Indoor Composting 13 May 2006 at 12:01PM edited 30 November -1 at 1:00AM in Greenfingered MoneySaving 13 replies 1.1K views

Money_Man_Steve

I am keen to start composting, but I live in a flat and do not have a garden. I have seen some indoor composters, and the ones that use 'bokashi' seem to be the best option, in terms of speed, ease of use, minimal smell, no flies, etc.

My problem is that these seem quite expensive to buy - the cheapest I have seen is £55 + £2.50 delivery for a "value pack", including two kitchen composting bins and a supply of bokashi bran.

Has anyone seen these cheaper anywhere, or anything else that may be suitable for indoor composting?

Once I have these, the only problem is where to put the compost once the bin is full - I think my window box will be full pretty quickly! ...Fortunately I have a friend in the next street who has a garden - hopefully he will be a grateful recipient!

Money Man Steve

Guinea_2

I use composting bags which, once full, I then put into my composter at the back of the garden. Does your friend have a garden composter? The bags I find are easier to have in the kitchen as I was finding that after trying about three different kitchen composters, they were just too bulky, smelly and getting in the way. The bags are much better and depending on when I buy them they vary in price between £5 a roll right down to £1 a roll. If you are interested then I can find you the manufacturer?:D

Money_Man_Steve

Guinea wrote:

I use composting bags which, once full, I then put into my composter at the back of the garden. Does your friend have a garden composter? The bags I find are easier to have in the kitchen as I was finding that after trying about three different kitchen composters, they were just too bulky, smelly and getting in the way. The bags are much better and depending on when I buy them they vary in price between £5 a roll right down to £1 a roll. If you are interested then I can find you the manufacturer?:D

Thanks Guinea, but I'm a bit slow to getting round to things. I can see the bags sitting in my kitchen until they smell (or walk away...!) I like the idea of the bokashi bins cos you can seal the lid, and they don't attract flies. I may have to just bite the bullet and buy the starter set...

pollys

Money-Man-Steve I've looked at the bokashi bran bins and must say they look good, I'd like somewhere where I can dispose of left over food, not that we have much. The ones I looked at were the same price as yours. Also like the fact that the end result can be used to keep drains clear of algae as in the summer ours tend to get a bit whiffy.

MrsTinks

Why not get one of the smaller sized wormeries designed for one person? They are about £20-£25 I have a larger one which is out the back garden and yeah there are a few flies but nothing major although I expect that if you kept it indoors there wouldn't be too much of a problem. They are rpetty well sealed so you should be able to keep them indoors without any smell

hitchhiker_2

I live in a flat as well and have a small wormery. With some planning and advice, they're easy to maintain. I've posted it on a different thread but there's a worm forum that's very helpful with beginners.

I was curious about the bokashi too, but I believe you have to bury the results somewhere and I just don't have that option. With the wormery, the resulting "compost" or worm castings are used in my potted plants or given away to friends (they laugh, but they still take it! )

tr3mor

If you're never going to use the compost, there's not really any point wasting £55 trying to make it in the first place. Would it be better to find some local allotments and donating it to someone there?

hole_in_pocket_2

JUNE issue of gardeners world magazine as a section on composting plus a readers offer- bokashi kitchen composter for £35 or two for £60 inc free postage call 01305 848725 quoting ref no B91-GF1606 (same ref no if you want to order two).also can-o-worms kit + worms+ rain cap for £79 free postage-same telephone number- ref no B91-GF386.

remember to mention you saw the add in the gardeners world magazine.

demented_2

Hi Ive got a Bokashi composter and just wondered how people are getting on with theirs? Has anyone come across any problems using theirs?

ailuro2

Could you save up your compostables and drop them in your friends compost bin once a week in return for a bag of compost for the flower box when its ready?

Very MSE for you both:money:

Kay_Peel

I've got a Bokashi and it came with a six month supply of bran. At least that's what it said. It seems a very small bag for six months and I'm sure I'm going to have to get some more.

Does anyone know where I can buy it cheaply and in bulk?

k.