The most common household composts are boxed compost and red worm boxes. You can get a box that is sealed against rain and pests that will allow you two basic options. You can get a box that loads at the top and as it ferments you can pull compost from the bottom. Or you can get a box that turns so that everything inside ferments together and is used at a later time. There are so many different variations on each style that it all depends on how much effort you want to put in and how quickly you want the compost available. A red worm box has three or more drawers or sections separated most often by a wire screen. The worms start in the bottom and the drawers are filled from the bottom up. The worms eat their way up the set and leave behind rich compost.
I have chosen to purchase a worm box from a local man who builds them. I chose a worm box because I can load my yard waste into it and a portion of my kitchen waste. The compost can be used to feed my garden and extra worms can be fed to chickens I hope to own in the future.
A worm box is a little more sensitive than other composting because you can kill the worms but the castings they leave behind are called black gold for a reason.
Worms can eat most natural products including cotton clothing and paper towels. They are sensitive to acidity so when using orange peels a lot of yard debris needs to be mixed in as well to balance them out. Some people do not put coffee grounds or egg shells in their worm boxes but I believe a well established box can handle these as long as they are diluted with leaves and other neutral/basic items. As a basic rule dairy and meat are not used in compost because it attracts pests and develops bacteria that are a threat to human health.
I hope to have peaked your interest in a home compost. It is a great way to reduce your waste and save money on your garden. Research more to find a suitable system for your home.
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