Just because you live in a small space, possibly without an outdoor area, does not mean you have to miss out on the fun and benefits of composting. Creating an organic oasis for either food or ornamental plants means that a steady supply of nutrients is needed. Now you can easily create an ongoing treasure trove of natural, nutrient dense and non-toxic fertilizer starting in your own kitchen. Here are methods that can be used if you choose to compost indoors:

Donation or curbside pickup
Donating your compostable items to a community garden project is one way of contributing your valuable food waste without the work. Check with your local city hall and ask for a list of community gardens. You can then see which ones offer drop off. There are also programs in some cities where you can have your scraps picked up and the finished soil delivered back to you for a fee(example: http://www.communitycomposting.ca/). Look for one in your area.

Indoor composting
There is a method to do the composting yourself indoors. It requires commitment and effort on your part, but the results are truly rewarding. You can purchase a self-contained, computer-controlled unit or you can do it yourself with a few friendly critters to help!
If you purchase a self-contained, computer-controlled unit, follow the instructions that come with it to set it up. If you would like to start your own indoor compost, here are the steps to get you started:

1. First, you need a container. A large plastic or wooden storage bin with a secure lid works great. Drill holes in the bottom for drainage and several along the top and lid for airflow. A few wooden blocks under the bin helps will help the airflow from the bottom. Make sure there is something underneath the container to protect whatever surface it sits on from water damage.
2. Fill the box with damp — though not soaking wet — paper and cardboard shredding. This is called the worm's "bedding." Avoid advertising or glossy material. Fill at least 1/3 full.
3. Add your worms gently on top of bedding. Be sure they are red worms (red wrigglers). You can order them online or find them at local bait and some garden shops. Do not use earthworms — they won't survive. You will need approximately ½ pound or 500 to start. 500 worms can eat about 2.5 pounds of waste per week.
4. Add a few cups of garden soil. Perhaps you have a friend with an outdoor space that could give you some dirt or you could look into getting some from your local garden centre. This will add mineral content which aids worm digestion and contributes vital microbes.
5. Chop up your leftovers from dinner — bread, pasta, fruits & veggies (no meat or dairy) and add them deep into the bedding to encourage worm migration.
6. Add paper towel, napkins and plant material to mix with the food waste in small amounts.
7. Watch the moisture level; never let the compost completely dry out, adding water as needed to keep a warm, slightly damp environment. Think of the floor of a forest with its bounty of composting vegetation. That is the environment you want to emulate as much as possible.
8. Once you notice your compost is looking more like soil than waste, approx 3-6 months (will be a dark colour with a sweet, earthy smell), push the compost to one side and begin a new one on the other side. In one week the worms will have moved to their new digs and you can take your beautiful new soil to your indoor plants, patio planters or container-grown vegetable garden. Once that side is empty, gently spread the new composting material out in your bin and your worm buddies will start the process again!

This is a fun way to get your hands dirty, make friends with worms and enjoy some rewarding time getting the whole family involved.