landed Property
Having a bit of outdoor space gives you more composting freedom. You can go old-school, get a little high-tech, or even invite some worms into your garden. Best suited for gardeners and hands-on homeowners who don’t mind getting a little dirty.
1. Traditional Backyard Composting
This is the most basic method: toss your kitchen and garden waste into a pile or bin in your backyard, turn it now and then, and let nature do the work.
Pros:
- Cheap to set up (or even free)
- Produces a lot of compost over time
- Great for large gardens or plants
- Easy to scale up
Cons:
- Can attract pests if not managed well
- Doesn’t handle meat, dairy, or oily food
- Needs regular turning and moisture control
2. Compost Tumblers or Enclosed Bins
These are more contained versions of backyard composting. Compost tumblers are sealed bins that rotate, speeding up the process and keeping things neat. Those who want a clean, low-maintenance system without sacrificing results can consider this method.
Pros:
- Faster composting time
- Pest-resistant and tidy
- Easier to manage than an open pile
Cons:
- The initial cost to buy a bin or tumbler
- Limited capacity (good for small-to-medium households)
- Still not suitable for meat or dairy
3. Vermicomposting (Worm Composting)
Introduce red wiggler worms to a bin filled with food scraps and bedding material. The worms will happily eat your waste and turn it into rich compost. I know you can also buy the worms online and they will multiply quickly!
Pros:
- Produces extremely nutrient-rich compost
- Great for vegetable gardens and potted plants
- Can be kept indoors or outdoors (shaded)
Cons:
- Worms are a bit fussy (no spicy food, meat, or citrus)
- Needs regular care and balance
- Worms can die in extreme heat or neglect
If You Live in a Condo or Apartment
Limited space doesn’t mean you can’t compost—you just need smarter, more compact solutions.
1. Bokashi Composting
A Japanese-inspired system that ferments all kinds of food waste using a microbe-rich bran. It’s done in an airtight bin, which means less smell and more flexibility. This method best suits apartment dwellers who want a clean, easy system and don’t mind doing a little extra after fermentation.
Pros:
- Works indoors, even in small kitchens
- Accepts meat, dairy, and cooked food
- Minimal odor when used correctly
Cons:
- Needs Bokashi bran, which you’ll have to restock
- Waste still needs to be buried or further composted after fermenting
- Produces “Bokashi tea” that needs to be drained regularly
2. Vermicomposting (Indoor Worm Bin)
A smaller-scale worm composting setup that can live quietly under your sink or on a balcony.
Pros:
- Compact and odour-controlled
- Produces top-quality compost for balcony plants
- Fun and educational (yes, even for adults)
Cons:
- Doesn’t handle meat or oily food
- Worms need attention and the right environment
- May not be ideal for hot, enclosed apartments
3. Community Composting
If you don’t want to compost in your home, check if your area has a community composting program. Some neighborhoods such as Bangsar (Kebun Kebun Bangsar) and Penang (Kebun Kitar) have drop-off points or gardens that accept food scraps. This if for anyone who wants to help the planet without dealing with the compost themselves. Be sure to adhere their T&C before bringing your food scraps there.
Pros:
- No composting setup is needed at home
- Reduces waste without the hassle
- Encourages local sustainability and community gardening
Cons:
- Depends on availability in your area
- Requires effort to transport food scraps
- Less control over how compost is use
To conclude, no matter where you live, composting is a powerful way to reduce your waste, improve your soil, and contribute to a greener planet Earth. It’s not about doing it perfectly—it’s about starting somewhere because every little bit helps. Even banana peels have a purpose, not just for sabotaging your frenemies 🙂. I’ll share more details about composting in my upcoming post!
Til then, happy composting or thinking about composting!
RR