I have now had my hot bin for one year, after having just checked, it is full of useable compost -well that is a first for me! The compost is a bit wet (what isn’t at present?) but its ok as a mulch for some favoured plants.
Is it still worth its place in the garden? I would say so. Even though it stated in the original advert that useable compost was possible within approx 8 to 10 weeks. I can’t see it! Unless everything you add had first been placed through a shedder. It is neat and tidy and looks much better than a conventional compost heap.
The brown waste bin, supplied by the local authority, is still, in my opinion, worth its weight in gold, an essential part of my garden. Being full every two weeks -and I mean full!!!!
I have become an expert in waste management; in that I have a pair of step ladders at my back door and when the bin appears to be full, I climb up the steps and into the bin, jump up and down until there is more space.
The bin is usually so full and heavy that I expect to see only a pair of handles remaining when the empty button on the bin wagon is pressed.
The hot bin, I seem to use purely for kitchen waste. How is this possible, when there are only two of us in the house, plus visiting children and grandchildren requiring feeding? My peely bin requires emptying once or twice a week -so what do I put in it, well vegetable peelings, remains of fruit and vegetables, all food waste and stale bread (there are only so many bread and butter puddings one can eat).
I have to confess to not following the hot bin instructions to the letter, which is usual for me. It clearly stated that to avoid wet compost, I was to add a couple of handfuls of bark each time. I added shredded paper which I thought would mop up the moisture and some bark, but not enough. Must try harder!
Maggie Duguid
Text and photos by Maggie Duguid, who is a member of the HPS North East Group.
