My single best tip for home composters – make sure you have the right charcoal filter for your compost container. Let’s dive into a few tips to make sure you find the right one and manage it properly to keep odors in the bucket and pests out of the bin. Only fresh-smelling, clean kitchens for this crew!
In all the years I’ve composted, there are a few tools that stand out as the most important to make composting clean, easy, and effective. When it comes to storing food scraps before I take them out to the compost bin or bucket, the charcoal filter for your compost container is key. It’s a simple yet effective element of a countertop bin to prevent stinky scraps or pesky fruit flies from infesting my kitchen.
It’s not necessary to store your food scraps in a countertop bin. There are lots of ways to store food scraps for composting, including in the freezer or a bowl for a few hours before dumping them into the larger compost pile. But many people (including our family) rely on a countertop compost bin to collect scraps and make the process of composting fit more seamlessly into our everyday routines.
Charcoal filters in compost bins or pails help absorb and control odors. I always recommend people choose a bin with a filter if they’re thinking about composting at home. Having the right filter also matters. Here are some tips for managing charcoal filters in your compost bin.
Composting at home is a great way to reduce waste and create nutritious fertilizer for your garden. But to get the best results, you need the right compost bin and accessories like an effective compost bin filter. In this article, we’ll look at why a compost bin filter is important and how to choose the best one for your natural home composting setup.
Why Use a Filter in Your Compost Bin?
A filter in your compost bin serves a couple of crucial purposes:
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It helps control odors. As organic matter decomposes, gases are released that can cause unpleasant smells if allowed to escape unchecked. A filter traps these odors inside the bin.
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It regulates airflow. Aerobic bacteria need oxygen to break down the compost. Too little air flow and the compost becomes anaerobic, slowing the process. A filter moderates airflow so oxygen gets in without letting excess moisture escape.
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It prevents flies and insects. Fruit flies and other insects are attracted to the smell of decomposing food scraps. A filter blocks them from entering while allowing air circulation.
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It contains mess. Without a filter, bits of compost can get pushed out of the bin when you open the lid. The filter keeps everything neatly inside.
Filter Options for Natural Home Compost Bins
There are a few different types of compost bin filters appropriate for eco-friendly home composting
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Charcoal filters Charcoal is very porous and absorbs odors effectively It also regulates airflow well. Charcoal cabinet filters, furnace filters or activated charcoal in an open mesh bag can all work
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Landscape fabric filters: Landscape fabric is designed to allow air and water to permeate soil while blocking light. It can be secured over vents or openings to control airflow.
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Wire mesh: A simple wire mesh screen over vents restricts flies while allowing air circulation. Opt for stainless steel or galvanized wire that won’t rust.
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Burlap: Similar to landscape fabric, burlap is breathable while providing filtration. It’s biodegradable too.
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Nylon window screen: Fold nylon window screen over vent openings to keep out insects. Make sure it’s securely attached.
Tips for an Effective Natural Home Compost Bin Filter
To get the most out of a compost bin filter, keep these tips in mind:
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Make sure it fits snugly over any vents or openings so odors and insects can’t sneak by. Secure with staples, zip ties or velcro.
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Check periodically that it remains intact. Replace filters that get damaged or degrade over time.
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Use wire mesh or landscape fabric over large gaps for structure, then layer charcoal or burlap over that for added odor control.
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Have separate filters for warm weather and cold weather. Increase ventilation in winter by using mesh or fabric with larger holes.
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Store a supply of replacement filters so you always have them ready when needed.
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Spot clean or hose filters down periodically if they get clogged with debris. Let them dry fully before replacing.
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Make your own low-cost filter using charcoal from the hardware store and an open weave bag.
DIY Natural Home Compost Bin Filter
Want to make your own customizable compost bin filter? Here’s a simple way to do it:
Supplies needed:
- 1 pound activated charcoal
- Old cotton pillowcase or burlap sack
- Rubber band or twine
Instructions:
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Cut a square of fabric a few inches larger than your compost bin vent. Burlap works well since it’s breathable. For a standard 11″ by 11” vent, cut the fabric 14” by 14”.
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Place the activated charcoal in the center of the fabric square. Pull the corners up and tie them together with twine or a rubber band to create a small sachet or bundle.
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Use a ladder stitch, running stitch or whip stitch to securely sew the edges together once tied. Make sure no charcoal can escape.
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Place the charcoal sachet over the vent openings on your compost bin. You may need to use a few staples to keep it fully secured.
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When the filter gets dirty, untie it and dump out the old charcoal. Refresh with new activated charcoal and re-sew.
This reusable charcoal filter eliminates odors, contains flies, and costs almost nothing to make yourself. Change the charcoal regularly for an effective DIY natural home compost bin filter.
Finding the Right Compost Bin for Your Natural Home
Now that you know why compost bin filters are important and how to make one, the next step is choosing the right compost bin. Here are some things to look for:
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A tight sealing lid to retain heat and moisture.
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Durable UV-protected plastic construction or responsibly sourced wood.
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A square or circular shape for efficient composting.
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Adequate ventilation ports sized for filters.
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A large capacity of at least 3 cubic feet.
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Easy access doors to turn and remove finished compost.
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A way to secure the bin from pests like bungee cords or a sliding lock.
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Optional compost turning window or built-in mixing rod.
There are lots of eco-friendly compost bins on the market designed for backyard recycling. Do some research to find one with the right features and filters for your natural home composting needs.
Start Composting Today with the Right Bin and Filter
Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste at home is one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact. By diverting organic waste from landfills and turning it into nutritious compost, you help complete the natural cycle of nutrients.
Choosing a quality compost bin designed for backyard use makes the process easier and more efficient. Pair it with an effective, eco-friendly filter and you’ll get great results. A charcoal or landscape fabric filter will keep odors contained, insects out, and airflow regulated so your compost breaks down optimally.
With the right bin and filters, you can easily compost at home all year round. Your plants will thank you for the “black gold” compost you provide them, freshly made from your own natural home waste. Get started today and make composting a regular part of your sustainable, nature-friendly lifestyle!
Follow charcoal filter replacement recommendations
Charcoal filters have a lifespan and effectiveness, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing them. The frequency of replacement may vary depending on usage and the type of filter used. Typically, filters are replaced every few months or when they become saturated and lose their effectiveness.
I replace my filter every 3-6 months depending on how much we use the bin. I tend to flip it once before tossing it to make it last a bit longer. The charcoal filter can also get gross more quickly if food scraps touch the filter. Thus, emptying the bin before it overflows helps elongate the life of the charcoal filter.
Store charcoal filters properly
If you purchase replacement charcoal filters in advance, store them in a cool, dry place away from moisture and strong odors. This will help preserve their absorption properties and ensure they remain effective when needed.
We store our extra filters in a drawer under our counter with other kitchen accessories. I keep them in the plastic bag in which we receive them, and they last for years when I buy them in bulk.
2pk Compost Bin Replacement Filters
FAQ
Are coffee filters ok for compost?
Can coffee filters be composted? Yes, coffee filters can be composted as long as they are made of paper or other compostable materials. It is best to avoid composting filters that are made of synthetic materials such as plastic or nylon.
How to make a compost filter?
- Step 1: Materials. The compost screen is built from: …
- Step 2: Cut the Wood. Use the chop saw or a miter box to cut four pieces of the redwood of equal lengths. …
- Step 3: Assemble the Wood Frame. …
- Step 4: Cut the Hardware Cloth. …
- Step 5: Attach the Screen to the Frame. …
- Step 6: Sift Some Compost.
What is a natural accelerator for compost?
Urine is a simple and readily available compost accelerator rich in nitrogen, which is essential for microbial growth and activity. It also contains other nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements that can benefit your compost garden soil.