I'm facing a challenge with composting because my neighborhood has strict HOA rules that prohibit having any compost bins or piles. A few years ago, I attempted to landscape my backyard, but now it's a mess with weeds everywhere. I truly enjoy gardening and want to handle the weed problem, but I can't dump them anywhere. The garbage service won't take yard waste, and I've seen them reject my bags. Other than taking my weeds to a dump and paying for it, what alternatives do I have for composting in this situation?
3 Answers
You could definitely try composting in secret! If you have a hidden spot in your yard that neighbors can't easily see, that's a great start. Another option is to get a compost tumbler—those are portable and you could even store it in a shed if you have space. Just make sure to keep it low-profile so the HOA doesn't notice. Good luck!
Have you considered indoor worm composting? It's a compact way to handle some of your waste without drawing any HOA scrutiny. Look into vermiculture; it's pretty fun!
Don't worry about what the HOA thinks! You could go for a chop and drop approach—just mulch the weeds back into your soil. If it's done right, it’ll look natural and won’t attract any attention. Layering it under wood chips can also help keep it tidy.
Really good call! I've seen a lot of gardeners do that, and it keeps everything looking neat while giving nutrients back to the soil!

Yeah, totally! The tumbler is a cool way to compost without making a mess outside. Plus, the fun of turning it can be a nice little workout.