A great article in the NY Times today!

[Justso]

The Compost by My Couch: How (and Why) I Started an Odorless Bin at Home
Here here are the basics: a cardboard box (must be cardboard) with cardboard reinforcement on the bottom, Coco peat, hardwood ash. "Because the cardboard box method involves aerobic decomposition, the compost doesn’t smell. And, the highly absorbent ash captures moisture, so there isn’t any icky liquid or sludge to deal with. In fact, our compost box sits in the corner of our living room. We do keep a cover on it to prevent flies, and, in seven years, we’ve never had a problem with insects." Directions say to stir it and keep it moist by spraying with mist. Things that don't work well are bones, avocado peels, basically very hard items.

 

[casportpony]

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Shadrach]

The Compost by My Couch: How (and Why) I Started an Odorless Bin at Home
Here here are the basics: a cardboard box (must be cardboard) with cardboard reinforcement on the bottom, Coco peat, hardwood ash. "Because the cardboard box method involves aerobic decomposition, the compost doesn’t smell. And, the highly absorbent ash captures moisture, so there isn’t any icky liquid or sludge to deal with. In fact, our compost box sits in the corner of our living room. We do keep a cover on it to prevent flies, and, in seven years, we’ve never had a problem with insects." Directions say to stir it and keep it moist by spraying with mist. Things that don't work well are bones, avocado peels, basically very hard items.

Can you compost vegetable matter in it okay?
Some pictures and instructions would be great.

 

[Justso]

Here's what the author said:
"We’ve found that a good-sized box can process upwards of 1.5 pounds of fruit and veggie scraps a day, as well as things like eggshells and fish bones. Stir the compost frequently — you’ll find this isn’t a chore, because it smells of earthy goodness.
You can keep using the same box — I’ve had the same one for years now, and compost only accumulates very slowly. If it does start getting full, put some on your houseplants."
Additionally
"Some quick tips: Use any large cardboard box — not plastic or metal, which won’t let the compost breathe — and reinforce the bottom of the box with an extra layer of cardboard. Raise the cardboard box on some blocks to further improve air flow. Use roughly three parts coco peat, two parts [hardwood] ash. We use a tea towel, secured with string, to cover our box."
Here's the author's box

Article by Hiroko Tabuchi, Published May 6, 2020 Updated May 8, 2020

 

[Xalthir]

We've also had some success using a bin with a lock-handle lid on it that we soldered some holes into to add breathability. I'll see if I can get a picture tomorrow, but it accomplishes the same thing and holds a bit more compost if you're trying to run a larger garden.

 

[SillyMissLily]

Please do post pictures of your bin with locking lid! I’m currently searching for a way to compost somewhat large amounts of food waste, combined with chicken poop, in a small space and create as little smell or flies as possible!

 

[Xalthir]

This is it! It's outside, but I bet it would work inside as well. We use the little locks to make sure nothing tries to move in!

 

[reddogmaster2]

I prefer and recommend a larger Compost Bin especially if you have a garden of any size. I built this bin out of mostly wood and materials that I had in my "bone-yard".

 

[littledog]

That's really cool - even people who live in apartments can compost.