Vermicomposting, or composting with worms, is a simple way for the apartment-dweller to reduce waste output and generate a rich fertilizer for houseplants or a small garden.

Worms can compost kitchen and paper scraps in a small indoor or outdoor space, without attracting flies or producing odors, and the materials required are simple and inexpensive: a plastic tub with a lid, newspaper, water, worms and food or paper scraps.

Here, we summarize step-by-step instructions for small-scale vermicomposting, provided by solid waste extension specialist Rhonda Sherman. Detailed information and additional resources are available at http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/topic/vermicomposting/vermiculture/.

Worm bin: A Rubbermaid-type plastic box works well. For two people, a box two feet wide by two feet long by eight inches deep is appropriate. For drainage, drill nine ½-inch holes in the bottom of the bin and place a plastic tray underneath to collect moisture. Drill additional holes on the upper sides of the bin for aeration. Wash and rinse the box before introducing worms.

Bedding: Shred four to six pounds of newspaper in half-inch strips and soak the strips in water so they are saturated but not dripping. Fluff the moist paper strips and spread them on the bottom of the bin.

Worms: Red wigglers, Eisenia fetida, are the only species of earthworm that thrives in worm bins. These can be obtained locally or by mail order. A list of worm vendors is available at http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/topic/vermicomposting/vermiculture/nc.html. One pound of worms can process the kitchen scraps of one or two people. Lay the worms gently on the bedding and leave the lid off the bin so the worms will burrow into the bedding away from the light. Worms will do best if they are added together with a pound of compost or a scoop of pesticide-free soil, which will introduce beneficial microorganisms to the bin.

Food scraps: Worms can be fed any organic waste except for meat, fish, dairy, or pet wastes. Oily foods should also be avoided. Vegetables, fruits, tea bags, coffee grounds, and shredded paper are ideal. Pull aside the bedding in the bin and add scraps, covering them with at least an inch of bedding to discourage flies. New food can be added every few days to a week, whenever worms are thoroughly involved in the previous batch.

The bin can be kept indoors or outdoors if they are protected from flooding, extreme temperatures, and direct sunlight. Worms tolerate temperatures from 50º to 85º F.

In three to six months, a rich, earthy-smelling vermicompost will be ready to collect. The simplest way to harvest the compost is to feed worms only on one side of the bin for several weeks so they migrate to that side. Then simply scoop out worm-free compost from the other side and mix it with potting soil or sprinkle it on the lawn, garden or soil of potted plants.