Which Type of Compost Machine to Use at Home or the Office

Proper waste disposal goes a long way in achieving a sustainable way of living whether at home or the office. However, there is also another way to make waste management more rewarding—composting. Not only does this method provide you with rich, homemade fertiliser that you can use to make a better, healthier garden, but it also diverts organic waste from landfills and helps reduce the amount of methane released into the atmosphere.

Now, all you need to do is find the appropriate compost machine for your home or office.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Compost Machine

Composters come in an array of designs and sizes. While this availability ensures that you will always find one that suits your needs, it can also make choosing the best unit quite difficult. However, it is not impossible.

Choosing the right compost bin to process your organic food waste is easy by looking into some important aspects.

Material

Compost bins and machines are made of different materials that affect their functionality. However, the most common material used in these products is recycled plastic, which is ideal for sufficient heat absorption and preventing moisture loss. In a way, these aspects help speed up the decomposition process.

Aside from plastic bins, there are also wooden bins. When choosing these bins, though, check if they are built with rot-resistant wood, such as cedar, to ensure longevity.

Design

The shape of a compost bin will affect how easy it is to use. For example, a round-shaped bin does not have cold corners, which means it will be easy for you to reach and gather compost inside. On the other hand, square or rectangular bins would fit nicely in corners and will not look out of place.

Size

This is also an important factor to consider, especially when you have limited space at home or the office. However, when it comes to choosing the right size, you should not look into the location alone. You should also consider the amount of waste you produce daily. Of course, a small food scraps compost bin would not suffice if you have a huge family or a huge number of employees.

Ventilation

Oxygen is needed in the breakdown of organic matter. So, when choosing a compost bin, make sure it has adequate ventilation. Otherwise, your waste would decompose slowly, resulting in a slimy mess that produces a foul odour instead.  

Types of Compost Bins and Machines on the Market Today

Now that you already know the most important factors to look into when picking a compost machine, it is time to buy one. Here are the available options you will find on the market today.

Hoop bin

This is the most basic type of composter, which is inexpensive and easy to fill. However, as it does not have a cover, it may easily attract insects and other pests, and should only be used outdoors.

Slatted bin

This large-capacity compost container allows plenty of ventilation. It is designed with removable slats, which make it easy for you to add and empty compost material. It is ideal for garden waste.

Batch composter

Also called “compost tumbler”, this machine processes waste using a tumbling action. You can add in material per batch, which is possible with its multiple compartments.

This machine is considered the fastest composter that you can use to create compost.  

Countertop food waste processor

This is the most portable type of compost machine on the market today. Like plastic rubbish bins with lids, you can place this device in a small corner or even on your kitchen counter. That is why they are a favourite among apartment dwellers.

Continuous composter

As the name suggests, this machine can process compost continuously. You can add material anytime, while the older material filters to the bottom where it is digested by microorganisms. This is an ideal option if you are not interested in collecting compost for your garden, but want to eliminate organic waste anyway.

Worm bin

This composter harnesses the power of worms to turn your food scraps into rich fertiliser for your plants. It also comes with modern designs that make composting a lot convenient, even making indoor composting possible.    

Conclusion

Choosing a compost machine boils down to the amount of waste you produce and the space you have. When you have the right unit at home or the office, you can process your organic waste with greater ease and efficiency. Now that you have all the information that you need, you can start on the right foot when shopping for one.

For more valuable tips that you can use in daily life, check out the rest of the articles on our site!