Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is the practice of using worms to break down food scraps. The resulting material is a mix of worm castings and decomposed food scraps.

The word "vermi" is Latin for worm. Worms like to feed on slowly decomposing organic materials like fruit and vegetable scraps. The worms produce castings that are full of beneficial microbes and nutrients, which makes a great plant fertilizer. Worms are very efficient at breaking down food scraps and can eat over half their body weight in organic matter every day.

There are vermicomposting businesses in California making compost from the food waste they receive from restaurants and other industries. You can also vermicompost at home, school, and even the office on a smaller scale.

CalRecycle Resources

• Classroom worm composting
• Fact sheet on the role of worm composting in California
• The Adventures of Vermi the Worm, an animated, interactive game.
• Worms, a brochure on vermicomposting.
• Worm and worm bin suppliers in California. If you would like your company added to this list, please complete and submit the request form.

Other Resources

• EarthWormDigest.org
• Sonoma Farmer Turns to Worm Composting Video, San Francisco Chronicle
• The Power of Worms Episode 112 Video, Growing a Greener World
• The Wacky World of Worms (Organic fertilizer)
• Vermicomposting Resources. North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension
• WormWoman.com
• Worms.com