The 71 Gallon EComposter is one of our most popular compost bins. Primarily because because it presents a tremendous value. Here are 10 tips to help you get even more out of the Eco-Composter.
- Jump 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.
- Establish a composting bucket (or Caddy) in your kitchen. This will help limit the number of trips needed to the EComposter. You can find several buckets in our composting supplies section.
- Use equal parts by volume of dry and green plant materials in the overall mix. When adding layers of fine green plant wastes such as grass clippings make sure you mix it with other material properly. Grass mats easily and prevents water from moving through the mass.
- Always make sure you leave enough empty space inside the Eco-Composter to allow the material to mix.
- Do not compost plants or materials that have been treated with non organic pesticides.
- Turn the EComposter once a day. This will help introduce oxygen and speed up the composting process.
- Keep the EComposter in the sun. Microbes that help break down the waste 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.
- When choosing a location for your EcoComposter you will want to locate a spot with good airflow and partial shade in the summer (to keep the Eco-Composter from getting too hot). However, increase exposure to the sun in the winter (to keep the Eco-Composter hot).

3 Responses to Ten Tips for getting the most out of your EComposter
Debra
April 22nd, 2010 at 1:38 pm
I still do not understand this. At some point, must you stop adding material to the mix so that you have evenly composted material ready to use in your garden. Or, does it separate somehow so you can get to the fully composted material and leave the partially composted material to continue working? Looking forward to any advice on this so I can make my decision then on WHICH composter for my small yard. Thanks.
admin
April 22nd, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Hi Debra
The Ecomposter like most units, does not have a system to separate the compost from the partially broken down waste. It is recommended that you fill it up and let the complete batch compost for about 4-6 weeks. If you do want a unit that lets you sort between the waste and compost, check out the SunMar units http://www.eco-outfitter.com/p-208-sun-mar-200-autoflow-rotating-garden-composter.aspx or you could also take a look our Worm Bins: http://www.eco-outfitter.com/c-33-vermiculture.aspx
admin
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Yes with the Ecomposter, you stop adding material at some point to allow the contents to fully compost. It does not separate the compost from the partially broken down waste.