Vermicomposting is the practice of using worms to break down organic material, including food scraps. The resulting material is a mix of worm castings (worm manure) 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. Worms produce castings that contain beneficial microbes and nutrients, which makes a great soil amendment. 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
- Frequently asked question about worm composting
- Worms, a brochure on vermicomposting.
Other Resources
- Sonoma Farmer Turns to Worm Composting Video, San Francisco Chronicle
- The Power of Worms Episode 112 Video, Growing a Greener World
- Vermicomposting Resources. North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension
- Wikipedia page on Vermicomposting
- Worm Composting Headquarters
For more information contact: Organic Materials, organics@calrecycle.ca.gov