Hot Composting Arrives in Russell!
Our hot composting system was donated by Richard Wallis of The Carbon Cycle Composting Co. Local volunteers demonstrated efficient and fun community action in helping Richard put the composting system together and start it cranking. The three bins each hold 1.5 cubic metres and have hardwood sides with slats fitting into notches in the powder coated aluminum struts.
The new compost system is an initiative of Resilient Russell. Their chairperson John Maxwell explained that it’s part of the plan for Russell to become self sufficient in reusing its own waste. “Our aim is for a kerbside collection of food waste processed here alongside our recycling.” He adds “ The hot composting system is a great green waste and scraps solution for schools, community gardens and enviro businesses.”
The benefit of the internal heat of a hot compost (something like 80 degrees - 62 degrees is ideal) means meat and bones can go into it. “ If it has ever been living it can go into this compost,” Richard explains. “Compostable cups and plates will only break down in a hot compost.” As a guide, each bin can compost the waste of around 120 households.
Richard and the volunteers put the compost system together in a few hours, bolting the aluminium struts together and installing two layers of fine mesh avian wire over a wood chip base to keep rats out. The internal walls of the bins slide out so it's easy to rotate the compost materials. Crumbly dark compost can be ready from 10 weeks, especially if willow or poplar are included since they break down quickly. Gorse and kikuyu are useful additions for nitrogen and carbon. A layer of wood chips on top keeps flies away and then sacks under the bin lid are used to insulate and help raise the heat.
New Zealand company McKechnie Design,New Plymouth, manufactured the aluminium and Bunnings in Kerikeri donated the boiled linseed oil for protecting the timber for the bins. New Zealand Box’s first hot compost system was installed with Home Grown Waiheke and since then Richard has put in over a hundred throughout the country including at Kaitaia and at Eden Park, where all the green waste is handled through hot composting.
This modern hot compost system stands on the shoulders of Sir Albert Howard who started New Zealand Box in the 1940s. The composting model was so effective it was adopted internationally.
