Home Composting FAQs

In the previous article, we introduced the basics of how to use compost!

This time, when using home compost,
I would like to address and explain some frequently asked questions.

We hope that we can help you take a step towards eco-friendly activities!

In composting, which involves handling soil and food waste,
Insects and odors are inseparable problems.

However, you can prevent this to some extent by carefully stirring the mixture daily to allow air to enter!

If you still have trouble,
Please refer to this.

Also, in the second half of the blog, we will talk about preventive measures, so
Please see also.

First of all, the most frequently asked question is about insects.
This is an unavoidable issue as we deal with soil and food waste.

The best option is to get along well,
If they occur in large numbers, they can affect the surrounding area.

If you encounter any problems,
Try this method.

✓Add vinegar

Maggots can be killed with vinegar.

If you add too much, the amount of water in the compost will increase.
Put it in a spray bottle and spray a little at a time.

It also has a deterrent effect, as maggots dislike the smell of vinegar.

✓ Dry in the sun

Transfer the contents of the compost into a large plastic bag.
Seal the bag and dry it in the sun.

The insects will die in 2-3 days,
You can simply return it to the container and use it.

*Black garbage bags are effective as they help to increase the temperature inside the bag.
*If left to dry in the sun for a long period of time,
It may also kill microorganisms,
Be careful not to put too much.

✓Add rice bran and fermentation accelerator

As compost fermentation progresses, the temperature rises to about 60°C.
By keeping it in this state, you can kill the insects.
It also helps decompose food waste, so it kills two birds with one stone.

Simply sprinkle rice bran and fermentation accelerator on top and then cover with soil.

*If there seems to be a lot of moisture in the compost,
Add dry soil or substrate to keep the humidity level constant.

✓ Leave it as it is

Some people may think that maggots are harmful,
In fact, it helps decompose and ferment food waste, accelerating composting.

If you stop putting in food waste, the nutrients will disappear and the fish will die.
Another option is to leave the garbage out for a while.

The first step in prevention is to prevent insects from entering.

If you leave food waste in the kitchen corner for a long time,
Be careful as flies and other insects may lay eggs.

Another preventative measure is to seal the compost with nonwoven fabric or similar.
It physically prevents insects from entering.
After covering the entire container with nonwoven fabric, you can use a rubber band or something similar to seal it properly.

The next most common question is about bad odors.

This also emits an ammonia smell during the process of decomposing food waste.
If the food does not get enough air, it may rot.
This is an important issue when working on composting.

If a strong odor occurs,
Try this method.

✓ Stir well

If there is not enough air, bad odors are more likely to occur.
Stir the compost well from the bottom up.

✓Add coffee grounds (1 to 2 cups)

Coffee grounds are said to have deodorizing properties.

Put the dried coffee grounds into the compost
Another option is to stir it well.

The coffee grounds themselves are
Please note that adding too much will slow down the decomposition process.

✓ Adjust the amount of food waste you put in

If you add a lot of protein, such as meat, fish, or eggs,
This will make it more likely to produce odor.

Also, if you only put in ingredients with a high moisture content,
Lack of ventilation can lead to the growth of anaerobic bacteria.

Mix dry and wet foods together,
Please try to think of a way to insert it.

✓Check! What does it smell like?

There are many different types of bad odors, such as the "ammonia smell" that organisms emit when they decompose.
The "smelly stinky smell like sewer" that is emitted when something decays
It can be broadly divided into these two categories.

The former can be improved by promoting decomposition,
The latter is due to the bad smell caused by the compost itself having rotted.
The compost itself must be disposed of.

To prevent this from happening,
It is important to stir carefully every day.

This is also a common concern.
About "Flys".

It is inevitable when dealing with food waste,
It would be a problem if it occurred in large quantities.

If you are having trouble with small flies,
Try this method.

✓ Accelerates decomposition and increases the temperature inside the compost

Every time you put food waste in, mix it well from the bottom of the box about 50 times to let in plenty of air.
Promoting the decomposition of food waste will make it harder for small flies to appear.

When small flies appear, raising the temperature of the substrate to 40°C or higher will kill the eggs.
Add accelerators and used cooking oil, mix thoroughly, and raise the temperature.

(Pesticides may kill the microorganisms that decompose food waste.
It is best not to use it, considering the impact it can have on the finished compost and the vegetables grown using it.)

✓Cover with cloth

Laundry nets, insect nets, etc.
Cover the home compost with a fine mesh net that sprouts cannot pass through.

✓ Use essential oils

Eucalyptus, tea tree, citronella, etc.
Use essential oils that repel pests.

Mix water and essential oils in the right proportions
It is also recommended to put it in a spray bottle and spray it in moderation.

Next, let's talk about mold.

First time trying composting
There's mold growing...!?
It's not uncommon for people to be surprised.

Don't panic, just try this method.

✓ White mold has appeared

White mold is thought to be a filamentous fungus that appears in the early stages of fermentation and is not a problem.
Mix thoroughly with food waste.

✓ White powdery substances (dust mites) have appeared

If the soil remains damp for a long period of time, it will become a "dust mite."
You may notice mites that look like a whitish powder.

This is harmless to humans,
In rare cases, it may cause allergic reactions.

They will disappear when the temperature of the compost rises, so
To activate the activity of microorganisms
Add the water and rice bran and mix well.

If you are concerned,
The smell will disappear if you transfer the contents to a black plastic bag and dry it in the sun.

I put food waste into the compost, but it's not decomposing at all!
If that happens , try this method.

✓ Try one of the following methods and see what happens:

• Add about a cup of rice bran
• Stir the compost thoroughly from the bottom
• Add about 100ml of used tempura oil (be careful not to add too much oil as it will start to smell).

I want to start, but I'm worried about where to put it...
If you are still thinking that, check this out!

✓Can be installed anywhere that is not exposed to rain

Can be used indoors or outdoors.
Please keep it at least 5cm away from the wall to allow for good ventilation.

Wire baskets turned upside down,
Placing it on a mesh stand will help prevent humidity.

Microorganisms in compost are active at temperatures between 20℃ and 30℃.
In winter, place it indoors and cover it with a blanket to keep it warm.
Avoid direct sunlight in the summer, etc.
Be careful depending on the season.

Those who live in apartments,
If your balcony is close to your neighbors,
To avoid odor-related problems,
Making less will help prevent odors.

Here are three tips to keep your compost in good condition:

• Thoroughly drain the food waste
• Cover firmly with soil
• Stir thoroughly to allow air to circulate

What did you think?

We hope this will serve as a starting point for your eco-friendly activities.

First, start by doing what you can, little by little.

The steady efforts of each individual will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.