Q
Can I really compost all my kitchen waste? What about bones?
A

Yes, you really can compost everything (although watery soups and stews should be drained first). You can put in fish bones, chicken carcasses and other bones. Fish bones will compost thoroughly and disappear. The chicken and larger meat bones will come out cleaned of any traces of meat (and will not be attractive to pets or vermin). Smaller chicken bones (e.g. ribs) will compost if they are in for a sufficiently long time.

Q
I want to use my cat's wood-pellet litter, but doesn't it contain chemicals?
A

You can buy 100% compostable and bio-degradable cat litter – there are plenty on the market and they can be bought in your local pet store or online.

Q
Is there anything else I can use apart from wood pellets or sawdust?
A

Coir (coconut fiber) works well, and chopped, dry straw can also be used.

Q
Can I use cardboard or shredded paper instead of wood pellets?
A

In theory, yes, but paper needs to be cross-shredded otherwise it bunches up in the machine and forms a ball. Cardboard is more of a problem as it needs to be cut up into small pieces by hand. You also need a considerable amount, so it’s better to consider this as a supplement, not a substitution.

Q
What about garden waste? Can I put this in?
A

You can put in any vegetation, except hard, woody stems and branches – these don’t have enough time to compost down, even if shredded. For this reason we don’t recommend wood chips in place of pellets or sawdust.

Q
If I put my garden weeds in, will it kill off the seeds?
A

The only common seeds that seem to be indestructible are tomato seeds. All other seeds will more than likely be destroyed by the heat generated in the machine.

Q
Can I put my grass clippings in?
A

Yes, but not recommended – if you produce a large amount on a regular basis you will fill the machine in no time and have no room for your kitchen waste!

Q
How often do I need to turn the machine?
A

Every time you put waste in – that’s all.

Q
I have a wooden shed. Can I hang the JK 125 on that?
A

Normally no, unless it is specially reinforced for the purpose. The machines are very heavy when full – the JK 125 will weigh around 270 lbs. You can concrete in a couple of 6″ x 6″ posts to attach it to, or attach the unit to a solid brick or masonry wall with suitable bolts or similar – DO NOT USE ORDINARY SCREWS AND FIXINGS. If in doubt, stand it on the ground.

Q
If I don't want to hang it on a wall, does it need to be on a firm base?
A

Yes – the legs should stand on planks, slabs or concrete, otherwise when full it could sink into soft ground.

Q
Does the process produce liquid?
A

Yes, some liquid production is unavoidable and the machines are not water-tight. Moisture content of the mixture is regulated by the wood pellets or sawdust (see the operating instructions). It is important to drain your kitchen waste of any excess liquid before you put it into the machine.