Forums > Social Discussion > Urban composting: maybe not such a hot idea
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HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
So one thing I was really excited about in moving to SF was the urban composting program. Basically, you have a green bin. You put all your compostables in the bin and they pick it up once a week. Great, right?
Well, I overlooked one small detail: now I have a compost bin outside my apartment building. It stinks. There are black flies the size of small sparrows coming in my windows all the time. The smell can get nauseating. And even once emptied, the bin still stinks and still attracts the flies.
Did I mention the stink and the flies?
So yeah, I think urban composting isn't such a great idea, after all.
My alternative is this: In-sink garbage disposal. See, the entire idea of composting is to return organic matter to the biosphere, rather than burying it in a landfill where it sits and does nothing. An in-sink disposal reduces organic waste to tiny particles that can then be easily broken down by bacteria or filter feeders and returned to the biosphere. It's also more convenient and it doesn't cause stink and flies.
So I won't be composting. I'll be throwing it down the drain with the grinder on.
So one thing I was really excited about in moving to SF was the urban composting program. Basically, you have a green bin. You put all your compostables in the bin and they pick it up once a week. Great, right?
Well, I overlooked one small detail: now I have a compost bin outside my apartment building. It stinks. There are black flies the size of small sparrows coming in my windows all the time. The smell can get nauseating. And even once emptied, the bin still stinks and still attracts the flies.
Did I mention the stink and the flies?
So yeah, I think urban composting isn't such a great idea, after all.
My alternative is this: In-sink garbage disposal. See, the entire idea of composting is to return organic matter to the biosphere, rather than burying it in a landfill where it sits and does nothing. An in-sink disposal reduces organic waste to tiny particles that can then be easily broken down by bacteria or filter feeders and returned to the biosphere. It's also more convenient and it doesn't cause stink and flies.
So I won't be composting. I'll be throwing it down the drain with the grinder on.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
SILVER Member
old hand
784 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
old hand
784 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
We have a weekly collection where I live. I agree, the aroma is prety awful- to me reminiscent of death and vomit.
There are a couple of things you can do to lessen it a little. Obviously leaving the bin out of the sun is one. Are you allowed to put newspaper in the bin? Wrapping everything up first can help. Corn starch bags are even better- unfortunately we're not allowed to use them here.
Your sink idea sounds good. As does striving to produce less waste in the first place
We have a weekly collection where I live. I agree, the aroma is prety awful- to me reminiscent of death and vomit.
There are a couple of things you can do to lessen it a little. Obviously leaving the bin out of the sun is one. Are you allowed to put newspaper in the bin? Wrapping everything up first can help. Corn starch bags are even better- unfortunately we're not allowed to use them here.
Your sink idea sounds good. As does striving to produce less waste in the first place
XLenX
Devoted although mostly absent owner of the 1, the original... Asena
BRONZE Member
veteran
1,247 posts
Location: lost, Canada
veteran
1,247 posts
Location: lost, Canada
Posted:
hmn, surely someone has designed a better bin with a filter or more effective lid system?
Yeah, compost smell is harsh. I live in the country, so we just put it out of the way and layer leaves and clippings, no worries. I had not really thought about an urban environment.
What about worm composting? I have friends that do that, and never mentionned smell. Ii will ask what is involved...
good luck!
a
hmn, surely someone has designed a better bin with a filter or more effective lid system?
Yeah, compost smell is harsh. I live in the country, so we just put it out of the way and layer leaves and clippings, no worries. I had not really thought about an urban environment.
What about worm composting? I have friends that do that, and never mentionned smell. Ii will ask what is involved...
good luck!
a
"God *was* my co-pilot, but then we crashed, and I had to eat him..."
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
My co-op in college composted. The smell is only an issue when you turn the compost. But remember, compost must be tended (turned weekly) and then you have to do something with the resulting compost.
SF can do that, but honestly, even with daily pick-ups, the bins still stink. And you can't dump bleach in because that kills all the compost critters.
My co-op in college composted. The smell is only an issue when you turn the compost. But remember, compost must be tended (turned weekly) and then you have to do something with the resulting compost.
SF can do that, but honestly, even with daily pick-ups, the bins still stink. And you can't dump bleach in because that kills all the compost critters.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
SILVER Member
old hand
784 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
old hand
784 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
I never had any problem with my own garden compost, because I was selective about what went in there. If anything it always smelled quite sweet and earthy and nice.
Our council collected bins take everything- including pet food, meat and fish food waste as well as cooked food waste. All the stuff I wouldn't put in my own compost!
I never had any problem with my own garden compost, because I was selective about what went in there. If anything it always smelled quite sweet and earthy and nice.
Our council collected bins take everything- including pet food, meat and fish food waste as well as cooked food waste. All the stuff I wouldn't put in my own compost!
XLenX
Devoted although mostly absent owner of the 1, the original... Asena
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,107 posts
Location: In a test pit, Mackay, Australia
old hand
1,107 posts
Location: In a test pit, Mackay, Australia
Posted:
The state government has asked us not to use the garbage disposal here; it adds nutrients to the water that is causing algal growth on the Great Barrier Reef, we have to be careful not to overload the effluents for the same reason. You don't want to be putting stuff in the sea unnecessarily
Living in blowfly county as I do, the solution is in your kitchen; the freezer. Put all your waste in it until bin day and put the frozen stuff out for the garbos to take.
The state government has asked us not to use the garbage disposal here; it adds nutrients to the water that is causing algal growth on the Great Barrier Reef, we have to be careful not to overload the effluents for the same reason. You don't want to be putting stuff in the sea unnecessarily
Living in blowfly county as I do, the solution is in your kitchen; the freezer. Put all your waste in it until bin day and put the frozen stuff out for the garbos to take.
There is a slight possibility that I am not actually right all of the time.
SILVER Member
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
Posted:
I've composted in my (suburban back yard for years and *real* compost doesn't smell bad at all. Real compost is made from... vege scraps LAYERED with grass clippings, other green stuff, torn up newspaper, ash, soil (preferably with a high compost content from previous bins) plenty of worms etcetc. AND kept moist and VERY aerated with regular turning and slots in the sides of the bin. With no cooked food or meat scraps. Fresh grass clippings are really excellent, to keep it at a high temp so it 'cooks' quickly.
This is all very different to just a 'bin' sitting out on the street with god knows what... particularly with cooked food and meat scraps... UGH!!!
Sorry Doc, but this post, so soon after the delerious happiness of moving to SF reminds me of the Corrupt a Wish thread
I've composted in my (suburban back yard for years and *real* compost doesn't smell bad at all. Real compost is made from... vege scraps LAYERED with grass clippings, other green stuff, torn up newspaper, ash, soil (preferably with a high compost content from previous bins) plenty of worms etcetc. AND kept moist and VERY aerated with regular turning and slots in the sides of the bin. With no cooked food or meat scraps. Fresh grass clippings are really excellent, to keep it at a high temp so it 'cooks' quickly.
This is all very different to just a 'bin' sitting out on the street with god knows what... particularly with cooked food and meat scraps... UGH!!!
Sorry Doc, but this post, so soon after the delerious happiness of moving to SF reminds me of the Corrupt a Wish thread
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
SILVER Member
Rum-Swilling Combustioneer
227 posts
Location: Macungie, PA, USA
Rum-Swilling Combustioneer
227 posts
Location: Macungie, PA, USA
Posted:
Doc, remember to always save your orange peels and other delicious smelling things for last! Freshens up the whole sink.....
Doc, remember to always save your orange peels and other delicious smelling things for last! Freshens up the whole sink.....
Bouncing Baby Pipe!
GOLD Member
Now with extra strawberries
810 posts
Location: Canberra, Australia
Now with extra strawberries
810 posts
Location: Canberra, Australia
Posted:
Yup what new gabe said should help you out.
Also if your bin has left over stink after it is emptied try giving it a wash with vineger mixed with hot water. That is a great way to remove stink build up.
Yup what new gabe said should help you out.
Also if your bin has left over stink after it is emptied try giving it a wash with vineger mixed with hot water. That is a great way to remove stink build up.
I {Heart} hand me downs and spinning in the snow.<br /><br />
SILVER Member
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
Posted:
I get the impression this is not Doc's own bin that he can manage... but a sort of big communal bin or something?
I get the impression this is not Doc's own bin that he can manage... but a sort of big communal bin or something?
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
SILVER Member
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
Posted:
I get the impression though that Doc's problem is not a small private bin he can empty, but a big commmunal sort of thing?
If it IS small, then of course you can wash it out with bleach. Just rinse the bleach off afterwards... I used to do that with my kitchen compost bin if it ever got a bit rank in the summer.
I get the impression though that Doc's problem is not a small private bin he can empty, but a big commmunal sort of thing?
If it IS small, then of course you can wash it out with bleach. Just rinse the bleach off afterwards... I used to do that with my kitchen compost bin if it ever got a bit rank in the summer.
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
GOLD Member
Now with extra strawberries
810 posts
Location: Canberra, Australia
Now with extra strawberries
810 posts
Location: Canberra, Australia
Posted:
Oh, i thought it would be one of those ones like they have in melbourn. Like a regular recycling bin but smaller. Hmmm would be trickie if it were comunal.
Oh, i thought it would be one of those ones like they have in melbourn. Like a regular recycling bin but smaller. Hmmm would be trickie if it were comunal.
I {Heart} hand me downs and spinning in the snow.<br /><br />
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Yeah, composting good. Compost bins bad.
Gabe, I love it here. You don't have to love 100% of everything about a place to love it. The street system is a bewildering mess and the public transportation system leaves a lot to be desired. I could go on and on about things about SF that are annoying (45° hills you have to walk up). But I love it here.
Not such a fan of big, plastic bins full of rotting food, though.
Written by :newgabe
I'This is all very different to just a 'bin' sitting out on the street with god knows what... particularly with cooked food and meat scraps... UGH!!!
Sorry Doc, but this post, so soon after the delerious happiness of moving to SF reminds me of the Corrupt a Wish thread
Yeah, composting good. Compost bins bad.
Gabe, I love it here. You don't have to love 100% of everything about a place to love it. The street system is a bewildering mess and the public transportation system leaves a lot to be desired. I could go on and on about things about SF that are annoying (45° hills you have to walk up). But I love it here.
Not such a fan of big, plastic bins full of rotting food, though.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Yeah, for the whole apartment building. It's like a regular recycling bin, but it's for the whole apartment building. And even if it were my own, it's rotting food sitting outside for a week. Blackflies the size of jumbo jets using my apartment for a holding pattern. Yick!
Written by :newgabe
I get the impression this is not Doc's own bin that he can manage... but a sort of big communal bin or something?
Yeah, for the whole apartment building. It's like a regular recycling bin, but it's for the whole apartment building. And even if it were my own, it's rotting food sitting outside for a week. Blackflies the size of jumbo jets using my apartment for a holding pattern. Yick!
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
GOLD Member
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posted:
when i lived in sydney - a few suburbs i lived in had 'green waste' bins as well as garbage and recyclables bins. it was great - but it was a sprwaling suburban area - so you could have 1 green waste bin per house without concentrated stench. never seen it at an apartment block tho.
when i lived in sydney - a few suburbs i lived in had 'green waste' bins as well as garbage and recyclables bins. it was great - but it was a sprwaling suburban area - so you could have 1 green waste bin per house without concentrated stench. never seen it at an apartment block tho.
"Here kitty kitty...." - Schroedinger.
BRONZE Member
veteran
1,247 posts
Location: lost, Canada
veteran
1,247 posts
Location: lost, Canada
Posted:
i think before giving up on it it might be worth talking to others in the building, and/or to whoever runs the program, and see if the composting unit( the container itself, location, screening etc) and or system ( who puts what in it, when it gets picked up etc) can be better planned so that is not an issue.
The point is that people comfortable use these things consistantly . So if it is not effective due to the black fly issue,and smell, then it needs to be redesigned and improved, not abandoned. It seems an easy task, to start at any rate...
i think before giving up on it it might be worth talking to others in the building, and/or to whoever runs the program, and see if the composting unit( the container itself, location, screening etc) and or system ( who puts what in it, when it gets picked up etc) can be better planned so that is not an issue.
The point is that people comfortable use these things consistantly . So if it is not effective due to the black fly issue,and smell, then it needs to be redesigned and improved, not abandoned. It seems an easy task, to start at any rate...
"God *was* my co-pilot, but then we crashed, and I had to eat him..."
SILVER Member
Elusive and Bearded
3,597 posts
Location: Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Elusive and Bearded
3,597 posts
Location: Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Posted:
If it's communal then what will YOU not putting your waste in help? wont everyone else that does still do it and still have the flies around?
If it's communal then what will YOU not putting your waste in help? wont everyone else that does still do it and still have the flies around?
O.B.E.S.E.
Owned by Mynci!
SILVER Member
old hand
768 posts
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
old hand
768 posts
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Posted:
I thought I already posted in here but I guess not. Doc, I'm well familiar with the bins you speak of (seeing as we're practically neighbors now!!!). Part of the problem is, while those bins are for organic materials, they're not actual compost bins. For the benefit of the non-San Francisco residents: they're temporary holding containers, which the City then empties out and the contents are taken to the place where the actual composting happens (I think in Golden Gate Park somewhere). Electric Blue -- they are the same as our recycling bins, but green.
Compost, when done properly, doesn't really smell. Do you know if your neighbors might be putting in things that shouldn't be in there? Like meat scraps or dairy products. At our building, me & my partner have our own bin (because we take care of the garden ourselves) and there's a separate, larger bin for the rest of the building. One of my neighbors was putting cheese in it, which is what that bin ended up smelling like. If there are black flies buzzing around, my guess is stuff is going in that shouldn't be. I would address that first before scrapping (hee hee) the whole thing.
I thought I already posted in here but I guess not. Doc, I'm well familiar with the bins you speak of (seeing as we're practically neighbors now!!!). Part of the problem is, while those bins are for organic materials, they're not actual compost bins. For the benefit of the non-San Francisco residents: they're temporary holding containers, which the City then empties out and the contents are taken to the place where the actual composting happens (I think in Golden Gate Park somewhere). Electric Blue -- they are the same as our recycling bins, but green.
Compost, when done properly, doesn't really smell. Do you know if your neighbors might be putting in things that shouldn't be in there? Like meat scraps or dairy products. At our building, me & my partner have our own bin (because we take care of the garden ourselves) and there's a separate, larger bin for the rest of the building. One of my neighbors was putting cheese in it, which is what that bin ended up smelling like. If there are black flies buzzing around, my guess is stuff is going in that shouldn't be. I would address that first before scrapping (hee hee) the whole thing.
taken out of context i must seem so strange
~ ani di franco
crazy mofo
99 posts
Location: Southport, lancashire
99 posts
Location: Southport, lancashire
Posted:
In my own town we've been forced to start the whole recycling buisness, one bin for paper one for glass one for cans one for general rubbish and one for composting. I'm a bit of a petrol head and for years ive been recycling anyway trying to componsate in a small way for all the fuel i burn, so i was glad about the madetory recycling, but collections come in three week blocks one week general rubbish the next compost and the week after glass and paper, and its awfull you end up with stuff thats been in the bins for three weeks and in summer you can imagine how much it stinks, so a tip i got told that does work to a certain extent is to layer your waste with baking soda (like what you do with the fridge) it does work as long as theres a lid to the bins and its kept closed
In my own town we've been forced to start the whole recycling buisness, one bin for paper one for glass one for cans one for general rubbish and one for composting. I'm a bit of a petrol head and for years ive been recycling anyway trying to componsate in a small way for all the fuel i burn, so i was glad about the madetory recycling, but collections come in three week blocks one week general rubbish the next compost and the week after glass and paper, and its awfull you end up with stuff thats been in the bins for three weeks and in summer you can imagine how much it stinks, so a tip i got told that does work to a certain extent is to layer your waste with baking soda (like what you do with the fridge) it does work as long as theres a lid to the bins and its kept closed
Yo Yo Yo motherfcukers
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
SF composts meat, which is part of the problem: https://www.sfrecycling.com/residential/composting.php?t=r
I'd rather see it get ground up, go down the drain, and then go to an appropriate treatment plant where the waste is filtered/centrifuged and THAT is composted or otherwise used for something useful.
Written by :_khan_
Compost, when done properly, doesn't really smell. Do you know if your neighbors might be putting in things that shouldn't be in there? Like meat scraps or dairy products.
SF composts meat, which is part of the problem: https://www.sfrecycling.com/residential/composting.php?t=r
I'd rather see it get ground up, go down the drain, and then go to an appropriate treatment plant where the waste is filtered/centrifuged and THAT is composted or otherwise used for something useful.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
GOLD Member
Now with extra strawberries
810 posts
Location: Canberra, Australia
Now with extra strawberries
810 posts
Location: Canberra, Australia
Posted:
Hmm it is a tricky problem.
We are lucky as far as recycling goes here, They take the normal bins once a week and they recycling every second week. We don't yet have the compost type bins but i think we might soon.
I think if there were brought in here they should collect them once a week and then only collect the normal bins every second.
Hmm it is a tricky problem.
We are lucky as far as recycling goes here, They take the normal bins once a week and they recycling every second week. We don't yet have the compost type bins but i think we might soon.
I think if there were brought in here they should collect them once a week and then only collect the normal bins every second.
I {Heart} hand me downs and spinning in the snow.<br /><br />
BRONZE Member
had her carpal tunnel surgery already thanks v much
4,145 posts
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
had her carpal tunnel surgery already thanks v much
4,145 posts
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
Posted:
DON'T wrap stuff in newspaper. It's the perfect environment for getting stuff very mouldy in no time and exposing yourself to the spores every time you open the bin.
Also if you get one of those there is no need to turn the compost. Might be the best solution for you.
DON'T wrap stuff in newspaper. It's the perfect environment for getting stuff very mouldy in no time and exposing yourself to the spores every time you open the bin.
Also if you get one of those there is no need to turn the compost. Might be the best solution for you.
"vices are like genitals - most are ugly to behold, and yet we find that our own are dear to us."
(G.W. Dahlquist)
Owner of Dragosani's left half
GOLD Member
Now with extra strawberries
810 posts
Location: Canberra, Australia
Now with extra strawberries
810 posts
Location: Canberra, Australia
Posted:
spores... *shudder*
Spores give me the creeps. Ewww.
spores... *shudder*
Spores give me the creeps. Ewww.
I {Heart} hand me downs and spinning in the snow.<br /><br />
SILVER Member
lurking like a ninja with no camouflage..
926 posts
Location: over yonder, New Zealand
lurking like a ninja with no camouflage..
926 posts
Location: over yonder, New Zealand
Posted:
some spores are nice....
we have a wee composting bin outside that needs waste and other things..can you put things like shredded cardboard or branches to make it more like compost and less like rotting food? like to start the composting process before its taken away? not sure how much it would take the smell away...but any kind of citrus oil will help to take the bad smell away. I use old aromatherapy oils that cant be used for therapeutic measures in the compost bin (and down the sink too when it smells a bit funky) which seems to help..
some spores are nice....
we have a wee composting bin outside that needs waste and other things..can you put things like shredded cardboard or branches to make it more like compost and less like rotting food? like to start the composting process before its taken away? not sure how much it would take the smell away...but any kind of citrus oil will help to take the bad smell away. I use old aromatherapy oils that cant be used for therapeutic measures in the compost bin (and down the sink too when it smells a bit funky) which seems to help..
on spam robots - "Burn the robot! Melt him down, and then we can make lots and lots of money from his shiiiny juices!"
Owned by Brenn 
GOLD Member
Now with extra strawberries
810 posts
Location: Canberra, Australia
Now with extra strawberries
810 posts
Location: Canberra, Australia
Posted:
Hmm i think citrus oils would be a no go. Arnt you not supose to put citrus fruit in the compost? or is that in a worm farm? I can't remember.
Hmm i think citrus oils would be a no go. Arnt you not supose to put citrus fruit in the compost? or is that in a worm farm? I can't remember.
I {Heart} hand me downs and spinning in the snow.<br /><br />
SILVER Member
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
Posted:
These ideas for making compost properly are great, but not really what Doc is talking about I think. They are not actually MAKING the compost in a bin outside his flat.. but just collecting scraps that are taken away to be made into compost somewhere else. And a main problem with the system there would seem to be meat scraps.. not normally part of compost.
These ideas for making compost properly are great, but not really what Doc is talking about I think. They are not actually MAKING the compost in a bin outside his flat.. but just collecting scraps that are taken away to be made into compost somewhere else. And a main problem with the system there would seem to be meat scraps.. not normally part of compost.
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
GOLD Member
Now with extra strawberries
810 posts
Location: Canberra, Australia
Now with extra strawberries
810 posts
Location: Canberra, Australia
Posted:
Yes, i understand.
Yes, i understand.
I {Heart} hand me downs and spinning in the snow.<br /><br />
Pinker than thou
336 posts
Location: A little pink world all my own..
336 posts
Location: A little pink world all my own..
Posted:
If I remember right that's just cos the peel takes absolutely ages to break down. (Similarly why it's not OK to chuck citrus peel into hedgerows etc. Oh, and banananananananana* skins too)
Strikes me that the biggest problem with the SF system is the meat part. WT
?? If nothing else, that's just one huge great neon flashing invitation to vermin.
*an easy word to spell, the trick is knowing when to stop...
Written by :ElectricBlue
Arnt you not supose to put citrus fruit in the compost?
If I remember right that's just cos the peel takes absolutely ages to break down. (Similarly why it's not OK to chuck citrus peel into hedgerows etc. Oh, and banananananananana* skins too)
Strikes me that the biggest problem with the SF system is the meat part. WT
?? If nothing else, that's just one huge great neon flashing invitation to vermin.*an easy word to spell, the trick is knowing when to stop...
A wise man once said: "You have two ears and one mouth, therefore you should shut the 
up and listen" (though, to be fair, he might not've put it _quite_ like that..)
SILVER Member
lurking like a ninja with no camouflage..
926 posts
Location: over yonder, New Zealand
lurking like a ninja with no camouflage..
926 posts
Location: over yonder, New Zealand
Posted:
gabe, yeah totally, but im not sure if composting it before its taken away makes it smell nicer or not..
Surely Doc, you could make a sign about 'no meat' with some sort of sexual innuendo running through it?
gabe, yeah totally, but im not sure if composting it before its taken away makes it smell nicer or not..
Surely Doc, you could make a sign about 'no meat' with some sort of sexual innuendo running through it?
on spam robots - "Burn the robot! Melt him down, and then we can make lots and lots of money from his shiiiny juices!"
Owned by Brenn
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
I know of several very large compost systems that do use meat and just about anything else. You need a large compost system for it to work and you have to be willing to accept the stink. Apparently SF would rather compost meat than send it to a landfill. I would rather grind it up and send it down the drain.
Written by :PinkNigel
Strikes me that the biggest problem with the SF system is the meat part. WT
I know of several very large compost systems that do use meat and just about anything else. You need a large compost system for it to work and you have to be willing to accept the stink. Apparently SF would rather compost meat than send it to a landfill. I would rather grind it up and send it down the drain.
Written by
(Banana) *an easy word to spell, the trick is knowing when to stop...
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
GOLD Member
member
165 posts
Location: Australia
member
165 posts
Location: Australia
Posted:
the amount of energy needed to grind something up in a disposal unit and then transport it and then treat it must be huge?!
Why don't people in apartments use something like this?
https://www.biome.com.au/shop_index.php?cPath=36_52
Haven't used one myself (i have a sprawling compost heap at home that has practically evolved legs) but it would make much more sense for the council to be subsidising something like this and collecting the compost/using it in community gardens/window boxes?
good luck with the flies!
x
the amount of energy needed to grind something up in a disposal unit and then transport it and then treat it must be huge?!
Why don't people in apartments use something like this?
https://www.biome.com.au/shop_index.php?cPath=36_52
Haven't used one myself (i have a sprawling compost heap at home that has practically evolved legs) but it would make much more sense for the council to be subsidising something like this and collecting the compost/using it in community gardens/window boxes?
good luck with the flies!
x
... simplify ...
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