Kekkilä Home Composter 230 L, Manual

Page: 19 / 28

19 Kekkilä Home Composter 230 L
EN
Basics of composting
For composting you will need
• a correctly dimensioned and thermally insulated composter
• a biowaste bin for your kitchen
• drying agent and a drying agent container
• a fork, spade or mixing stick
Composting function
Composting is a natural process, based on biological decomposition. Nutrients contained in
waste materials are recycled for reuse as plant-growing material. In the compost mass, fungus
and decomposition micro-organisms transform the waste into humus and at the same time
produce heat, steam, nutrient salts and carbon dioxide. Decomposition is most efficient at a
temperature between 30 and 45 C. Thermal insulation keeps the heat inside the composter. Heat
and steam on the inside cover of the composter indicate that the composter is working.
Micro-organisms can perform their decomposition work only if regularly fed. To survive they need
oxygen, water and nutrients. Nitrogen is obtained from kitchen household waste, while carbon
comes from garden waste and branch chips. Therefore we would recommend composting kitchen
and garden waste in the same composter. Dry garden waste or a bedding agent will increase
the air in the compost, bind discharged nitrogen and balance humidity.
We recommend reserving a few sacks of Kekkilä Desiccant for composters and dry toilets,
which contains cutter shavings and bog peat. In addition, coarse material could be added to
improve the aeration of the composter without mixing it manually. The drying agent should be
stored indoors or in a closed container for humidity protection. If the composter is not filled with
household waste or drying agent regularly during the winter season, the composting activity will
weaken or cease. Composting will continue after melting and increase of temperature.
Installation: instructions and placement
When selecting where to place your composter, please make sure of the following:
• easy fill-up. Best locations are close to the waste bin or at the border of your lot in the garden.
If you wish to place your composter at the border of your land lot, please discuss the matter
with your neighbour. Also observe that the composter will often be used in winter as well.
• sufficient space for servicing functions, emptying and possible post-composting as well as for
drying agent containers and other care equipment.
• seepage, rain and meltwater may be absorbed in the ground. In many cases, sand or gravel
makes the best base.