My little one and I just started a compost jar in our kitchen for a project to teach him some science and small environmental action. I have never done this before though and just saw how some piles can combust.
I am wondering if this seems like an ok set up for a small project and for the items I have listed. We dont have a place for an outdoor pile sadly. I'll also admit I was hoping to keep it small and cheap our first time around, by recycling an old peach jar instead of buying a plastic tub.
by DazedExistence
8 Comments
Toilet paper rolls?? What about paper towel rolls, same thing right?
Used tissues and napkins? These are new to me as well
You have the right idea, but composting really benefits from large piles and generally needs airflow. Kept like this, your little one won’t be so little by the time you have compost!
You don’t need a plastic tub… if you want an enclosed pile, you can probably DIY with something around the house.
If you want a cool thing to do with your young one – try setting up a small worm bin. No smell, no risk of combustion, plus they get to see cool squiggly worms breaking down your compostables.
as u/phosphorus-strait mentioned – you need air flow, otherwise the jar will go anaerobic and will smell like garbage.
Check out bokashi composting. I think that’s gonna be a better fit for you.
Pine needles can take a hot minute to breakdown if you add a lot, same with twigs. I attempted composting our Xmas tree one year and was poked by fir needles for 2 yrs after. My rule of thumb is the same as cardboard if it’s shiney or waxy or is known for its aromatic oils(pine/fir needles) I go very lightly. Also be careful with some hairs. I run an animal rescue and someone threw a barrel of dog hair in the heap and it really mucked things up, maybe it’s all the dewormers and flea meds. I just try to balance my inputs, except with cardboards
{Edit} I thought the jar was a joke lol. I would really lean towards the two people that suggested bokashi and worms. If it were me I’d go to a fish and bait shop get a can of red wiggler worms for 3$ , dump all the contents including the media and fill the rest of the jar with composted cow manure and keep it out like an ant farm. Easy peasy lemon squeezy
I would buy a small container of worms (red wigglers, preferably) and dump them in. Then if you can get a source of “browns”–carbon-rich materials like shredded paper/cardboard, leaves, wood chips, wood shavings, etc.–make sure to keep those on top. They’ll help contain any bad smells and the whole process needs them. I’d also rubber-band a piece of cloth at the top instead of a lid to allow for some airflow.
I have a small space and I use a 5 gal bucket from Lowe’s (mines currently outside so I drilled holes in it for airflow and big activity) . If you have a porch, that’ll be fine.
I forgot to pee.