Composting in the Philippines: Complete Guide

Why Composting Matters for Filipino Gardeners

Composting in the Philippines gives gardeners a powerful advantage that most people overlook. Instead of throwing away kitchen scraps, you can turn them into nutrient-rich fertiliser for free. The tropical climate actually speeds up decomposition, making composting faster here than in cooler countries.

The Philippines generates over 16 million tonnes of solid waste each year. Roughly half of that is organic material that could become compost. By composting at home, you reduce waste going to landfills while producing the best possible soil amendment for your garden plants.

Finished compost improves soil structure, adds slow-release nutrients, and supports beneficial microbes. It holds moisture during dry months and improves drainage during the rainy season. For container gardeners, mixing compost into your garden soil creates an ideal growing medium without expensive commercial fertilisers.

Composting Methods That Work in the Philippines

Hot Composting (Fastest Method)

Hot composting produces finished compost in 4 to 8 weeks. It works by building a pile large enough to generate internal heat (55 to 65 degrees Celsius). The Philippine heat helps maintain these temperatures with less effort than in temperate climates.

1. Build a pile at least 1 metre wide and 1 metre tall
2. Layer brown materials (dried leaves, rice hull, cardboard) with green materials (kitchen scraps, grass clippings) in a 3:1 ratio
3. Keep the pile moist like a wrung-out sponge
4. Turn the pile every 3 to 5 days to add oxygen
5. The centre should feel hot when you insert your hand
6. Compost is ready when it looks dark, crumbly, and smells earthy

Hot composting kills weed seeds and pathogens, making it the cleanest method. It does require space, so it works best for homes with a yard or garden area.

Cold Composting (Easiest Method)

Cold composting requires minimal effort. You simply pile up organic materials and let nature do the work. It takes 3 to 6 months in the Philippine climate, compared to 6 to 12 months in colder countries.

Just keep adding kitchen scraps and dried leaves to your pile or bin. Turn it occasionally if you want faster results. This method works well for gardeners who produce small amounts of waste and are not in a rush.

Vermicomposting (Worm Composting)

Vermicomposting uses African nightcrawler worms to break down organic waste into nutrient-dense castings. It produces the highest-quality compost of any method. Worm castings contain five times more nitrogen, seven times more phosphorus, and eleven times more potassium than regular soil.

African nightcrawlers thrive in Philippine temperatures (25 to 30 degrees Celsius). Keep the bin in a shaded area away from direct sun. Feed worms fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and shredded paper. Avoid citrus, onion, and spicy food. You can learn more in our vermicomposting guide.

Bokashi Composting (Best for Apartments)

Bokashi is a Japanese fermentation method that works brilliantly in Philippine condos and apartments. It uses beneficial microorganisms (EM) to ferment food waste in a sealed bucket. Unlike traditional composting, bokashi can handle meat, fish, and dairy scraps.

1. Add food scraps to a bokashi bucket in thin layers
2. Sprinkle bokashi bran (inoculated with EM) over each layer
3. Press down firmly to remove air pockets
4. Seal the lid tightly after each addition
5. Drain the liquid ("bokashi tea") every 2 days and dilute it 1:100 as fertiliser
6. After 2 weeks of fermentation, bury the contents in soil or mix into a regular compost pile

What to Compost in the Philippines

Composting works best when you balance "green" (nitrogen-rich) and "brown" (carbon-rich) materials. The Philippines has excellent local sources for both.

Green Materials (Nitrogen-Rich)

• Fruit peels and scraps (banana, mango, papaya, calamansi)
• Vegetable trimmings (kangkong stems, pechay, sayote peels)
• Cooked rice (small amounts, spread thinly to avoid clumping)
• Coffee grounds and tea bags (remove staples from tea bags)
• Fresh grass clippings (let them wilt for a day first)
• Eggshells (crush them finely for faster breakdown)

Brown Materials (Carbon-Rich)

• Dried leaves (mango, narra, acacia leaves are abundant and free)
• Rice hull (ipa) (available cheaply from rice mills)
• Coco coir and coco dust (locally produced and sustainable)
• Shredded cardboard and paper (remove tape and glossy coatings)
• Dried grass and straw
• Small twigs and prunings (chop into small pieces first)

What NOT to Compost

• Meat and fish (attracts rats, flies, and stray cats in PH neighbourhoods)
• Dairy products (creates bad odours and attracts pests)
• Oily or fried food (slows decomposition and creates anaerobic conditions)
• Pet waste (contains harmful bacteria and parasites)
• Diseased plants (cold composting will not kill pathogens)
• Weeds with seeds (unless using hot composting above 55 degrees)
• Treated or painted wood (contains chemicals that harm soil life)
• Plastic, glass, or metal (never decomposes)

Note: Bokashi bins CAN handle meat, fish, and dairy because the sealed fermentation process prevents pest problems. Only regular open-pile composting should avoid these items.

Composting in Small Spaces

Living in a condo, apartment, or townhouse does not mean you cannot compost. Several methods work perfectly in tight spaces.

Balcony Composting

A small tumbler or worm bin fits on most Philippine balconies. Place it in a shaded corner away from direct afternoon sun. A 20-litre tumbler handles the kitchen waste of a family of four. Line the bottom with newspaper to absorb excess moisture during the rainy season.

Under-the-Sink Bokashi

Bokashi bins are compact, odour-free, and designed for indoor use. A standard 20-litre bokashi bucket fits under most kitchen sinks. You can process a week's worth of kitchen scraps in a single bucket. Keep two buckets on rotation: fill one while the other ferments.

Indoor Vermicomposting

A worm bin can live indoors if you manage it properly. Use a dark, opaque container with drainage holes. Keep it in a cool area away from direct sunlight. African nightcrawlers are quiet, odour-free tenants when fed correctly. For details, read our complete vermicomposting guide.

Compost Bin Options for the Philippines

• Bokashi bucket (P500 to P1,500) best for condos and apartments. Sealed, compact, and handles all food waste including meat.
• Compost tumbler (P2,000 to P5,000) great for balconies and small yards. Easy to turn and produces compost in 4 to 6 weeks.
• Wire mesh bin (P200 to P500 DIY) cheap and effective for yards. Bend galvanised wire mesh into a cylinder and secure with cable ties.
• Pit composting (free) dig a hole 60cm deep and 60cm wide. Add layers of waste and soil. Cover after each addition. Best for rural areas with land.
• Pallet bin (P300 to P800 DIY) use four wooden pallets stood upright and tied together. Good airflow and holds large volumes.
• Plastic drum with holes (P300 to P600) drill ventilation holes in a recycled plastic drum. Affordable and durable in Philippine weather.

Composting Timeline in Tropical Heat

The Philippine climate gives composters a significant advantage. Warm temperatures and high humidity speed up microbial activity. Here is what to expect with each method:

• Hot composting: 4 to 8 weeks (vs 2 to 3 months in temperate climates)
• Cold composting: 3 to 6 months (vs 6 to 12 months in temperate climates)
• Vermicomposting: 2 to 3 months for first harvest of castings
• Bokashi fermentation: 2 weeks, plus 2 to 4 weeks of soil burial

During the rainy season (June to November), keep your compost pile covered or use a bin with a lid. Excess moisture creates anaerobic conditions that slow decomposition and produce bad odours. During the dry season (March to May), water your pile regularly to maintain moisture levels.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Pile Smells Bad

A sour or rotten smell means your pile is too wet or has too many green materials. Add more dried leaves, rice hull, or shredded cardboard. Turn the pile to introduce oxygen. During heavy rain, cover the pile with a tarp or plastic sheet.

Pile Is Not Heating Up

The pile may be too small (needs at least 1 cubic metre), too dry, or lacking green materials. Add fresh kitchen scraps, water the pile, and turn it. In the Philippines, this is rarely a problem because ambient temperatures are already high.

Ants and Cockroaches

Common in Philippine composting. Ants usually indicate the pile is too dry. Water it thoroughly. Cockroaches are attracted to exposed food scraps. Always bury fresh scraps under a layer of brown material. Using a closed bin or tumbler prevents pest access entirely.

Rats and Stray Cats

Never compost meat, fish, or oily food in open bins. Use a sealed tumbler or bokashi bucket if rats are a concern in your area. Elevate wire mesh bins off the ground and line the bottom with hardware cloth (fine wire mesh).

Frequently Asked Questions