How to Start Composting in Long Beach

Composting is more than just a sustainable hobby—it’s a vital practice for reducing landfill waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and enriching local soils. In Long Beach, where urban density meets coastal ecosystems, composting offers residents a tangible way to contribute to environmental resilience. With the city’s growing emphasis on zero-waste goals and its partnership with regional recycling programs, now is the ideal time to begin composting at home. Whether you live in a single-family home in Belmont Heights, an apartment in Downtown, or a bungalow in Naples, composting is accessible, affordable, and impactful. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to start composting successfully in Long Beach, from choosing the right method to navigating local regulations and maximizing your results.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Benefits of Composting in Long Beach

Before diving into the mechanics, it’s important to recognize why composting matters specifically in Long Beach. The city generates over 500,000 tons of waste annually, with nearly 40% of that being organic material like food scraps and yard trimmings. When these materials end up in landfills, they decompose anaerobically—without oxygen—producing methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting transforms this waste into nutrient-rich soil, reducing methane emissions and supporting local gardens, parks, and urban farms.

Long Beach has committed to diverting 90% of waste from landfills by 2035 under its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Community composting is a cornerstone of this initiative. By composting at home, you’re not just managing your own waste—you’re helping the city meet its environmental targets and reducing the burden on municipal collection systems.

Step 2: Choose Your Composting Method

There are several composting methods suitable for Long Beach residents, depending on your living situation and available space.

Backyard Composting is ideal for homeowners with yards. It involves building or purchasing a compost bin and layering organic materials in a pile that breaks down over time. This method works well in neighborhoods like Lakewood, Bixby Knolls, and Signal Hill, where outdoor space is available.

Bokashi Composting is a fermentation-based system that works indoors and doesn’t require oxygen. It’s perfect for apartment dwellers in high-rises near the beach or in dense urban cores like Downtown or California Heights. Bokashi uses a special bran inoculated with beneficial microbes to break down food waste—including meat and dairy—without odor.

Worm Composting (Vermicomposting) uses red wiggler worms to digest food scraps. It’s compact, odor-free, and can be maintained on a balcony, under a sink, or in a closet. This method is highly recommended for renters and those with limited outdoor space. The resulting worm castings are among the most nutrient-dense soil amendments available.

Community Composting is an excellent option if you lack space or prefer not to manage a bin. Long Beach has several drop-off locations and curbside pickup programs. The city partners with organizations like the Long Beach Compost Coalition and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to offer free compost drop-off sites at community gardens and farmers markets.

Step 3: Gather Your Materials

Once you’ve selected your method, assemble the necessary materials.

For backyard composting, you’ll need:

• A compost bin (wooden, plastic, or wire mesh)
• A pitchfork or compost aerator
• A cover (tarp or lid) to retain moisture and heat
• Basic kitchen container for collecting scraps

For bokashi, you’ll need:

• A bokashi bucket with a tight-sealing lid
• Bokashi bran (available online or at local garden stores)
• A drain spigot (to collect liquid fertilizer, or “bokashi tea”)

For worm composting, you’ll need:

• A worm bin (stackable trays or a specialized plastic bin)
• Red wiggler worms (Eisenia fetida)—never use earthworms from your yard
• Bedding material: shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir
• A spray bottle for moisture control

For community composting, you only need a small countertop container with a lid to collect scraps until drop-off day.

Step 4: Collect Compostable Materials

Not all organic waste is compostable. Knowing what to include—and what to avoid—is critical to success.

Greens (Nitrogen-rich materials):

• Vegetable and fruit scraps
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Tea bags (remove staples)
• Fresh grass clippings
• Plant trimmings
• Flowers and leaves

Browns (Carbon-rich materials):

• Shredded paper and cardboard
• Dry leaves
• Straw or hay
• Sawdust (untreated wood only)
• Wood chips
• Eggshells (crushed)

What to Avoid:

• Meat, fish, and bones (except in bokashi systems)
• Dairy products (except in bokashi systems)
• Fats, oils, and grease
• Coal or charcoal ash
• Diseased plants
• Pet waste (dog, cat, or bird feces)
• Plastic, metal, or synthetic materials

Long Beach’s coastal climate means you’ll have year-round access to fresh produce scraps. Take advantage of farmers markets like the Long Beach Saturday Market or the Belmont Shore Farmers Market to collect fruit and vegetable trimmings—many vendors are happy to give you their unsold produce for composting.

Step 5: Build and Maintain Your Compost Pile

Regardless of method, successful composting relies on balance, airflow, and moisture.

For Backyard Composting:

Begin by placing your bin on bare soil to allow beneficial organisms to enter. Start with a 4–6 inch layer of browns (like dry leaves or shredded cardboard). Add a layer of greens (kitchen scraps), then cover with another layer of browns. Aim for a ratio of about 3 parts browns to 1 part greens. Keep the pile as moist as a wrung-out sponge. Turn the pile every 1–2 weeks with a pitchfork to introduce oxygen and speed decomposition. In Long Beach’s mild climate, compost can be ready in 2–4 months.

For Bokashi Composting:

Layer food scraps in the bucket, sprinkling a handful of bokashi bran over each 2-inch layer. Press down to remove air pockets. Seal the lid tightly after each addition. Drain the liquid every 2–3 days—this “bokashi tea” can be diluted 1:100 with water and used as fertilizer for houseplants or gardens. Once the bucket is full, seal it and let it ferment for 2 weeks in a cool, dark place. After fermentation, bury the contents in soil or add to an outdoor compost pile to finish breaking down.

For Vermicomposting:

Fill your bin with moist bedding. Add worms and let them settle for 24 hours. Begin feeding small amounts of kitchen scraps—start with ½ cup per week for a pound of worms. Bury food under bedding to deter fruit flies. Maintain moisture and avoid overfeeding. Harvest castings every 3–6 months by moving finished compost to one side and adding fresh bedding to the other; worms will migrate naturally.

Step 6: Use Your Compost

When your compost is dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling, it’s ready. In Long Beach, you can use it to:

• Enrich garden soil for native plants like sage, lavender, and manzanita
• Improve potted plants on balconies and patios
• Top-dress lawns to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers
• Donate to community gardens such as the Long Beach Community Garden Network or the Los Cerritos Wetlands Garden

Apply a 1–3 inch layer around plants in spring and fall. Avoid piling compost against plant stems to prevent rot. For lawns, spread a thin layer (¼ inch) and rake it in gently.

Best Practices

Manage Odors and Pests

Odors and pests are the most common concerns for new composters. In Long Beach’s humid climate, proper management prevents issues.

Always cover food scraps with a thick layer of browns. This traps odors and deters flies and rodents. If using a bin without a lid, secure it with a mesh cover or burlap. Avoid adding oily or sugary foods that attract ants and raccoons.

For backyard composters, place bins away from property lines and fences to discourage wildlife. Consider using a rodent-resistant bin with a solid bottom and small air holes.

Worm bins and bokashi systems are virtually odor-free when managed correctly. If your worm bin smells sour, it’s likely too wet or overfed. Add dry bedding and reduce feeding until balance returns.

Optimize for Long Beach’s Climate

Long Beach enjoys mild winters and warm, dry summers. This climate is ideal for composting year-round, but seasonal adjustments help.

In summer, compost piles can dry out quickly. Water them lightly every few days, especially if you’re not getting rain. Cover the pile with a tarp or lid to retain moisture.

In winter, decomposition slows. Add more greens to maintain heat, and insulate your bin with straw or leaves. Bokashi and worm composting remain active indoors, making them excellent winter options.

Balance Your Inputs

A common mistake is adding too many greens, which leads to a slimy, smelly pile. Always follow the 3:1 brown-to-green ratio. If your pile is too wet, add shredded cardboard or dry leaves. If it’s too dry, mist it with water.

Chop or shred large items like pumpkin rinds or corn cobs to speed decomposition. Smaller pieces have more surface area for microbes to work on.

Compost in Phases

Don’t try to compost everything at once. Start small. Collect scraps for a week, then begin a small pile or bin. Observe how it behaves. Adjust as needed. As you gain confidence, scale up your efforts.

Many Long Beach residents begin with a countertop container and weekly drop-offs at community sites before investing in a home system.

Engage with the Community

Long Beach has a vibrant sustainability culture. Join local composting groups on Facebook, attend free workshops hosted by the City of Long Beach Environmental Services Division, or volunteer at community gardens. Sharing tips and challenges with neighbors accelerates learning and builds collective impact.

Tools and Resources

Local Composting Programs

Long Beach offers several resources to support residents:

• City of Long Beach Curbside Organic Collection: Single-family homes and some multi-family buildings receive weekly pickup of food scraps and yard waste. Check your service status at longbeach.gov/solidwaste.
• Long Beach Compost Coalition: A volunteer-run network offering free drop-off locations at the Long Beach Public Library (Main Branch), the Los Cerritos Wetlands Center, and the Long Beach Botanical Garden. Visit their website for drop-off hours and guidelines.
• Los Angeles County Department of Public Works: Provides free compost bins and educational materials to Long Beach residents. Apply online or visit their outreach office at 500 N. Long Beach Blvd.
• Long Beach Farmers Markets: Many vendors accept compostable scraps. The Belmont Shore Farmers Market on Saturdays and the 2nd Street Market on Sundays have compost collection bins.

Where to Buy Supplies

Local stores in Long Beach carry composting supplies:

• Home Depot (Long Beach)**: Offers compost bins, tumblers, and garden tools.
• Home & Garden Center (Belmont Shore): Specializes in organic gardening supplies, including worm bins and bokashi kits.
• Long Beach Garden Center (Bixby Knolls): Sells red wiggler worms, composting manuals, and soil amendments.
• Online Retailers: Amazon, Etsy, and specialized sites like Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm ship worms and bokashi bran directly to Long Beach addresses.