How to Compost, Make Compost


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How to Compost
		New XE Series: All new for 2010. We never stop improving! Our latest models include dozens of upgrades, including a stronger motor, a more powerful filter, and further energy savings. Learn more...

		How it works: Deposit food waste any time, any day - up to 120 lbs (55kg) per month. For best results, cut items into small pieces. Items remain in the upper chamber under optimal composting conditions: mixing, air flow, heat, and moisture (see diagram). The energy released destroys odors, pathogens, and seed germination. It is later transferred through a trap door to the lower cure tray , where it continues to compost while you add fresh items to the upper chamber.

		No worms, bugs, or trash odors: Natural compost cultures consume waste quickly, without odors. They produce a mild aroma like sourdough, mushrooms, or straw. Balance the chemistry by adding sawdust to increase "brown" content, and baking soda to reduce acidity (both are included). A fan draws air into the machine, providing oxygen to the cultures. A powerful carbon filter removes any lingering odors.

		Use it anywhere: Fits inside any standard cabinet (cabinet kit sold separately). Keep it in the kitchen, a garage, or laundry room. Use it outdoors, even in the snow, rain, or freezing temperatures. Keep the power supply dry, using a weather-rated power outlet (available at most hardware stores).

		Endless supply of compost: Empty the cure tray when the indicator light comes on - roughly every two weeks. More than seventy percent of the initial waste disappears into thin air -- literally -- as compost cultures convert it into water vapor. What's left is a very concentrated compost fertilizer. Fresh compost has a mild organic aroma, which people often describe as damp wool, sourdough bread, or mushrooms. You can use it outdoors immediately, or leave it in a heap until you are ready to garden.

		Good for the garden: Food compost is very high in nitrogen, which is essential for healthy plants. Spread over the soil surface, like mulch. Nutrients will gradually enter the soil during watering and annual tilling. Use it on your garden, lawn, shrubs, trees, or indoor potted plants. One batch of compost is enough for 10-40 sq ft (1-4 sq m) of a lawn or garden, applied once or twice per year. Or use one batch per tree. You can also infuse mature compost with water to brew "compost tea" liquid fertilizer.

		Great for the environment: Energy use is just 5 kwh / month, or about $0.50/month - less than a garbage truck would burn in diesel fuel to haul away the same waste. A NatureMill composter recycles its weight in waste every 10 days, diverting over two tons of waste from landfills over its life. This reduces emissions of methane, a harmful greenhouse gas produced when organic matter decomposes in oxygen-starved landfills. NatureMill is made from recycled and recyclable materials. Every NatureMill composter meets or surpasses the stringent California Energy Efficiency Level IV - the most stringent energy standard in the world. Read more compost facts....