httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8SXpgQu-SI
Anaerobic composting is a simple and fun alternative to the usual composting methods, such as using a compost bin, a tumbler, or worms. While it may be the easiest way to do it, it takes a really long time to finish.
All you need is two thick black garbage bags, a bucket to measure out the contents and some water. Add equal parts shredded food scraps (no meat/dairy/seafood), soil+some finished compost, and “brown” materials (shredded leaves, shredded paper). Add some water to get the material damp, but not completely soaked. Tie off the bag, then put it inside the other garbage bag and tie that off, too. All done!
This process is often said to finish within 6-8 weeks, but based on my findings here, I’m willing to bet that’s unusually fast. Perhaps if the process is done during the warmer months it would be quicker, but it’s gotten to near freezing here for the last week or two and my batch isn’t finished.
However, the end results thus far are impressive: almost everything is unrecognizable, and the finished compost inside smells just like the earthy stuff you buy from the garden center.
While this experiment was mostly a success, I’m going to bag it up and give it another six months…I’ve read that some crazy composters will give it at least a year to be completely finished. To be continued!
Honestly, I think I’m going to stick to the usual backyard compost pile. It’s pretty simple with just a few tips and guidelines- in fact, if you’re looking to get started fast and have three feet of space in the back yard, click here. 🙂