Setting Up & Starting Your Hotbin (100l/200l models) Hotbins are flying out these days! #CompostAwarenessWeek Here is a quick guide on setting up your Hotbin. Hope it's helpful! The Hotbin arrives ready assembled but you'll need to think about the best spot for it. ♻️ The Hotbin charcoal filter in the lid minimises any composting odours so you can situate the Hotbin near to your house for convenience. Ideally, you'll be adding waste every 2-3 days once the Hotbin is up and running! ♻️ The Hotbin can be located outside on a firm level surface. Sun or shade! ♻️ Attach the cam straps provided. ♻️ Open the valve by 2mm. Leave open and keep clear to allow air to circulate. ♻️ Ensure the area in front of the aeration base plate is kept clear. ♻️ Install fertiliser unit (included). Ensure blue cap is finger tight but try not to over tighten. ♻️ Start adding your base layer. Starting the Hotbin - Building the base layer The base layer is the volume of waste required to start the hot composting process. This volume is indicated by the top of the hatch. It can be added in one go or bit by bit, depending on how much waste you have available. ♻️ Add a thin scattering of twigs into the empty bin. ♻️ Add chopped, easy to digest waste with some bulking agent (supplied) & shredded paper. Do not add all of the bulking agent supplied! ♻️ Keep adding waste. Once the base layer is achieved, the temperature should increase within a week. ♻️ Carry on composting! ⚠️ Always check the internal temperature before adding cooked food waste, meat, fish, leftovers, diseased plant material & weeds. Some will require temperature of 40-60+ degrees to break down. Use the thermometer supplied, not the thermometer on the top of the bin. Keep the user guide to hand for more information. More information: https://www.quickcrop.ie/hotbin-composters/ #linkinbio #hotbin #hotcomposting #hotbintips #quickcrop #hotcomposting #compost #gardencompost #composting #compostbins #quickcomposting #closetheloop #gardenwaste #kitchenwaste #foodwaste #zerofoodwaste #homecomposting #composter #organicgarden #sustainablegarden #sustainability #selfsufficiency #irishgarden
Hot bin tip ahoy! Turns out that wedge cheese boxes 🧀work really well for collecting the leachate ☕ from the base of the bin. How much leachate the bin produces will vary depending on what exactly you're putting into it and what temperature it's running at. For the past few weeks, each day ours has produced the exact amount to fill the cheese box - so satisfying! (Yes, I probably need to get more😉). 🚨The leachate here is paler than it should be (it should ideally be a dark brown) indicating that there's excess water in the bin. We've been adding more card and woodchips to the bin to improve the balance. 👩🔬 #hotbincomposting #leachate #hotbintips #needtoimprovetherecipe #idonteveneatcheese