COMPOSTING WITH AEROBIN

 

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Using your Aerobin couldn't be simpler, accorrding to the manufacturers information listed below.

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Open the lid, drop in a 50/50 mix of brown (dry) and green (wet) organic materials.

Close the lid and that's it!

Keep adding a similar mix of organic material regularly.

You can add more material as you take out compost. It's an ongoing process.

Try to keep the amount of wet and dry material even, layering about 5 to 12cm (2 to 5 inches) of each or for every bucket of kitchen scraps add a bucket of scrunched paper or dry garden material.

Wet material shouldn't be dripping wet, just moist, like a damp sponge.

WHAT CAN GO IN THE BIN?

Most organic waste, keeping an even 50/50 mix of green (wet) and brown (dry).

GREEN (WET) MATERIAL

FOOD SCRAPS

CITRUS AND ONIONS (CUT UP)

VEGETABLE PEELINGS

LAWN CLIPPINGS* AND WEEDS

COFFEE GROUNDS

TEA-LEAVES AND TEA BAGS

BROWN (DRY) MATERIAL

LEAVES AND SMALL TWIGS

SHREDDED OR CRUMPLED NEWSPAPER OR OFFICE PAPER

ROOTS OR BRANCHES, FINELY CHOPPED OR MULCHED

LONG YELLOW GRASS

PEA STRAW

(*NOTE: "SIR WALTER BUFFALO" GRASS IS VERY MOIST, SO MIX IT WITH MORE DRY MATERIALS)

DO NOT USE

OILS

FISH

MEAT

WOOD

GLOSSY MAGAZINES

ASH

FAECES FROM MEAT EATING ANIMALS

DAIRY PRODUCTS

COMPOSTING: HOW IT WORKS

Composting is a natural biological process that releases nutrients from organic matter, and produces fertile humus. The process requires air, moisture, warmth,organic matter and micro-organisms (fungi, bacteria and very small animals, which digest organic mattter).

Decomposition starts at quite low temperatures. The insulation in the Aerobin speeds up this process and the materials breathe through its patented aeration lung to provide a more sustainable composting process.

WHEN IS THE COMPOST READY? 

Within three to six months.

Allow more time in cold weather or if only adding small amounts of material every so often.

Inspect material via either side access door.

It is ready when the material is evenly textured, slightly moist and dark.

Use a small spade or garden trowel to remove mature compost, but take care not to damage the central aeration core.

ORGANIC LIQUID FERTILISER

The base of the Aerobin contains a chamber to retain 15 ltr of excess moisture from the composting material. This organic liquid fertiliser is a mixture of moisture and minerals from the decomposing organic materials, and the naturally occurring micro-organisms that help composting occur.

The valuable organic liquid fertiliser can be used on your garden and pot plants to feed the plants, 1 part organic liquid fertiliser to 20 parts water.

It is recommended that you completely empty the liquid fertiliser from the tank once or twice a year and then back flush for three minutes to remove any residual sludge build up.

CAN YOU PUT WORMS IN THE AEROBIN?

Aerobin doesn't actually need worms to operate, however worms greatly enhance the composting process and may get through the small holes in the bottom of the unit.

Worms may die if placed in the top of the unit due to the high temperatures generated by the composting procedure. They should survive and thrive at the bottom of the unit. 

RISK

Inhalation of dust and/or liquid mists may irritate, inflame or sensitise the nose, throat and lungs resulting in illnesses ranging from hayfever or asthma to pneumonia (e.g. Legionaire's disease) or pneumonia - like illnesses. Direct contact with this materiakl or its dust and/or liquid mists (bio-aerosols) may cause skin irritation (dermatitis), and skin or eye infection or irritation.

People particularly at risk are those suffering from asthma or allergies, and those whose immune defence systems are compromised.

SAFETY

AS WITH ALL COMPOSTS AND MULCHES:

Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Avoid breathing or ingesting dust and/or liquid mists (bioaerosols)

Wear suitable protective clothing and standard duty gloves (AS/NZS 2161.2)

If exposed to dust and/or liquid mists, also wear dust resistant eye protection(AS/NZS 1336) and particulate respirator (AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716)

WASH THOROUGHLY IMMEDIATELY AFTER HANDLING DECOMPOSING MATERIALS.

WASH WORK CLOTHES REGULARLY.

FIRST AID

Irrigate eyes with plenty of water for 10 minutes.

Wash skin with soap and water.

Seek medical attention for any persistent skin, eye or respiratory symptons.