How to make compost from household waste | Solid & Liquid Compost

Summary

In this informative video, learn how to turn everyday kitchen waste into valuable organic fertilizer using a simple composting bucket. The process involves separating organic waste, such as vegetable scraps and fruit peels, from cooked food, and layering it in a compost bin. The video walks you through the steps of harvesting liquid fertilizer (POC) and solid compost, storing and using them effectively. Viewers are encouraged to use biostarters and proper waste ratios to speed up decomposition, and are shown how to air-dry or mix the compost for use in gardening. A sustainable and easy approach to greener living!

Takeaways

• 😀 Kitchen waste, such as vegetable scraps and fruit skins, can be composted to produce organic fertilizer.
• 🍽️ Avoid adding cooked food waste (like oily or processed ingredients) to the compost bin.
• 🗑️ The compost bin consists of two sections: one for solid waste and one for collecting liquid organic fertilizer (leachate).
• 💧 The liquid fertilizer (POC) can be harvested weekly but must sit for at least seven days before use.
• 🔄 Open the compost bin lid daily to ensure proper airflow and prevent odor.
• 🍳 Eggshells and rice washing water can also be added to the compost to improve its quality.
• 🌿 After about three months, solid compost will shrink by about 75%, leaving a black, soft texture.
• 🚫 The liquid compost should be stored for at least 14 days before use, and it can be kept indefinitely.
• ☀️ Once solid compost is harvested, it should be air-dried or sun-dried to ensure it is ready for use in planting.
• 🌱 When refilling the compost bin, use a mix of green waste (like fresh leaves) and brown waste (like dry leaves or peanut shells), and always add a biostarter (EM4 or similar).

Q & A

What type of waste should not be added to the composting system?

Cooked food, particularly those containing oils or chemicals, should not be added to the composting system as they can hinder the composting process.

How long does it take for the solid compost to mature?

It takes about three months for the solid compost to break down and mature. During this time, the waste will shrink to about a quarter of its original volume.

What is leachate in composting, and why is it important?

Leachate is the liquid produced as organic waste breaks down in the compost bin. It is rich in nutrients and can be used as liquid fertilizer, though it must sit for at least seven days before being used.

Can the liquid compost (leachate) be used immediately?

No, the liquid compost cannot be used immediately. It needs to be stored for a minimum of seven days for it to fully mature and develop its full nutrient content.

How should you store and use liquid compost?

Liquid compost should be stored for up to 14 days. It can be used as a liquid fertilizer for plants and doesn’t have an expiration date, so it can be stored and used at any time.

Why is it important to chop organic waste into smaller pieces?

Chopping organic waste into smaller pieces helps speed up the composting process by increasing the surface area for microbes to break down the materials more efficiently.

What is the role of a biostarter like EM4 in composting?

A biostarter like EM4 is used to introduce beneficial microbes to the composting process, which helps accelerate decomposition and ensures efficient breakdown of organic materials.

How do you know when the compost is ready to be harvested?

The compost is ready when it has a dark color, soft texture, and has reduced in volume by about three-quarters. The solid waste should no longer be easily identifiable, and it should smell earthy.

What should you do with the solid compost once it's harvested?

After harvesting the solid compost, it should be aired out or dried in the sun to reduce moisture content. This will make it easier to handle and ready to use as a planting medium or to enrich garden soil.

How often should you refill the compost bucket with fresh waste?

You should refill the compost bucket regularly with new organic waste, ideally every time you add new materials. Make sure to include a biostarter each time to keep the process going smoothly.