Can I compost without a garden?
Tired of smelly bins? Learn how to compost in your flat usingan indoor Bokashi bins, and turn your scraps into garden gold - even without a garden.
You absolutely can compost in a flat, even if you don’t have so much as a balcony. You don’t need a big garden or countryside plot to live a little greener. With a bit of planning (and the right bin) even those who are garden-less can turn their scraps into something amazing.
Why Compost Without a Garden?
New UK Food Waste Laws
From March 2025, many businesses in England must separate food waste from general rubbish, under new Simpler Recycling rules. (Smaller businesses have until 2027 to catch up).
For homeowners, local councils are also updating food waste collections,with many already providing caddies for weekly pick-up. It’s worth checking your local authority’s guidelines, as separating food waste at home is becoming or about to become then ew norm.
Tools like Biolan Bokashi bins or homemade kitchen composters make it easy to manage waste before collection - or turn it into compost yourself.
But there are plenty of other reasons why apartment-occupants across the UK are getting into composting:
- Reduce food waste - The average UK household bins over 100kg of food a year. Composting stops it going to landfill.
- Cut down on smelly bin bags - Ever noticed how food waste is what makes your kitchen bin reek? Compost it instead.
- Eco credibility - Composting reduces methane emissions from landfill. It’s a low-effort, high-impact climate win.
- Give it away - Finished compost is gold dust. Offer it to friends, family, local allotments, or community gardens. Trust us, they’ll bite your hand off.
Let’s break down how you can compost indoors,what kit you’ll need, and what to expect — including options from Biolan and afew homemade hacks too.
Option 1: The Biolan Bokashi Bin - Indoor Composting’s Best Kept Secret
The Biolan Bokashi system is a game-changer for composting indoors. Unlike traditional composting, it doesn’t rely on air, heat, or worms. Instead, it uses anaerobic fermentation to break down food waste - right in your kitchen.
- You add all your food waste - yes, even meat, dairy, and cooked leftovers.
- Sprinkle over a bit of Bokashi bran (full of friendly microbes).
- Press it down, pop the lid on, and let science do its thing.
After a couple of weeks, you’ll have a fermented mash you can:
- Add to a traditional compost heap.
- Pop into a worm bin for further breakdown.
- Or use in a composting unit, if you’re able to install one on a balcony or shared space.
Why we love it:
Small and tidy - Fits under the sink or in a cupboard.
Airtight seals - means contained odour.
Super speedy - Ferments food waste in 2 weeks.
Less waste, less guilt - Great for those who feel bad chucking leftovers.
Option 2: The Biolan Eco Composter - for Balconies & Small Outdoor Spaces
If you’ve got a balcony, communal garden, or shared courtyard, the Biolan Quick Composter 220eco is ideal.
What’s the deal?
It’s a fully sealed, insulated hot composter, meaning it breaksdown food and garden waste quickly and hygienically - all year round.
It’s rodent-resistant, weatherproof, and surprisingly compact considering its 220-litre capacity.
Pair it with a Bokashi bin indoors for a perfect urban composting combo:
- Bokashi bin ferments waste inside.
- Biolan Eco Composter finishes the job outside.
Even if you don’t generate a tonne of waste, the Biolan Eco Composter works well for small households - and neighbours can share too.
Option 3: Homemade Kitchen Compost Setups
If you're more of a DIY type (or on a budget), you can absolutely make your own indoor composting system. Just be prepared to put in a little more work.
DIY Bokashi Bins
With a few airtight buckets and some purchased Bokashi bran, you can build your own system on the cheap. Not as sleek as Biolan’s, but works just the same.
Make sure the container has a drainage tap or spout to remove theliquid (“Bokashi tea”) every few days. It’s great diluted for houseplants ortipping down drains to keep pipes clean.
But What If I Can’t Use the Compost?
No garden? No problem.
Here’s where your finished compost can go:
- Local community gardens or allotments (ask on social media or community noticeboards).
- Neighbours with gardens - especially if you’re in a residential block.
- Council food waste scheme - not all take home compost, but worth checking.
- Houseplants and pots - mix your compost with regular soil for a nutrient boost in your balcony pots or window boxes.
Some zero-waste or gardening groups even organise compost swap schemes. You’d be surprised how many people want your leftovers!
Final Thoughts: Composting Without a Garden Is Possible
Whether you’re renting a flat in the middle of Manchester or living in a London high-rise, you can compost - and it’s easier than you think.
- Bokashi bins (like Biolan’s) are perfect for inside.
- Eco composters are great for small outdoor spaces.
- Homemade DIY setups work well with a little effort.
By composting in your indoor space, you’re reducing waste, lowering your carbon footprint, and maybe even starting a mini urban garden revolution.
Ready to get started?
We’ve got tips, gear, and advice for every living situation - from towerblocks to tiny terraces. Whether you want a neat Biolan setup or a homemade bin,we’re here to help you make it work.
FAQs
1. What makes a Bokashi bin ideal for composting inside a flat or apartment?
Bokashi bins are perfect for indoor use because they are compact and airtight, preventing any odours. Unlike traditional composting, they use fermentation to break down all types of food waste—including meat, dairy, and cooked leftovers—without needing heat or worms.
2. How quickly does a Bokashi system break down food waste?
Bokashi is incredibly fast. The process ferments your food waste in as little as two weeks, turning it into a fermented mash that can then be easily finished in a traditional compost heap, or given away.
3. What can I do with the fermented material if I don't have a garden?
Even without a garden, the fermented product from your Bokashi bin is extremely valuable. You can give it to friends or family with gardens, donate it to local community gardens or allotments, or even mix it into potting soil for your houseplants.
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