So, you have decided to compost the waste you produce in the office? Like other businesses of today, you would want to do your part in reducing the number of organic materials going to the landfills and the methane gas created by these sites. Well, that is an admirable move that will boost your reputation with your patrons!
Now, all you need to do is implement the appropriate composting strategy using the right compost machine. But with the plethora of options on the market today, how will you know which is the best composter for your needs?
Considerations When Choosing a Compost Machine
Selecting the best composter for your office is just easy by answering these four important questions.
Which type of waste will you be composting?
The type of waste you produce in the office will largely determine your option. For example, do you provide free lunch to your employees? Then, you must be producing a significant amount of organic food waste from your kitchen. Or perhaps, you have a small garden outside. Then, you must have some trimmings to manage. Each of these types of waste would require a different composter.
Where is your office located?
Your location also helps identify which type of composter works best for your office. For example, if you are in an urban area and have little to no outdoor space, then compost tumblers that come like plastic rubbish bins with lids are a good option. On the other hand, if you are in a rural area and have ample outdoor space, then an in-ground worm composter or a large-capacity garden compost bin will work best for you.
Where will you compost your waste products?
The type of compost bin used indoors is different from the ones used outdoors. Once you have determined where you will do your composting process, then you will have a good idea of which machine to get.
What size do you need?
The space factor is also important in choosing the right size for a composter. Of course, you should also consider how many people you have in the office. For example, if you are a small company with only around 5 employees, then a composter with 4.5 cubic feet capacity would suffice. If you have 15 to 20 employees, on the other hand, then a unit with a capacity of 20 cubic feet would be enough to process the amount of waste you produce.
Types of Compost Machines to Choose From
Now that you have the answers to the questions above, it is time to choose a compost machine. Here are the options you will have based on your requirements.
- Stationary compost bins
These are the most common composters, into which you can store food waste and other organic materials. They have an opening with a lid that you can lock into place to prevent content from spilling out and pests from getting in.
The advantage of using these bins is that you can keep adding waste to it, while the older existing material decomposes. You can take out mature compost from the bottom.
- Food scrap digesters
As the name suggests, these composters are designed to process food waste.
A food scraps compost bin usually has a lower basket connected to the ground where your table left-over can decompose. Theoretically, the waste will be digested by micro-organisms in this container, which also means you do not have to empty it.
- Vermiculture composters
Also known as “worm composters”, these units harness the power of worms to turn your waste into fertiliser. They can be tiered to allow users a space to add more material.
These units also come in two types: off-ground and in-ground. The latter is best used for food waste, while the latter is for garden waste.
- Countertop waste processors
These composters are very handy for small spaces. You can just place them inside your kitchen, and you are good to go. But technically speaking, they do not compost waste. Instead, they just chop materials into tiny pieces and dehydrate them to become fertiliser.
These units also work well in places with a cold climate, where you cannot compost waste outside due to very low temperatures.
- Tumblers
Also called “batch composters”, these units have a couple of chambers that allow you to process one batch of composted waste, while still having another room for adding new material. They also have good aeration and mixing functionalities, making the composting process a lot faster.
Key Takeaway
Preferably, the compost machine you purchase should be of good quality to last your office for years—maybe 10 to 20 years at that! You would not want to keep replacing your composters, would you? That would affect your finances.
That is why you should think it out carefully and only buy from a company with a good reputation for providing such products. With careful consideration, you will surely find the best composter for your needs.
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