Our Composting
What is our proposed process?
Aerobic Composting
Aerobic composting is one of the two types of composting, distinguished by the types of microorganisms used to decompose organic material during the composting process. In aerobic composting, these microorganisms require exposure to air in order to survive and decompose compost. Most composting in the natural world is aerobic composting. The rotating in-vessel composter accelerates the process, as rotating the contents allows the microorganisms to be exposed to more air. Adding water similarly increases the efficiency of the composting process.
Anaerobic Composting
Anaerobic composting utilizes microorganisms that do not require exposure to air to survive. In nature, this type of composition mostly occurs underground. Anaerobic composting differs from aerobic composting because it uses different microorganisms to decompose the food, and also creates a more acidic environment for the organic material. Although anaerobic microorganisms can compost the same substances, certain materials take longer, including seeds and pathogens found in compost.
Why Compost Aerobically vs. Anaerobically?
There are many disadvantages to anaerobic composting. First, anaerobic composting takes a significantly longer time to fully decompose. Anaerobic composting also creates a stronger smell and attracts more insects and animals. Finally, anaerobic composting creates an acidic environment that produces high levels of pH and prevents the immediate use of the new soil, as the acid would kill the plants that came into contact with it. Because of this, the soil created through anaerobic composting must neutralize first, a process that can take up to one month. Anaerobic composting takes longer, creates a stronger odor, and attracts more pests than aerobic composting. It also produces methane in greater quantities, a greenhouse gas that is 21 times more potent than the carbon dioxide produced by aerobic composting.
In-vessel Composting
In-vessel composting refers to the process of composting organic material in a controlled, contained, and enclosed environment. Factors that are controlled during the composting process include temperature, moisture, and airborne emissions. Through in-vessel composting, rotating the contents of the vessel can expedite the composting process. Unlike tradition composting methods, in-vessel composting allows organic material to decompose faster. By constantly controlling the composting environment, variable weather conditions no longer affect the decomposition. Time efficiency is not the only benefit to composting in a contained vessel. In-vessel composting takes up very little space and can be implemented virtually anywhere.