Tips for Using eComposter

• eComposter into compost more quickly:
   

  • Help start a new compost pile with blood meal, cottonseed meal, well-aged manure they are rich in nitrogen and help "fire-up" the microbes responsible for breaking down organic matter into compost.
     

  • There is no advantage in adding compost starters or inoculums to the compost. The microbes that cause decomposition multiply just as rapidly from those that are naturally found on the plant waste.
     

  • Smaller pieces breakdown faster than larger ones.  We recommend chopping or shredding the material into smaller pieces before putting them into the eComposter.
     

  • Establish a composting bucket in your kitchen.  This will help limit the number of trips needed to the eComposter.
     

  • Use equal parts by volume of dry and green plant materials in the overall mix. Use caution when you add layers of fine green plant wastes such as grass clippings. Grass mats easily and prevents water from moving through the mass.
     

  • Do not compost plants or materials that have been treated with pesticides.
     

  • Add more vs. less.  The ideal way to load the eComposter is by volume.  This will help heat up the compost faster and help the breakdown process occur much faster.
     

  • Turn the eComposter once a day.  All that is needed is a ½ rotation.  This will help introduce oxygen and speed up the composting process.
     

  • Keep the eComposter in the sun. Microbes are more active when warm.
     

  • Plants lose between 50 and 75 percent of their volume in composting, so a lot of plant material can be processed effectively
     

  • The use of activators can get slow compost heated up faster
     

• Key Steps:

  1. Location for your eComposter. You’ll want to locate a spot with good airflow, access to water and partial shade in the summer (to keep the eComposter from getting too hot), but good sun in the winter (to keep the eComposter warm). The benefit of the eComposter is that unlike most composter this one can be re-located very easily.
      

  2. Add compost materials. Not everything can go into the eComposter. 
      

  3. Monitor the eComposter by checking the following:
      

     1. Temperature:

        1. The easiest way to test the eComposter temperature is to stick your hand in the center of the compost. If the center is warm or hot the process is working well.  If the center is the same temperature as the surrounding outside air, the microbes have slowed down - and so has the composting process.
            

        2. The spherical shape of the eComposter helps make temperature distribution and control easier.
            

        3. To maximize the composting time the eComposter should heat up to temperatures range of 140-160°F. This is the ideal temperature for killing most pathogens and weed seeds.  Temperatures about 170°F are too hot and will cause the much needed microorganisms in the heap to die off
            

     2. Aeration:
         

        1. The microorganisms need oxygen to breakdown the compost materials.  This is where the eComposter is so helpful.  It allows for both the compost material to be mixed easily as well as allowing an influx of oxygen into the center of the compost material through the air induction tubes, which no other unit on the market today does.
            

        2. It is recommended that the eComposter be rotated any direction once a day. 
            

     3. Moisture:

         

        1. The microorganisms work best with the right range of water (moisture) inside the eComposter.
            

           1. Too much moisture and the means compost material will not decompose
               

           2. Too little moisture and the bacteria and microorganisms will die
               

        2. Optimum moisture range is 50-60% moisture content for the ECOmposter.
            

     4. Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio (C:N ratio):
         

        1. For perfect compost maintains a C: N ratio of 25 to 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen, or 25-30:1.
            

           1. If the C:N ratio is high (not enough nitrogen) the decomposition process will slow down
               

           2. If the C:N ratio is low (not enough carbon) the compost will produce fowl odors
               

        2. In general biodegradable materials that are brown  in color ( leaves, newspaper, hay) are higher in carbon than materials  that are green in color (fruits, vegetables, household and garden waste, grass clippings)