How can I compost secretly?

Question

I would like to start composting my trash but my homeowners association does not allow compost heaps. Is there a way I can compost secretly, no smell, no bugs, no obvious "eyesore" whatever that means. I've seen some composting products on the web, they do cost a lot, but do they really work and is there a smell or bugs that might be attracted to them? Any ideas are welcomed. Thanks!

Great answers so far, the bench idea is great, maybe I can combine it with the worms suggestions. The tumbler idea was what I was looking for originally, but it does cost a lot of money, I mean $100 is a lot of money for us. We already have a garbage disposal, but there are some things you should never put down the garbage disposal, potato peel and cooked rice will gum up your pipes and sewage system, putting down banana peels and chicken bones are just, well, not smart. Although having your neighborhood smell of garbage is not nice either. Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

I would recommend getting a composting bench. Basically the composter is part of the seat is doesn't become an eyesore.

The other thing you could try is make it to look like part of your landscaping. Make a false raised bed out of wood and surround it with stones. Then make a lid for it. In the lid, plant flowers, ect. Then you can just lift the lid off when you need to stir the compost.

Answer 2

Well, I think that the answer to your problem would be compost worms. They "work" their way through the compost must faster than the normal heaps. You keep them in a bin or a box and always chop the compost goods as small as possible, because the worms can get to work much faster, this eliminates any smell. I have worked with these wrigglers in Germany and in South Africa, and can vouch that this is a more sophisticated method of composting. You could also build a frame with a door to open when you need it, and put this over your compost bin so that the neighbours do not see it. A hardy creeper like ivy could cover some part of it to make it look like a frame for climbers. It is advisable to have the compost bin in contact with the soil, in case the compost is too wet and some "juices" run out, but some people keep it on their balconies.

http://www.cityfarmer.org/wormcomp61.html

Answer 3

You could try a compost tumbler. They come in several sizes, and you could get a small one and put it in an inconspicuous place in your yard. They are usually esthetically pleasing to look at, so there shouldn't be any complaints in that regard. The way it works is you put in your organic waste, and you turn the handle on the tumbler once a day to mix it. This method keeps the compost from smelling, and cooks it very quickly--you'll have ready compost in a couple of weeks.

Answer 4

First, quite honestly, your HOA should get over themselves. Adding compost to garden beds or lawns is a much better way to keep your landscape healthy than to does it with toxic chemicals from ChemLawn or some other commercial lawn service.

But you can fool them. There are many types of composting systems you can but that do not require a "pile" & that will probably not offend the aesthetic sensibilities (sarcasm intended) of your HOA board.

Check out this link http://www.composters.com/main.php?gclid=CKaqy4O04Y0CFRhigQodPlLXbA

Answer 5

I don't mean to be a sore head, but I would hate to look out my window and see a compost heap.

People move into these types of condos to get away from gardeners, and pack rats, and junk in the back yard keepers, etc.

My husband and I buy all our compost in bags from a nursery or gardening center. The bags are kept out of sight of the other home owners.

How about buying and installing a garbage disposal to get rid of your trash.

Answer 6

check with your local city to see if they offer community compost..ours does..you come with all your clippings and they let you take some of the compost that is ready......