Are trash can composters worth it? Here’s my results with minimal effort.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyv1QHYHfiw Are trash can composters worth the effort? Absolutely! Trash can compost bins are great if you don't have the space for a pair of full-size compost bins but still want to make a big difference in how much waste hits the curb. It takes longer to make finished compost due to their size, although that doesn't make them any less useful. I didn't turn the compost at all (which may have helped); but I did add red wiggler worms which will help break down your material much quicker. Here's my top tips to having a healthy trash can composter: 1) Size matters! The smaller the material size, the easier it breaks down. 2) Keep the contents damp- compost craves moisture. 3) Add food scraps to the center. Cover with…

Continue ReadingAre trash can composters worth it? Here’s my results with minimal effort.

Do You Love Your Trash Can?

Wow, I started this thing over a year ago and I still haven't filled it up. While I usually add to my big cubic yard sized bin, the can's been getting attention too. How is this working?  Honestly, I was surprised this system would work this well due to its limited size. Then I remembered that it's basically the same capacity as a compost tumbler, without the tumbling function...which isn't needed. My major finding is that simply leaving the lid off and getting it soaked every few days is enough to keep this thing going smoothly. Dry piles are slow piles, and compost craves moisture- I found that the warmer months dried out my can quicker with the lid on...try it out- pests aren't an issue with this system. If…

Continue ReadingDo You Love Your Trash Can?

City Composting: Try the Alley?

I walked around in this alley and had a look inside all of the trash cans. The majority were for recyclables, but the ones that were trash, were mostly organic materials... this is going to be the case if you don't compost. Notice how much of a mess this alley is?  It smelled pretty rank, too. Not that I care it smells, but the smells could be completely avoided by adding a trash can of another kind used for compost. This alley is one block from a public park full of leaves and dead plants (cover materials).  Get creative and divert your organics...I promise you it isn't hard, and the rewards are beyond satisfying. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0EPnJJw198  

Continue ReadingCity Composting: Try the Alley?