Understanding the Functioning of Indoor Automatic Composting Systems

If one man's trash truly becomes another man's treasure, it means that the 250 million tons of waste produced yearly by Americans are just waiting to be transformed into valuable resources [source: EPA: Waste]. This type of wealth doesn't refer to money, but to the environmental benefits that can be reaped from this waste.

However, only about one-third of the waste generated each year in the United States is repurposed through methods like recycling (for paper, plastic, glass, and metal) or composting (which involves recycling organic materials such as food scraps and yard waste) [source: EPA: Waste]. Composting relies on microorganisms found in soil to decompose organic materials in waste, turning them into a valuable fertilizer for gardens and lawns.

Home composting has traditionally been an outdoor activity, typically involving piles or heaps. While this method allows for greater flexibility in the volume of material added at any time, it demands ongoing care, including maintaining moisture levels and turning the pile regularly. Now, indoor automatic composting systems have emerged as an easier alternative, allowing individuals to engage in composting and keep it sustainable over time.

In this article, we’ll dive into the workings of indoor automated composting systems, exploring the technology behind their operation, what they look like, and the space they require. We’ll also discuss how well these systems perform while avoiding potential drawbacks like strong odors or high maintenance costs. Finally, we’ll weigh the overall impact: Are the maintenance efforts justified by the environmental benefits, or could these systems be a game-changer in making the world greener?

Home Composting Basics

To understand the development of indoor automatic composting systems, it’s helpful to first explore the fundamentals of traditional outdoor composting. Methods such as field, sheet, and trench composting are large-scale techniques typically employed at community, county, or state levels as an alternative to landfills.

When starting a home composting project outdoors, the first step is to choose a dry spot, preferably near a water source. The size of the area depends on the scale of the compost pile or bin you plan to use. Once the location is selected, the basic ingredients required for composting remain the same:

[source: EPA: Compost]

One technique is to combine the brown and green materials together, ensuring any dry ingredients are moistened, then covering the pile with a tarp. Alternatively, you can layer the materials, starting with a 6-inch layer of brown materials, followed by 3-inch layers of green and brown, mixing the pile once a week.

It can take anywhere from a month to a year or more for compost to be ready for use. The duration depends on several factors, including:

Once you grasp the fundamentals of traditional home composting, it becomes clear why automated systems were developed. Continue reading to discover the details of these systems.

The Inner Workings of Automatic Indoor Composters

Running a traditional outdoor composting system efficiently at home can be challenging. You must consider building the compost, balancing the ingredients, ensuring the piles are properly maintained, and monitoring climate conditions. These factors led to the creation of automatic indoor composting systems.

Let’s begin by examining the key components of a standard automatic indoor composting system and how they work together to make the process smoother. Most automatic indoor composters consist of the following essential parts:

To use the unit, start by placing the waste into the machine, usually by lifting a hinged lid on top. Depending on the model, you might also need to add some soil, sawdust pellets, and a small amount of baking soda, which is commonly recommended to balance the acidity levels.

The waste is then moved to an internal chamber that handles heating, mixing, and aeration. The resulting fertilizer is then passed through a second chamber into a cure tray that easily slides out. Most automatic models also feature a control panel on the front, allowing users to adjust settings as needed.

The entire composting cycle typically takes 10-14 days, much faster than traditional outdoor methods, which can take months or even years. However, the overall output from indoor composting systems is smaller compared to outdoor systems (cure trays can hold up to 5 pounds of waste before requiring clearing).

Now that you're familiar with the main components of an automatic indoor composter, read on to explore the pros and cons to determine if such a system is right for you.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Automatic Composters

Many automatic indoor composting units can process up to 120 pounds (55 kilograms) of waste each month [source: Nature Mill]. However, these units come with some drawbacks, such as maintenance concerns, potential odors, increased energy consumption, and noise during operation. Additionally, finding a compact location for all the necessary components and ensuring it's conveniently placed without taking up too much space can also be challenging.

Most automatic composters are built from a combination of stainless steel and aluminum, although many also incorporate plastic parts made from recycled materials. Newer models have a sleek, modern look, often resembling a large coffee pot, espresso machine, or slow cooker. These units typically weigh between 10 and 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kilograms) and occupy about the same space as a standard kitchen garbage can, measuring roughly 20 inches tall, 20 inches deep, and 12 inches wide. Some models can even be installed in cabinets, similar to trash compactors that slide in and out to blend seamlessly with your cabinetry.

While automatic composters are primarily designed for indoor use in kitchens, laundry rooms, utility rooms, or garages, some models can be used outdoors if necessary. If you're planning to use one indoors, you might want to choose a model with thermal insulation and airtight sealing to prevent one of the main issues: unpleasant odors from escaping into your home.

Regardless of where you place your composter, managing the smell they produce can be a challenge. If a strong odor emerges, it usually indicates that the system needs more frequent turning or aeration. While automated systems generally maintain aeration, it's still a good idea to check the unit to ensure it's functioning correctly. Additionally, using carbon filters inside the unit can help keep the smell under control.

One possible downside to consider is the noise generated by these systems during operation. In the initial stages of the composting cycle, you may hear whirring and snapping sounds, as well as the hum of the air pumps. However, once the materials are heated and the composting process is in full swing, most units operate quietly. Before making a purchase, it's a good idea to check product reviews to find out how loud different models actually are.

As with any household appliance, regular maintenance is necessary to keep the system running smoothly. Most units come with a manufacturer’s warranty that lasts from one to three years, but there are often options for extended coverage. You'll also need to keep track of when to change the air and carbon filters, as well as when to empty and clean the system.

If you're considering adding an automatic composter to your home, read on to learn about the costs involved.

Costs of Indoor Composting

Is investing in an automated indoor composting system worth it? The initial cost for a base unit typically ranges from $300 to $400. While this is a bit less than some other household appliances like a basic dishwasher, it still exceeds the cost of more common items like a blender or toaster oven.

In addition to the upfront price and setup, you must factor in the ongoing energy expenses. Expect the system to add about 5 kwh (kilowatt hours) to your monthly energy bill, which should only amount to roughly 50 cents depending on your local rates [source: Nature Mill].

It’s also crucial to recognize cheaper indoor composting options. One alternative is anaerobic composting, which uses a fermentation process enhanced by a wheat bran-based powder. These systems are typically the size of a wastebasket and cost around $60-$80. However, without the automated process, they require more maintenance and have a higher potential for odors [source: Foley].

Another indoor method is vermicomposting, where worms are used to decompose materials. The thought of worms alone might be off-putting to some (keep in mind, we’re talking hundreds to thousands in one unit). This method costs about half as much as an automated system, but there’s little to no odor control and the risk of worms escaping from the unit [source: Foley].

If you're ready to embrace composting, can afford the initial costs, and are prepared for some of the drawbacks, investing in an automatic indoor composter could be a great choice. With many user-friendly models now available, and technological advances to reduce odors and noise, these machines offer an efficient way to contribute to environmental preservation and improvement.