Buckle up, y'all, because I'm about to hit ya with some sizzlin' stats: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that food scraps and yard waste currently make up 20-30% of what we throw away — and could be composted instead of piling up at a landfill.
If you're curious about composting, but have questions like, WTF is it? How is it different from recycling? And Do I need to own several cows to do it? I'm here to help.
1. OK, so, WTF is it?
2. And what are the benefits?
3. What should I add to my compost pile? Can you break it down for me? (LOL get it?)
Here's a full list of everything you can toss on your compost pile:
• Fruits and vegetables
• Eggshells
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Tea bags
• Nut shells
• Shredded newspaper
• Cardboard
• Paper
• Yard trimmings
• Grass clippings
• Houseplants
• Hay and straw
• Leaves
• Sawdust
• Wood chips
• Cotton and wool rags
• Dryer and vacuum cleaner lint
• Hair and fur
• Fireplace ashes
4. So, is this even for me?
5. Tell me about composting outside!

6. What if I want to do an indoor compost thang?
And, listen — this is a beginner's guide, so let's not get crazy, BUT if you're interested in making your own composting system indoors — instead of going to a collection site — you can do that too:

That's all, folks! Once you get into the habit of composting, it really will become as routine as taking out your trash and recycling. Plus, you'll feel like a freakin' hero.
Dump Week is a series of posts that will help you take out the trash in every aspect of your life, making room for all the good stuff you deserve. See more posts here.
