Balcony Composter

 

A. What is a composter?

composter

It is a device that returns kitchen waste to the soil.

Also,
The soil made from the composter is a very nutritious soil (compost) and is ideal for growing plants.
 

 

Effect of composter

1: CO2 reduction

The amount of food waste generated in Bangkok is 4,450 tons / day. Approximately 9 million tons / day of CO2 is generated when processing the food waste.
bangkok garbage

By putting such kitchen waste in the composter. .. .. .. ..

⇩

simulation
 

If you do it throughout the Condominium,

we can reduce 97.5t CO2 per year

 

2: Reduces garbage other than kitchen waste

You no longer need the plastic bag you used to throw away your garbage.
And eventually, the frequency of throwing away trash is reduced.
 

3: Enjoy safe vegetables in your own vegetable garden

You can enjoy your own vegetable garden using the compost made from the composter and the attached seeds.

 

 

 

 

B. How to use

STEP 1. Put the inner bag inside the outer bag

 

 

 STEP 2. Put the attached base material ① into the inner bag.

 

★ Remark

・ Location

In the case of indoors ⇒ When a lot of animal waste are put in, a slight odor may come out when decompostation is proceeding. If you are worried about it, we recommend that you replace the composter to the balcony.

In the case of a balcony ⇒ If it is exposed to too much sunlight, the water content of the base material may evaporate and dry out. In that case, add water to adjust the amount of moisture in the base material.

 

STEP 3. Stir while well to mix with the air and make a dent on either the left or right side.

★ Remark

 ・ The good moisture condition of compost is 60%. (If you hold the soil and release it, it will loosen.)

If there is a lot of water ⇒ It will rot and cause insects to grow, so please dry it in the sun to adjust the water content. This can be avoided by thoroughly draining the water from the kitchen waste when it is added.

If it is too dry ⇒ Add water to adjust. If you add waste water from washing rice, it will decompose faster.

 ・ You can use the space evenly by putting it alternately on the left and right.

・ Mildew is evidence that decomposition is progressing, so mix it in without removing it. However, mildew may be harmful to humans, so if you are concerned, it is recommended to wear a mask when working.

 ・ Microorganisms that decompose kitchen waste are living things. Replace the fresh air and treat it as if you were feeding your pets.

 

STEP 4. Put kitchen waste in the dent

 

★ Remark

・ The standard amount of input is about 500g per day on average.　

・ Drain the water of the garbage well before putting in the composter. Water in the garbage leads to the outbreak of odors and insects.

・ If you put the garbage with small pieces, it will be decomposted faster.

・ A list of things that are easy to decompost and things that are difficult to decompost is from Here.

 

STEP 5. Add about half a scoop of base material ② and mix gently.

 ★ Remark

・ If you feel that the decomposition is slow, add more to increase the decomposition speed.

・ If the base material ② is used up, there is no need to add it after that.

 

 

STEP 6. Complete by covering with soil to prevent the kitchen waste from being seen.

 

 

★ Remark

・ Close the bag tightly after putting the garbage in. If there is a gap, the odor from the gap may atract insects and they might invade into the bag.

 

 

Return to STEP 3 and repeat STEP 3 ⇒ STEP 6

 

 

STEP 7. To the final decomposition period

・ For a timing for entering the final disassembly period, see C: Frequently Asked Questions Q3.
・ During the final decomposition period, leave it for about 3 weeks without adding kitchen waste to make a nutritious soil (compost).

 

★ Remark

 ・ Check the amount of water content inside and adjust it about once every 5 days.

 ・ The part that has already been decomposed into soil can be used as compost without waiting for the decomposition period.

 

 

STEP 8. Completion of compost & move on to the next composter

 

・ Enjoy your own vegetable garden using the included seeds

・ The inner bag becomes a planter as it is

・ The outer bag can be used many times as a composter outer bag.

・ If you can continue to composter please purchase Refill set from here.

 

 

 

C. Easy to decompose and difficult to decompose

 

 

D. Frequently asked questions

Q1: How long can I use it?

A: It depends on the amount of kitchen waste you input.　

As a guide, if you add 500g of kitche waste every day, it will take about 2 months. If you add 300g every day, it will take about 3 months. 

schedule

Q2: How fast is the decomposition speed?

A: It depends on the amount of input and the content of input.　　

If the amount of input is small and many of them are easily decomposed, the activity of microorganisms becomes active and may disappear on the next day. If the amount of input is large or if there are many kitchen waste that are difficult to decompose, the activity of microorganisms may slow down and it may take about a week to decompose. As long as there are no problems such as odors and insects, there is no problem with the decomposition speed.

A list of things kitchen waste easy to disassemble and difficult to disassemble is from Here.

Q3: What is the timing for entering the final decomposition period?

A: If you keep throwing garbage, the decomposition speed will slow down.。

If you feel that the disassembly has not progressed as much as in the first two months, stop the input. It is also a signal that decomposition is difficult to proceed when the bag is full. Enter the final decomposition period.

Q4: The bottom of the bag is damp. What should I do?　

A: Some heat is generated during decomposition. If the decomposition is proceed, the bottom of the bag may be moisten from the heat.

If the amount of input is large, it is recommended to take measures such as lifting it up a little and placing it on a drainboard or mesh stand. In addition, the bottom may get wet due to excessive water content in the input. In that case, dry it in the sun or drain the water from the kitchen waste. Please drain the itchen weste well before putting in the composter.

Q5: What are the countermeasures for odors?

A: Animal waste may give off an ammonia odor when decomposed.

As the decomposition progresses, the odor will disappear gradually. If you are uncomfortable about it, please adjust the amount of animal waste input. When you put in the garbage, make sure that it is covered with soil completely.

In many cases, it can be solved by stirring the soil well and mix with air. If there is too much water, decomposition will not proceed and a putrid odor may come out. Drain the food waste thoroughly before throwing it in.

Base material ② can accerelate decomposition. The odor can be suppressed by adding a little bit more amount of the base material ② and accerelate decomposition.

In addition, coffee grounds have a natural deodorant effect. So the odor can be prevented by adding coffee grounds waste after draining the water.

If you are still worried about the odor, you can eliminate it by adding EM.　

To purchase EM, Click Here.

Q6: What are the countermeasures for insect outbreaks?

A: Drosophila and ants: They may come by the smell, so close the zipper of the bag tightly to prevent their intrusion. Also, It can be eliminated by taking measures against odors.

Even so, if you are worried about insects, you can solve it by adding BEAVERIA.

To purchase BEAVERIA, Click Here.

Q7: Is it better not to put vegetable waste that is grown with pesticides?

A: No problem. It does not have a significant effect on the resulting compost. If you are still worried, when you putting them in the composter, wash the skins of bananas and imported fruits to remove as much pesticides as possible.