Composting Ratio & Bin Size Calculator
Enter your weekly household waste volumes to get a recommended compost bin size and the right mix of 'browns' (carbon) to 'greens' (nitrogen).
Recommended Bin Size
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Current C:N ratio (approx)—
Brown material needed at target ratio (lbs/week)—
Total weekly volume (lbs)—
Recommended bin capacity (gallons)—
About this calculator
Calculate the ideal compost bin size and carbon-to-nitrogen material ratio based on your weekly kitchen and yard waste volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good carbon-to-nitrogen ratio for compost?
Most compost experts recommend around 25:1 to 30:1 (browns to greens) for efficient, odor-free decomposition.
What counts as 'green' vs 'brown' material?
Greens are nitrogen-rich items like food scraps, coffee grounds, and fresh grass clippings. Browns are carbon-rich items like dry leaves, straw, cardboard, and wood chips.
How often should I turn my compost?
Turning every 1-2 weeks speeds up decomposition by adding oxygen, though passive piles can be left longer with slower results.