Scrappy Central

I really wanted Santa to bring me worms for Christmas.  I hit up every relative when they inquired what I might like.  I can't really say I was surprised when none of the tower of gifts contained the Red Wigglers I requested.

I have read (here: http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/22095854391389323_PJTfPqfB_b.jpg) how to set up an apartment-sized compost bin sans worms.   I did get a pleasant little kitchen scrap keeper. I started using it as soon as we returned from our holiday travels.

Gift from my lovely sister to kick start my composting.

By Tuesday, it was full.  I had no choice but to build the next stage bin Wednesday night. 
This counter composter is rather standard. It is a heavy ceramic with a filter in the lid. My sis thoughtfully provided me with an spare filter with the order info for more.

From Saturday to Tuesday, I would say that I cooked less than normal so I'm a little worried about how fast this baby filled up.  What was in it?  Coffee grounds with the paper filter, orange peels, egg shells, garlic peels (loads of them), and odds and ends of some veggies.

I used a hammer and nail (and a bit of brute force) to put the recommended 10-12 holes in both the lid and the base of the bind. I used a thin pointed nail, then worked through a larger nail through each of the holes.  I started this lovely project after the kid went to bed so I was happy to not need to break out the drill.  But note to self, my fingers would appreciate the drill after all the nail wiggling to enlarge the hole.

Bins: 2 as recommended

The articles I read recommended having 2 bins because the worm-less process is a bit slower.  I have dry paper scraps (junk mail and all that brown kraft paper that Amazon sends in their packaging.)  The dry scraps (dead plant leaves and stray hairs can be used as well.)  

No drill used.  Hoping for the best in terms of aeration and drainage.

One of the tips I hope to follow:  Have scrap paper on hand to keep the smell at bay.  In order to keep this whole decomposition process moving quickly it is key to have everything small.  Small veggies scraps, small pieces of paper.  I think I might have to enlist the kid to work on his scissor skills on getting this paper cut up. Or a shredder might be in my future. 

The first layer is first, then paper, then scraps, then more paper.  (see pics below)  I closed up the bin, then placed that bin inside a larger bin and tucked it into the corner.  When I came home from work the next night, I noticed that a corner was popped up.  Did I not seal the box tightly?  Or did it pop open from the decomposition process?  I'm thinking the prior. (It was WAY past my bedtime when I finished.  And then I decided to toss in a dryer sheet into the bin to ward off the evils of smell.) 

Layer of paper

Four inches of potting soil to start things off

And then the layer of scraps....I will post again when the kitchen counter bin is full again to report back on the progress on this batch.  Oh who am I kidding?  I'm sure I will be nosing into the bin well before then.