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How To Empty A Compost Tumbler

by Idris Ya'u
This article was fact checked.
Helpful: 100%

Turning compost in a plastic container is one of the labor-intensive steps in the composting process.

These composting tumblers greatly simplify the process of converting your organic waste into compost. You accelerate decomposition by introducing air into the system.

But how can you get the compost out again once you’re inside? This short article will explain how to empty a compost tumbler.

But, when is the right time to empty a compost tumbler?

When should I empty my compost tumbler?

Normally most compost tumblers take two to three weeks to finish decomposing waste. When the compost is ready the color will turn dark brown like soil with an earthy smell.

How To Empty compost From A Tumbler

Compost tumblers come in a variety of styles, so how you empty one depends on which type you own.

The easiest way to empty most models is to tilt the bin so that the entrance faces the ground, then drag the contents out and downwards using a shovel or rake.

It’s rather simple to empty a compost tumbler after that. Not all tumblers are made equal, though; some models demand more work to remove compost.

Here are some illustrations of several tumblers and instructions for emptying them.

Read also: How to Compost Chicken Manure In 18 Days

Steps To Emptying A Compost from Tumbler

The simplest and most efficient way to retrieve your “brown-gold” is as follows, however there may be a few minor modifications depending on the design of your tumbler.

Read also: How long does in-ground composting take?

1# Getting Ready to Empty a Compost from Tumbler

As with anything else, planning is essential. Make sure you have all the equipment needed before beginning to prevent getting trapped along the process.

You will require:

A place to do work. Make sure you don’t mind getting some compost on the area you are working in, which should go without saying.

Ideally, away from your home or other places where you’d rather not have compost odors.

2# Compost emptying processes from the Tumbler

The next stage is to decant compost once you have your equipment set up, a work area selected, and a catching tray.

Start by positioning your wheelbarrow, catch pan, or plastic beneath the composter.

Make sure the container is placed in the optimum location to capture the most compost when you deposit it (there will always be spillage, but that’s why we choose a legal area to operate in!).

After placement is complete, rotate the tumbler once or twice to help the compost come out to the surface.

At this stage, a sizable volume of compost ought to move and exit. The tumbler should be tilted until the aperture is facing downward vertically. This should remove most of the compost that is about to fall.

When the tumbler is no longer discharging compost, tilt it back towards you and upwards until the aperture is roughly horizontal in front of you.

Now that the compost has partially emerged, you may use your shovel, rake, or scoop to remove it.

Read also: Best Tips For Composting With Tumbler

What are 3 things you shouldn’t compost?

Below are the three things you shouldn’t compost:

  1. Infected plants
  2. Weeds with seeds
  3. Dairy products

Conclusion

Timing is crucial. Before removing your compost, make sure it is completely developed. If some organic waste is not completely composted, it might burn your grass or plants or introduce undesirable microorganisms.

Take what you need and put it to use. It makes little sense to remove compost from the tumbler and place it in a mound somewhere. Unless, of course, you really require the space.

Also, if you looking for good dual chamber compost tumbler, you can check these dual chamber compost tumblers here.

Reference

  1. Guidance on Making Compost from Organic Waste in Jatimukti Village, Jatinangor District, Sumedang Regency, West Java, Indonesia
  2. Efficiency of the Household Compost bin as a Waste Management Technique in Sri Lanka (A Case Study in Gampaha Municipal Council Area)

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