Backyard Composting

Skip to page navigation

Composting is easy

Composting is easy and a great way to recycle yard waste and kitchen scraps into fertile sweet-smelling soil. Compost helps grow healthy gardens, lawns, trees, and shrubs that need less water, pesticides and fertilizer.

  • Yard waste can be composted in an open pile or bin. Mix green & brown (grass & leaves), keep it moist, and you’ll have compost in 6-12 months.
  • To prevent rodent problems, it’s important to compost kitchen scraps separately in a rodent-proof bin. Learn how with the resources below.

Learn more in Composting at Home (pdf) or see Seattle Public Utilities’ Backyard Composting for more information.

Questions? Call the Garden Hotline at (206) 633-0224 or email help@gardenhotline.org with questions, or to request a printed copy of the guide.