As someone who used an electric composting machine for years, I thought I’d share a few tips! Indoor composting machines are such a wonderful solution for apartment or small space living.
If you’re ready to reduce your waste we have a great guide to the best electric compost machines!
Check for City Compost Info
Before making the investment of purchasing an indoor composting machine, be sure to see if your city offers any free services. Some cities offer curbside compost pickup which is a great option. There are also third party services that offer to pick up or take your compost upon drop off.
Don’t Be Afraid
When I first started using the electric compost machine, I was a little intimidated. I was nervous it would make the apartment smell or cause a mess. Neither of those things happen. It does take time to learn how to use, but it’s an exciting process!
Only Run When Full
Try to fill up your electric compost machine before running the cycle! This will cut down on your energy use. Most manufacturers will give you an indication of how many hours a cycle needs.
Know What You Can and Can’t Put in the Machine
Depending on the indoor compost unit you decide to purchase, it’s incredibly important to know what you can and cannot compost. For example SELECT electric composters allow you to add meat, poultry, and fish, which you can’t do with traditional backyard composts.
However, only add small scraps and when it comes to bones stick to adding chicken and fish bones, and keep out beef and pork bones. Whether using a traditional composting method or an electric composter do not add raw meat.
Continue to Keep Your Leftovers
Electric compost machines are a great tool for reducing food waste, but don’t forget to continue to save your leftovers! Eating your leftover food is a wonderful sustainable choice! Just because you have the compost machine doesn’t mean you should throw out that uneaten food, if it’s still good!
Gift Your Compost Machine
If you’re moving to a bigger space and want to compost traditionally, pass on your machine to someone living in a small space. Recycling appliances (including electric composters) is challenging and you don’t want to undo all the good you did reducing food waste by contributing to e-waste.