ecostrategies

Maintenance

1. What kind of maintenance is required?

   No major maintenance is required for KompostKu. The internal insulation, will turn black in time. However, the decomposition occurs aerobically therefore the JK compartments will not smell like a conventional garbage bin and does not require cleaning or washing. The maturing compartment will appear black, but dry.
   

   However, it is recommended to spray oil on the hinges to prevent them from seizing. (Spray once every 3 months)

   

   
   

   Spray oil as shown. Outside first, than open the lid and 

   
   

     spray oil on the hinges inside the composter.

   
   

   Regarding the centralized series JK5100, a periodic inspection of the shredder blade is needed. All other parts are lubricated for life, therefore no major maintenance routine is needed. Only preventive inspections according to schedule provided. 

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

Capacity

1. How do I chose the correct capacity?

   It is quite simple. Before you decide to purchase either a JK 125-270 or 400, separate all organic matter from plastic, paper, tin, glass etch.

   Use a measurable container: a 2 liter bucket for a household or a 20 liter pail for a restaurant. Place the organic matter (less any form of liquid), into the container. Record the amount of dry organic matter in liters for at least 3 days. The average, will provide you with your daily production of organic waste.

   Refer to our pricing section and chose the right unit that is suitable for you.
   

Odor

1. Does the domestic series "stink"?

   No, it does not stink provided the unit is:

   • installed in a ventilated area
   • vents do not get clogged
   • the JK is turned at least once a day

   Organic matter decompose inside the JK in an aerobic environment, therefore there is no formation of gasses
   

2. What about the JK 5100? Does it stink?

   No it does not produce any bad smell. Ventilation, mixing is automated and supply of oxygen is maintained at optimum condition at all times preventing formation of bad gasses.
   

Warranty

1. What about warranty?

   All JK have a one year warranty against manufacturing defects.
   

Usage

1. How to use the JK?

   Our JK are supplied with an "easy use" kit to help you separate the unwanted liquids from the daily organic matter.

   Than the procedures are quite simple:

   1. open the JK lid
   2. dump the organic matter
   3. sprinkle a bit of saw dust on top of the fresh organic matter
      
   4. close the JK lid
   5. Pull any one of the handled to give the JK a couple of turns

   That's all!...enjoy composting!
   

   
   

2. What can I dump into the JK?

   Anything organic.

   Vegetables, fruits, fish, fish bones, crab shells, chicken, chicken small bones, meat.

   KompostKu does not have a shredder, therefore If a drumstick bones is placed into the JK, the heat generated during the 6 weeks will dry-up the bone completely but it will remain visible, but brittle. However, it will not attract pest.

   Cooked rice: just the leftover from the dinner plates.

   If you have a large quantity of spoiled rice, keep it and add it a cup per day every time you dump fresh organic matter.
   

   
   

3. Can I fill the JK with grass?

   Yes but with CAUTION !

   Grass trimming generate large volumes and based on your lawn size, you may generate a volume that is too much for the JK you choose to use.  But it is also a fact that volume of grass cutting reduce drastically in a couple of days or so.

   You do not whant to over-feed the JK and have no place were to dump the kitchen waste.

   Add the grass a bit every day instead of dumping 3 bags of grass at once and the JK can process grass cutting as well.
   

4. Can I fill both the compartments at the same time?

   NO ! !
   

   You must fill one compartment at the time. The compartment is considered full when one of the vents is at the higher point and the organic matter covers about half of the vent. DO NOT pack the compartment with organic matter. The head space is needed to allow the organic matter to tumble when the compost tumbler is turned.
   

   
   

5. The first compartmet is full...now what do I do?

   Lock the first compartment, take note of the date.

   Begin filling the second compartment.

   Keep the first compartment locked, do not add any fresh waste for the next 6 weeks.

   You will need  abt 6 weeks to fill the second compartment.
   At the end of the 6 weeks, the waste into the first compartment will be ready to use.
   

6. How do I know the compost is ready to use?

   Use the "zip bag test".

   After 6 weeks, place a hand full of compost into a zip bag.

   Zip the bag and do not open for at least 3 days.

   Open the bag after 3 days.

   If the compost is ready, the bag will smell like humus.

   If it is is not ready (very unlikely) the bag will smell a bit like ammonia.

   In this case lock the compartment for another few days and repeat the test as needed.

   Note: this is only a suggestion; If you are not confident with our suggestion or you have concerns to smell the matured compost, remove the compost from the JK and place it on the ground for few days before use.

   Once the compost is ready, use it as fertilizer and mix it into the ground.
   

7. How do I empty the compost?

   KompostKu: Place a container under the compartment to empty, open the lid and turn the composter with the lid open. Do not use tools to remove the compost to prevent damages to the insulation material.

   JK 5100: Place a container under the discharge port, open the discharge port, turn the dedicated switch button to empty the compost.
   

8. Why the compost is quite coarse?

   The result of the compost size depends on the size of the organic matter dumped.

   In time, you will learn that (example) the watermelon skin can decompose in any size, but a corn cob will require some chopping before dumping into the JK.
   

9. Do I need to use only saw-dust?

   Saw dust works very well and it is recommended. However, if you have dry coconut husk available or dry, (crispy dry) grass cutting, you can use it as substitute. You can also use the eggs carton tray provided it is torn into small pieces, shredded,  before using it.