How to Start Composting in Denver Backyard

Composting is one of the most effective and sustainable ways to reduce household waste, enrich your soil, and contribute to a healthier environment—especially in urban and semi-urban areas like Denver. As the Mile High City continues to grow, so does its commitment to environmental stewardship. The city’s Zero Waste initiative, along with increasing awareness around climate resilience, makes backyard composting not just a gardening hobby, but a civic responsibility. Whether you live in a small urban lot in Capitol Hill or a spacious property in Lakewood, composting in Denver is not only feasible—it’s highly encouraged. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to start composting successfully in your Denver backyard, from understanding local climate challenges to selecting the right tools and maintaining a thriving compost system year-round.

Denver’s unique high-altitude environment—with its dry air, intense sun, and wide temperature swings—requires specific composting strategies that differ from those in humid, lowland regions. But with the right approach, you can turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich humus that transforms your garden soil, reduces landfill contributions, and saves money on fertilizers. This tutorial covers practical, step-by-step methods tailored to Denver’s conditions, best practices for year-round success, recommended tools, real-life examples from local composters, and answers to frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll have a clear, actionable roadmap to start composting confidently and sustainably in your own backyard.

Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a compost pile in your Denver backyard doesn’t require expensive equipment or advanced knowledge. With just a few foundational steps, you can begin converting waste into gold for your garden. Follow this detailed guide to set up your system correctly from day one.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

The first decision you’ll make is where to place your compost bin or pile. In Denver’s semi-arid climate, location is critical for moisture retention and temperature regulation. Look for a spot that receives partial sunlight—ideally 4 to 6 hours per day. Too much direct sun will dry out your pile too quickly, while too much shade can slow decomposition and encourage mold. Avoid placing your compost directly against your house or fence to prevent moisture damage and pest issues.

Ensure the site has good drainage. Denver’s soil is often clay-heavy, especially in older neighborhoods, so avoid low-lying areas where water pools. If your yard has poor natural drainage, elevate your compost bin slightly using bricks or wood pallets. A level surface is ideal to prevent runoff and ensure even decomposition.

Proximity to your kitchen and garden matters too. You’ll be adding scraps regularly and hauling finished compost to your beds, so choose a location that’s convenient but not intrusive. A corner of your yard near the back door or adjacent to your vegetable garden is optimal.

Step 2: Select Your Composting System

Denver residents have several options for composting systems, each with pros and cons depending on space, budget, and desired output.

Open Pile: The simplest and most cost-effective method. Just designate a corner of your yard and start layering materials. This works well for large yards and those who don’t mind a more rustic look. However, open piles are more susceptible to drying out and attracting wildlife—especially in areas with coyotes or raccoons.

Enclosed Bin: A popular choice in Denver due to its pest resistance and neater appearance. Plastic or wooden bins with ventilation holes retain heat and moisture better than open piles. Look for models with a lid and a bottom access door for easy removal of finished compost. Brands like FCMP Outdoor and Joraform are widely used and well-reviewed by local gardeners.

Tumbling Composter: Ideal for small spaces and those who want faster results. Tumblers rotate to aerate the compost without manual turning, making them perfect for busy homeowners. They’re especially useful in Denver’s colder months because they retain heat better than static bins. Choose a double-chamber tumbler to allow one side to cure while you add fresh material to the other.

Worm Bin (Vermicomposting): If you have limited outdoor space or live in an apartment with a balcony, vermicomposting is an excellent indoor or semi-outdoor option. Red wiggler worms break down food scraps quickly and produce nutrient-dense castings. While not ideal for yard waste, worm bins excel at processing kitchen scraps year-round—even in winter if kept in a garage or insulated shed.

For most Denver homeowners, a closed bin or tumbler is the recommended starting point due to the city’s wildlife activity and dry climate.

Step 3: Gather Your Compost Ingredients

Successful composting relies on the right balance of “greens” and “browns.” Greens provide nitrogen; browns provide carbon. The ideal ratio is approximately 1 part green to 3 parts brown by volume.

Greens (Nitrogen-Rich):

- Fruit and vegetable scraps

- Coffee grounds and filters

- Tea bags (remove staples)

- Fresh grass clippings

- Plant trimmings (non-diseased)

- Eggshells (crushed)

Browns (Carbon-Rich):

- Dry leaves (shredded for faster breakdown)

- Straw or hay

- Cardboard (non-glossy, remove tape)

- Newspaper (black-and-white only)

- Sawdust or wood chips (untreated)

- Corn stalks or dried plant stems

In Denver, browns are often in short supply during winter. To prepare, collect and store dry leaves in the fall in large trash bags or a covered bin. Cardboard is an excellent year-round brown material—break down boxes and soak them briefly before adding to your pile to help them decompose faster.

What NOT to compost in Denver:

- Meat, fish, bones, or dairy (attract wildlife)

- Oily or greasy foods

- Pet waste (can contain pathogens)

- Diseased plants or invasive weeds (seeds may survive)

- Coal or charcoal ash

- Glossy or coated paper

Step 4: Build Your Compost Pile

Now that you have your location and materials, it’s time to assemble your pile. Start with a 4- to 6-inch layer of coarse browns—like twigs or shredded cardboard—at the bottom. This promotes airflow and drainage.

Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of greens. Sprinkle a thin layer of soil or finished compost over it to introduce beneficial microbes. Then add another 4- to 6-inch layer of browns. Repeat these layers until your bin is about 3 to 4 feet high—the minimum size needed to generate internal heat.

Moisten each layer as you build. The pile should feel like a damp sponge—not soggy, not dry. In Denver’s dry air, this is crucial. Water your pile once a week during spring and fall, and every 3–4 days in summer. In winter, moisture retention becomes harder; cover the pile with a tarp or lid to prevent snow from evaporating too quickly.

Step 5: Maintain and Turn Your Compost

Compost needs oxygen to decompose efficiently. Turning the pile introduces air and redistributes moisture and microbes. In Denver’s variable climate, turning every 1–2 weeks during active seasons (spring through fall) speeds up the process.

Use a pitchfork or compost aerator tool to mix the outer layers into the center. If you’re using a tumbler, rotate it 5–10 times every few days. You’ll know your compost is working when the center feels warm—ideally between 120°F and 160°F. A compost thermometer is a worthwhile investment for beginners.

As your pile shrinks and darkens, it’s nearing completion. Finished compost should be dark brown, crumbly, and smell earthy—like forest soil. It should not smell sour or ammonia-like, which indicates imbalance.

Step 6: Use Your Finished Compost

Once your compost is ready (typically 2–6 months, depending on conditions), it’s time to put it to work. In Denver’s short growing season, timing matters. Apply compost in early spring before planting or in late fall after harvest.

Use it as:

- A top dressing for lawns (¼ inch layer)

- A soil amendment for vegetable gardens (2–3 inches mixed into the top 6–8 inches)

- Potting mix ingredient (1:3 ratio with potting soil)

- Mulch around trees and shrubs (2-inch layer, keeping away from trunks)

Compost improves Denver’s often compacted, alkaline soils by increasing organic matter, enhancing water retention, and buffering pH. It’s especially beneficial for native plants like penstemon, yarrow, and blue grama grass that thrive in well-drained, humus-rich conditions.

Best Practices

Composting in Denver isn’t just about piling up scraps—it’s about working with the environment, not against it. These best practices will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure consistent, high-quality results year after year.

Manage Moisture Wisely

Denver’s average annual precipitation is just over 15 inches, and humidity often hovers below 30%. Your compost pile can dry out in days during summer. Always keep a watering can or hose nearby. After adding dry browns (like shredded cardboard), lightly dampen them before layering. In winter, snow can help, but it’s not always enough. Cover your bin with a tarp or lid to trap moisture and heat.

Balance Greens and Browns Relentlessly

One of the most common mistakes is adding too many kitchen scraps without enough carbon. This leads to a smelly, slimy mess. Always keep a small bin or container in your kitchen for collecting greens, and store browns nearby. After each kitchen addition, toss in a handful of shredded paper or dry leaves. This habit prevents odor and keeps your pile aerobic.

Protect Against Wildlife

Denver is home to raccoons, skunks, foxes, and even bears in the foothills. Never compost meat, dairy, or oily foods. Use a secure bin with a locking lid and no gaps. Bury food scraps under 6 inches of browns. If you notice signs of digging, reinforce your bin with chicken wire or consider a fully enclosed tumbler.

Adapt for Seasonal Changes

Denver’s seasons demand seasonal adjustments:

• Spring: Start actively turning your pile. Add fresh grass clippings and kitchen waste. Moisture levels rise naturally.
• Summer: Monitor moisture daily. Water in the early morning. Shade your bin if possible. Consider a second bin to handle increased volume.
• Fall: This is your most important season for stockpiling browns. Collect leaves, straw, and shredded branches. This will sustain your compost through winter.
• Winter: Decomposition slows but doesn’t stop. Insulate your bin with straw bales or a thick tarp. Continue adding scraps—just cover them deeply with browns. If temperatures drop below 20°F, consider moving your bin to a garage or using a heated compost system.

Use Compost Tea for Extra Boost

Compost tea—a liquid extract made by steeping finished compost in water—is a powerful, natural fertilizer. In Denver’s dry climate, it helps plants absorb nutrients more efficiently. To make it: place a burlap sack filled with compost in a bucket of water. Let it steep for 24–48 hours, then strain and use immediately to water plants. Avoid using chlorinated tap water; let it sit out overnight first.

Monitor pH and Avoid Over-Composting

Denver soils are naturally alkaline (pH 7.5–8.5). Compost tends to be slightly acidic, which helps balance the pH over time. However, if you’re adding too many citrus peels or coffee grounds, your pile may become too acidic. Test your compost with a simple pH kit (available at garden centers) if you notice slow decomposition or yellowing plants. A balanced pile should hover around 6.5–7.5.

Also, don’t overdo it. Too much compost can lead to nutrient burn, especially in container plants. Use it as a soil amendment, not a replacement for soil.

Tools and Resources

Having the right tools makes composting in Denver easier, cleaner, and more efficient. Here’s a curated list of essential and optional equipment, along with local resources to support your journey.

Essential Tools

• Compost Bin or Tumbler: FCMP Outdoor Compost Bin, Joraform JK270, or a DIY wooden pallet bin. Look for models with ventilation and secure lids.
• Compost Thermometer: A digital probe thermometer helps you monitor internal temperatures and know when to turn the pile.
• Pitchfork or Compost Aerator: A 3- or 4-tined fork is ideal for turning. A compost aerator tool (like the Soil Soaker) is less labor-intensive.
• Bucket or Bin for Kitchen Scraps: A small, lidded container with a charcoal filter reduces odor. Stainless steel or ceramic options work well.
• Gloves and Pruners: For handling yard waste and turning compost safely.

Helpful Additions

• Shredder or Paper Shredder: Shredding cardboard and leaves increases surface area and speeds decomposition.
• Watering Can with Long Spout: For precise moisture application without disturbing the pile.
• Compost Sifter: Removes large, undecomposed pieces for reuse in the pile. Great for fine, garden-ready compost.
• Weatherproof Tarp: Use to cover your pile during heavy rain or extreme heat.

Local Denver Resources

Denver offers excellent support for composters:

• Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE): Offers free composting workshops, discounted bins, and educational materials. Visit their website for upcoming events.
• Denver Botanic Gardens: Hosts seasonal composting demos and soil health classes. Their “Soil Health Initiative” provides free guides tailored to Front Range conditions.
• Denver Urban Gardens (DUG): Provides composting training to community gardeners and offers free compost bins to qualifying residents.
• Denver Composts Program: A city-sponsored curbside compost collection service available to residents in certain zip codes. Even if you don’t qualify, their website has excellent how-to videos and printable checklists.
• Local Nurseries: Gardens on the Fly (Denver), The Garden Center of Denver, and High Country Gardens sell compost bins, worms, and organic soil amendments.

Don’t overlook local Facebook groups like “Denver Gardeners” or “Front Range Composters.” These communities are full of experienced residents who share tips, offer free browns (leaves, straw), and troubleshoot problems in real time.

Free Digital Resources

• Colorado State University Extension – Composting Guide: csue Extension offers science-backed, region-specific composting advice.
• EPA Composting at Home: Comprehensive, easy-to-follow national guidelines with Denver-specific climate notes.
• YouTube Channels: “Epic Gardening” and “The Rusted Garden” have excellent videos on composting in dry climates.

Real Examples

Learning from others who’ve succeeded—and sometimes struggled—is one of the best ways to refine your own composting approach. Here are three real-life stories from Denver homeowners who transformed their yards with compost.

Example 1: Maria, Capitol Hill – Urban Apartment Composter

Maria lives in a 1920s brick apartment building with a 10x10-foot concrete patio. She wanted to compost but had no soil or yard. She started with a 5-gallon worm bin under her kitchen sink. She added kitchen scraps daily and covered them with shredded newspaper. After three months, she harvested worm castings and mixed them into potted herbs and flowers. She now uses the liquid runoff as compost tea on her balcony tomatoes and basil. “I used to throw away 3–4 bags of food waste a week,” she says. “Now I produce almost zero landfill trash. My plants have never been healthier.”

Example 2: James, Lakewood – Backyard Composter with Wildlife Issues

James, a retired teacher with a 1/3-acre lot, started with an open pile. Within weeks, raccoons overturned it nightly. He invested in a Joraform tumbler and began burying food scraps under 8 inches of dry leaves. He also added a motion-sensor light near the bin. “The raccoons stopped coming after two nights,” he says. “Now I have rich, dark compost every 3 months. I’ve cut my fertilizer use by 80%.” He now shares his compost with neighbors and gives talks at the local community garden.

Example 3: The Rivera Family, Aurora – Seasonal Composting in a High-Altitude Yard

The Riveras live at 6,000 feet and struggled with slow decomposition in winter. They began collecting and storing 20 bags of shredded leaves each fall. In November, they layered the leaves with kitchen scraps and covered the pile with a thick tarp and a layer of straw. In spring, they turned the pile and added fresh grass clippings. “We used to think composting was impossible here,” says Maria Rivera. “But now we have the best soil in the neighborhood. Our zucchini plants are 6 feet tall.” They also use compost to amend their native xeriscape garden, reducing irrigation needs by 40%.

These examples show that no matter your space, climate, or experience level, composting in Denver is achievable. Success comes from adapting to local conditions and staying consistent.

FAQs

Can I compost in Denver during winter?

Yes, but decomposition slows significantly below 40°F. To keep your pile active, insulate it with straw bales, cover it with a tarp, and continue adding kitchen scraps buried under thick layers of browns. A tumbler or insulated bin retains heat better than an open pile. Vermicomposting indoors is another excellent winter option.

Do I need to add worms to my compost pile?

No. Earthworms will naturally find their way into outdoor compost piles. However, if you’re doing vermicomposting in a bin, you must purchase red wiggler worms. They are not the same as garden earthworms and are specially suited for breaking down food waste.

My compost smells bad. What should I do?

A foul odor usually means too many greens and not enough browns, or the pile is too wet. Add dry leaves, shredded cardboard, or straw immediately. Turn the pile to introduce air. If it’s soggy, leave the lid off for a day to dry out. Avoid meat, dairy, and oils—they cause persistent odors.

How long does it take to make compost in Denver?

With active management (regular turning and proper balance), you can have finished compost in 2–3 months during warm seasons. In winter or with passive methods, it may take 6–12 months. The key is moisture, aeration, and carbon-nitrogen balance.

Can I compost pet waste?

No. Dog and cat feces can contain harmful pathogens like roundworms and toxoplasmosis that survive composting and can contaminate soil. Never add pet waste to your backyard compost pile.

Is composting allowed in Denver?

Yes. Composting is not only allowed—it’s actively encouraged. The City of Denver supports backyard composting and offers resources to help residents get started. Check your HOA rules if you live in a community with restrictions, but most allow composting as long as it’s managed properly.

Can I compost paper towels and tissues?

Yes—if they’re unbleached and haven’t been used with chemicals, oils, or cleaning products. Plain paper towels and facial tissues are excellent browns. Avoid glossy or colored paper.

What if my compost is too dry?

Water it gently with a hose or watering can until it feels like a damp sponge. In Denver’s dry climate, you may need to water weekly. Covering the pile with a tarp helps retain moisture.

Can I compost weeds?

Only if they haven’t gone to seed. Weeds with mature seeds can survive composting and spread in your garden. If in doubt, solarize them in a black plastic bag in the sun for 2–3 weeks before adding them to the pile.

Where can I buy compost bins in Denver?

Local hardware stores like Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and Lowe’s carry bins. For higher-quality options, visit Gardens on the Fly, The Garden Center of Denver, or order online from reputable brands like FCMP or Joraform. The City of Denver also offers discounted bins through its composting program.

Conclusion

Starting a compost pile in your Denver backyard isn’t just a gardening task—it’s a meaningful step toward a more sustainable, resilient, and self-sufficient lifestyle. Denver’s unique climate presents challenges, but with the right knowledge, tools, and mindset, you can turn food scraps and yard waste into a powerful resource that nourishes your soil, reduces waste, and supports local ecosystems.

From choosing the right bin to balancing greens and browns, managing moisture in dry air, and adapting to seasonal extremes, every step you take builds toward a thriving compost system. The examples shared here prove that whether you live in a downtown apartment or a suburban lot, composting is accessible and rewarding.

As you begin, remember that composting is a living process. It responds to your care, your attention, and your consistency. Don’t be discouraged by slow starts or occasional setbacks. Every pile, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Denver’s future is being shaped by residents who choose to act—by reducing landfill waste, improving soil health, and reconnecting with the natural cycles of the earth. Your compost pile is more than a bin of rotting scraps. It’s a quiet revolution in your backyard. Start today. Your garden, your community, and your planet will thank you.