Six Composting Systems

(1) DALKEK-TYPE BIN: This is the most common composting system. It is large and plastic, often black or green. Sizes vary from 50 gallons to over 175 gallons and they usually have access/inspection hatches. I actually have this one since our local waste management department was subsidizing a program a few years ago. Has been great so far — three years and counting! The only trick is that you’re not really supposed to put bones and cooked food in this type. You can find them online or possibly through your sanitation department or local garden centers. 

(2) TUMBLERS: This type of composting system really helps with wet, dense waste such as grass clippings and fruits and vegetables by ensuring that everything gets aerated. Tumblers consist of a drum mounted on a stand; they either tumble end over end or around their axis. Fancy! They are often very large but you get some great compost that can be used right away or set aside and covered to mature into a finer soil. Tumblers are available online and at large garden centers. www.smartsoil.co.uk

(3) DIGESTERS: The digester is most commonly known as the Green Cone, one of the brands. It is a basket, kind of like a laundry basket, that is buried in the ground with a double-skin cone kept above ground. This cone helps keep animal out. The material breaks down and is pulled into the soil by worms. This is really more of a waste disposal option since you don’t harvest the compost. This type of composting system should be moved every year or two if you’re actively using it. That way, it will keep your soil fresh and not over “fed” (which could lead to rotting). These are available online and at some big garden centers. www.solarcone.net

(4) GREEN JOHANNA: Green Johanna’s are the nicest of the plastic compost bins out there. They are fully sealed and come with a range of accessories, such as a duvet to keep your compost warm in the winter months. No need to separate our kitchen waste from garden waste with this one. www.solarcone.net

(5) EM BOKASHI – FERMENTATION: The Effective Micro-organism “EM Bokashi” system is an airless system that uses bacteria that thrive without air to ferment the material. It does not give off any harsh smells and can even be used within your kitchen or some other warm part of your house or apartment! This is a great urban living option. This type has a good track record: in Korea alone, over 3 million households use this system for kitchen waste. www.emtechnologynetwork.org

(6) WORM FARMS: Worm farms require a bit more effort, but can be fun for kids to be a part of. Worms eat rotting matter, including food waste, paper, and cardboard. Worms manure, called “worm casts” actually are great for soils and plants. Worm farms produce a very valuable liquid fertilizer that can be diluted and used to feed flowers and vegetables. It is necessary to drain off this liquid otherwise the worms will drown! 

Best of luck composting! 

(Source: Composting / Images: goorganicgardening,mygreenhome,aselfsufficientlife,buschsystems,ecolivingcentre,bean-sprout)

N.Parkington