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EnviroCycle Composter - Frequently Asked Questions
How exactly does the EnviroCycle work?
First, use a kitchen compost container for your household waste. When full, transfer the contents into your composter. All you have to do is open the lid, throw in the waste, close the lid and rotate the unit to mix the contents (at least 3 times per week to maintain active composting) and there you have it. There is no back pain involved. The EnviroCycle Composter requires no mixing tools except your hands to rotate the drum... and they won't get dirty!
One cycle of the decomposition process takes a period of about 30 to 40 days, but the maturing time will vary depending on how often the composter is turned and how small the ingredients were to begin with. In principal, the more often the ingredients are mixed and the smaller the ingredients are, the faster you'll have compost.
How do I know when the maturation period is complete?
At the end of the 5th week, stop adding waste to the composter for 5 days. During this final maturing period, accumulate new waste in a separate plastic container. At the end of the 6th week, empty your composter (see below). Once empty, you may begin to add new waste to the composter. Efficient composting demands a minimum of 2 cubic feet of varied wastes (dry and humid). It is important to always keep the materials moist.
How do I empty my composter?
To empty the composter, you should:
1.) Remove the barrel from the base and roll it to where you want it emptied.
2.) Lift off the lid.
3.) Turn the barrel face down, to the ground.
4.) Shake the barrel and the compost will fall out.
Should I use activators to accelerate the decomposition process?
Activators are not necessary. To speed the decomposition process, add a shovel-full of dirt or compost obtained from your first batch.
What should I do when the drum is difficult to turn?
If the tumbler is hard to turn, this indicates that the composting cycle is close to finished. Or, it could mean that the material inside is too wet.
How do I use the compost tea?
The liquid (compost tea) that is collected in the base constitutes is an excellent source of nutrients for trees, flowers and indoor plants. However, due to its high concentration, it should be mixed with 10 parts of water.
Should I add water to the waste materials?
The EnviroCycle does not need to have water added to it because the humidity level inside the drum remains ideal.
How do I adjust the carbon to nitrogen ratio required for proper composting?
You should mix stored brown leaves with your green household wastes. Black and white newspaper, cut into strips, will also work.
Can I use the EnviroCycle Composter during the winter months?
In winter the process will slow down but materials can still be added. When spring comes, the drum will thaw and the process will resume. Keep the EnviroCycle on a balcony, in the garage, or close to the back door to make winter composting more convenient.
I'm noticing bugs and the materials aren't breaking down very quickly.
During the composting process, the ratio of moisture and air is inversely proportional. The more water there is, the less air, and vice versa. To reduce the risk of unpleasant odors and bugs, make sure that there is plenty of oxygen for aerobic decomposition to occur.
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