Gardening and composting are as simpatico as pairing basil and tomatoes. Just about every gardener I personally know has an outdoor compost set up. They are not difficult to configure as long as you have a little real estate. My Mom, a lifelong gardener was never particular about her compost system, a deep hole in the alley was all she needed to deposit grass clippings and fall leaves (she didn't compost food leftovers). I wrote about the basics of outdoor composting back in 2018, click here to read.
With gardening all the rage these days, how do you compost if you live in an apartment or have limited space out your back door? Check out some of the newer, techy and less smelly ways for your scraps and yard waste to reach the rot stage.
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| Photo from igreenspot.com |
Tumbler Composters - not that new to the market and meant for outdoor use. Tumbling styled composters still need regular turning of the mass of heavy wet leaves and other materials with a garden fork to aerate. These systems simply require spinning the drum a couple of times a week which should ease your back and arm strain. Smaller sized drums would work on a balcony or patio.
There are several companies, sizes and tumbler designs to choose from, or make your own -
Family Handyman DIY
KoolScapes Tumbler with Wheels for Moving
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| photo from geekextreme.com |
These gizmos, using heat and agitation are high efficient microwave sized units that in approximately three to eight hours turn just about any food scraps (including meat and dairy) into a compost-like soil. My mind quickly imagines them working like a dishwasher (albeit much smaller), where you load it, turn it on, collapse into bed for eight hours after all that hard work (LOL) and wake up to clean dishes and fresh compost! Ain't life grand!
In my quick online search I found limited availability on some models.
BioCOMpet Home Pet Waste Reclycler - yes, it works on your pet's doodie too.
FoodCycler by Vitamix
Smart Cara Food Waste Processor - this machine works a bit differently in that it takes water out of food then grinds it down, which can reduce food waste. You decide what to do with the outcome ... personally, I'd add it to the outdoor composter to finish the job.
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| Living Composter from Uncommon Goods |
Let Worms do the Work ... Indoors - worm assisted compost (also called vermicomposting) is simple enough for any six-year old who particularly likes red wigglers. The unit doesn't take up much room and in just a few weeks you'll have worm pooh gold!
Living Composter from Uncommon Goods - pretty enough to keep on the kitchen counter (above photo)
Eco 2000 Kitchen Compost Collector
Gardeners Supply Indoor Compost Pails
Compost Resources -
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