Tips for Indoor Composting at Home
Jason Hetherington @ 2020-10-06 16:35:59 -0700Composting is a terrific way to reuse waste from the kitchen. A good compost bin is a perfect way to help you remove waste from indoors to the outdoor compost pile.
Kitchen Compost Bin Tips for Indoor Composting at Home
Kitchen composting has become a popular trend for homeowners as it is an easy and fun way to make use of waste from the kitchen. Turning waste into manure that can be used for the kitchen garden can be made even easier if you use an efficient kitchen compost bin right on your kitchen counter.
But how do you achieve indoor composting while avoiding smells in the kitchen and your living areas, as well as flies that are attracted to the compost matter inside the bucket? In the article below, we discuss kitchen composting tips that work and are practical for all.
Ensure the Compost Bin Is Easily Accessible
Finding a compost bin that fits perfectly into a kitchen arrangement is a challenge for most people. Find a bin that is tailor-made for countertops and comes in an ideal size that allows it to carry enough waste without having to dispose of the contents after every 10 minutes. What we mean is that the compost bucket should be of a good size so as to fit in the kitchen without taking up too much space, while allowing you to store enough waste without frequent visits to the compost pile. Keeping the bin in an accessible location will also avoid any spills and messes that will turn into a nuisance.
Choose Compost Bins that Come with an Inner Pail
Why is this a good idea? Disposing of waste is easier if the compost bin countertop bucket has an inner pail. The inner pail can be easily removed to pour out its contents, cleaned and then replaced inside the compost bin. Instead of carrying the whole bucket outside, use the inner pail to make your work easier. Some bins give you the option to use compost bags instead of the inner pail; you can also use these if you do not have one.
However, we advise that you avoid the bags as much as possible as they will create an unsightly appearance at the compost pile over time. Once you dispose of the waste in the bags, you will be required to clean the bin more often so as to keep off any smells or spills that may have seeped through the bags.
Avoid Plastic Bins
Plastic bins have tiny pores that retain smells from waste material. Metallic waste buckets have smooth surfaces that do not harbor smells and are easier to clean. Plastic bins do not last long, and they could even break under pressure from its contents. Choose a bin made of strong metal with proper reinforcement around the handle that offers enough support to help you transport the waste to your outside compost pit easily. Metallic bins do not have to be unattractive and unsightly. There are good options on the market that are stylish and blend well with indoor decor.
Replace the Filters
It is important to replace filters depending on how often you use the buckets. On average, charcoal filters should be replaced at least 8-12 weeks to guarantee their optimal performance. Filters prevent smells from the compositing material from seeping out into the kitchen and living areas. If you do not use a compost bin frequently, you do not have to replace them regularly. Be sure to swap the filters once the old ones wear out or become less effective.
Wash Your Bin Regularly
Depending on how often you use the bin, it is important to clean it frequently, especially if you do not have an inner pail. Cleaning the bin ensures that its hygiene is maintained and any spills or foods that are stuck on the inside (or the outside) of the container are removed. Washing the bucket can be done once or twice a week, depending on how often the bin is emptied, using warm, soapy water and a piece of cloth.