The Joy of Composting
It’s nature’s magic: transforming kitchen waste, leaves and grass clippings into a rich, dark material that improves soil and keeps debris out of the landfill. Think of composting as feeding the soil like you feed your body, says Quinn Metoyer of Miami Compost Project. “The idea is to introduce organic matter and create an environment for microorganisms to thrive. It’s similar to how our gut works – breaking down food so our bodies can absorb nutrients.”
At the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, home to a compost hub since 2016, head gardener Sanna O’Sullivan says compost is integral in feeding soil organisms and retaining water. “It allows us to keep it organic and ditch the use of synthetic fertilizer,” she says. She encourages everyone to compost. “It’s fun, we promise! Your garden (or ours) will thank you.”
Learn More About Composting
Composting at Home 101
Learn to make your own compost by registering for monthly online workshops. Miami-Dade residents can get a voucher for a free compost bin. Register through the Miami-Dade County Public Library Systems: mdpls.org/event/5348011
Compost Tips for the Home Gardener
Online how-to from UF/IFAS here.
Vermicomposting
UF/IFAS Extension Broward County urban horticulture agent Lorna Bravo shares basic vermicomposting techniques on YouTube.
Community Composting
Miami Compost Project
Through workshops, seminars, birthday parties and events, they educate the community about composting, sowing seeds and other aspects of gardening and recycling. They also offer garden building services and private classes to teach people how to grow their own food. “We’re a personal trainer for gardens to get you in tune with growing your own food,” says Quinn Metoyer.
Instagram: @MiamiCompost
Miami Beach Compost Hub
mbgarden.org/community-compost
North Beach Composting
mbrisingabove.com
Since 2016, this community compost hub has been accepting food waste from the public, which they turn into soil amendments. The North Beach hub is open for drop-offs with registration.
Compost Businesses
Compost for Life Miami
compostforlifemiami.com
This company picks up your food scraps and turns them into compost, serving both residential and commercial customers in Miami-Dade County.
Fertile EarthWorm Farm
fertileearthwormfarm.com
This earthworm farm works with commercial food producers to convert food scraps into soil, selling worm castings and compost.
Renuable
liverenuable.com
For consumers and businesses, this service drops off a bucket for you to fill with food waste. They’ll pick it up and give you a clean one. From $17/month for residential consumers and $39 for businesses.
Soilmate
your-soilmate.com
Women- and Latin-founded, Miami-based composting service divertsfood waste from landfills by providing residential and commercial pickups across Miami-Dade County. Composting doesn't have to be stressful, messy, time-consuming or an eye-sore anymore. Food waste pickups make it easy and reliable for residents and business owners to live their values without compromising their convenience and lifestyle.
ZOO DOO
zoomiami.org/zoo-doo
Zoo Miami, which collects a ton of animal waste every day, composts waste from non-primate herbivores elephants, rhinos and bantengs, along with recycled yard debris, to use as a soil additive or top dressing. Buy it in 5-gallon buckets ($12.95) or to scoop into a pickup truck ($30).
