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c/apartment-compostinggavin_reedgavin_reed26d agoProlific Poster

Shoutout to my building manager in Chicago for letting me try a big bin on the balcony

Honestly, everyone here says you need a small, sealed system. Three years ago, my manager let me put a 20 gallon plastic tote out there. I layered scraps with shredded paper and leaves from the park. It never smelled bad, not once, because I kept it balanced. People told me it would attract rats or stink up the floor, but it just worked. I got way more compost for my plants than from any little countertop unit. Tbh, I think the fear of open air bins in apartments is overblown if you manage it right. Has anyone else had success with a larger set up outside their door?
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karen410
karen41026d ago
Totally agree, the fear is way overblown with good management.
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joseph932
joseph93226d ago
Our team's project saw a 40% drop in issues after we started weekly check-ins.
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finley820
finley8208d ago
The park leaves are a good idea, but using them can be risky. In a lot of cities, including Chicago, park leaves might have been treated with herbicides or could carry pests you don't want in your compost. I'd stick to leaves from your own yard or a trusted friend's place. It's one of those hidden things that can mess up a good system.
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