Setting up a bokashi bin
The bins can be purchased or you can make your own by repurposing airtight containers.
You'll also need the powdered culture, which is a bran and sawdust product full of micro-organisms that help ferment your food scraps. It can be purchased online, from Sustainability Trust, or from a hardware store.
Ideally you need two bokashi systems. This is because once your bin is full, you close it up and wait two weeks for it to ferment. During this time you can begin using the second system so you never have to put food waste in the rubbish.
Required space
These systems are the size of a standard bucket and perform best in a warm place away from direct sunlight. You can keep your bokashi outside under cover, like a carport or porch, or you can even try keeping it inside.
A bokashi system is a suitable option if you don’t have much outdoor space, however once the bucket is full, the fermented, ‘pre-compost’ needs to be buried or added to a compost bin to complete the process.
What you can put in
- Chopped fruit and vegetable scraps
- Cooked and raw meat scraps
- Fish scraps (bones and shellfish)
Leftover meals
- Dairy products
- Pasta
- Rice
- Nuts
- Cereals
- Coffee grounds
- Tea leaves
- Plastic-free teabags
- Eggs
- Egg shells
- Indoor cut flowers
- Bread and baking products.
What you can’t put in
- Large meat bones
- Garden trimmings
- Liquids (such as milk, juice and oil)
- Mouldy food
- Cardboard
- Paper towels
- Plastic items (even if labelled as ‘compostable’)
- Rubbish
- Poo from dogs and cats.
How to predator proof your system
Because the system is fully sealed and the pre-compost is buried in the ground, there is little chance of attracting rodents.
What you can do with the finished product
The fermented ‘pre-compost’ material needs to be buried in the ground or added to a compost bin to finish the composting process.
A liquid is also produced that can be diluted and used as plant food, or undiluted as a drain cleaner.
Guides
If you want to learn more about composting, download these guides:
How to set up and maintain a bokashi system (148KB PDF)
What can and can't go in your bokashi bin – reference guide (620KB PDF)
Contact us
If you have a question about composting you can email us at waste.education@wcc.govt.nz