Based on our more general Composting 101 Training Guide, this resource was developed to provide a simple how-to guide for home composters interested in hot composting. It can also be used as a training resource for communities with home composting programs.
Composting at home is infinitely flexible! You can keep it simple with passive composting which requires little to no maintenance, but it takes time. However, with some attention to recipe, aeration, and moisture, hot composting can be achieved. This guide is designed for home composters interested in hastening the composting process or achieving composting temperatures that lessen weed seed germination, deter pests, and reduce the presence of pathogens (such as from certain food scraps).
Learn more about home composting with our Home Composting Resources.
Please take a moment to tell us about how you will use these resources, provide feedback, or give input on future resources.
This guide is also available in Spanish. Check out our complete list of Spanish Composting Resources.
This project has been funded in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under a Recycling, Education & Outreach (REO) assistance agreement to ILSR.
ILSR’s Vermicomposting 101 Guide covers the fundamentals of composting with worms, including worm facts, managing a worm bin, and how to harvest vermicompost.
Community Composting 101 provides an overview of the importance of and science behind composting, and recommended best practices for implementing community-based programs.
ILSR’s Composting 101 Training Guide covers the fundamentals of community composting, including benefits of composting, building and managing a compost pile, and troubleshooting.
These Composting Learning Activities are designed assist community composting sites in training their own community participants.