What is vermicomposting?

By Illinois. Bureau of Energy and Recycling

Subjects: Humus, Earthworm culture, Organic fertilizers, Vermicomposting, Soil amendments

Description: Vermi is the Latin word for worm and composting is the process of turning organic waste into nutrient rich soil. Therefore, vermicomposting is the process of converting organic waste into nutritive humus using worms. The worms are kept in an enclosed container (called a worm bin ...) where they are fed kitchen scraps and table waste. The worms used for vermicomposting are commonly called red wigglers, redworms or manure worms, but the exact species is Eisenia foetida.