Background
Criteria
Criteria | Constraints | Weight (1-10) |
---|---|---|
Accessablity | Compost should be user friendly to all those in the household as well as future tenets. The system should be reachable for dumping as well as turning. | |
Functionality | Able to take in compost from 4 plant-based eaters as well as garden and lawn waste. Stands up to heavy rain. Keeps food scraps inside. | |
Uses Waste | Use materials going into the waste stream to use of them. Minimizes cost. | |
Move-ablitiy | This system is not needed to last a long time but rather should be able to be deconstructed quickly in case of moving out or landlord changing. |
Construction
Here is how I revamped the oversized pallet system to fit the needs of my household.
How to Build
Conclusion
Video Demonstration
Here is a short video showing and explaining the compost system before and after:
Short video on how to navigate the system.
Troubleshooting
From the first design to the second, these were some adjustments I made. I also made a flow chat to help figure out what is wrong with your compost and how to fix it.
Problem | Suggestion |
---|---|
Compost not decomposing | to small of compost for space |
Cannot reach back of bays | shorten system |
Food falling from sides | close holes in pannels |
Lessons learned
Building a compost system on a larger scale is very obtainable. Even this rustic one has a nice aesthetic and functions well. Getting to learn from what the inside is doing is the real challenge. Overall, this compost operated as both a windrow pile that could simply sit and decompose over less than a season's time. Or it can be turned to speed up the process. Harvesting finished compost felt great! And the plants enjoyed it!