After doing some research and talking to some people, I decided the best composting option for me is a worm bin. I chose the worm bin because I have a limited amount of yard space at our apartment and I can keep the worm bin in our garage since it doesn't need to be in the sun.
This is how I did it - I already happened to have a large, shallow tupperware bin sitting unused in my garage. I poked air holes in the bin all around the sides - about 2/3 of the way from the bottom of the bin. Next, I put a layer of cedar chips on the bottom, then a layer of vegetable scraps, as well as some paper towel and cardboard bits. I followed that with another layer of wood chips and some old potting soil. I will probably add some more scraps and wood chips before my worms get here (I had to order them online as I couldn't find a place in Provo that sells live red wrigglers.)
Also, I have only begun to fill up one half (one side) of the bin because once the worms do their job on that side, I will be able to fill up the other half and they should all move over into the new scraps. That way I can keep my worms in the bin when I remove the compost.
I found out once I was finished that it is also a good idea to put some bedding at the bottom of your bin, like damp newsprint or paper towel. I will have to try that next time.
I can't wait to see this process in action! I had never realized before how many things we throw into a landfill that we could return back to nature right in our own backyard. Here is an abbreviated list of things that can be composted (p.s. it works best if items are cut into small pieces):
paper towel
cardboard
rags that are 100% cotton
hair
eggshells
vegetable scraps or rotten veggies
newspaper
yard clippings
leaves
tea bags
...and the list goes on!
