Container composting

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Twin vault 'New Zealand Box' compost system

Container composting - There are sound reasons for composting in containers, although there is debate as to whether slatted or closed sided bins are preferable, for this will affect air circulation within the compost pile, as well as the potential for heat loss. The Indore method developed by Sir Albert Howard and the Shewell Cooper method favour slats, while the New Zealand Box method advocates the use of closed sides.

Mike Morrison's (Australia) approach has been a departure from traditional methods with the Compost Oven comprising of patented bubble film with an embedded self aerating and heating device to keep the compost warm, damp and insulated against heat loss. Morrison earlier patentedself-aerating composting technology, subsequently commercialised (and trademarked as Aerobin), a design which incorporates a separate leachate collection chamber, an integral thermal insulation layer, and a central aeration core.

There are also differences between these techniques in terms of activators (that is, high nitrogen content organic substances to stimulate high bacterial activity within the heap, e.g., urine, grass mowings, comfrey leaves, etc.) and materials used. However, most agree that a good mixture of carbon and nitrogenous materials, usually created in layers and on a base consisting of rougher, stemmy material (to encourage air circulation) that is in contact with the soil are essential to all successful composting processes.

For those who do not have a lot of space, composting can be carried out with good results by using cylindrical bins provided that attention is paid to the all-important issues of aeration and C:N ratios. Such bins are available proprietarily, and are often supplied by local authorities at low cost to encourage recycling.