Pros and Cons of Mechanical Composting

Pros and Cons of Mechanical Composting systems is a rough guide to the value and disadvantages of using this system.

Mechanical composters use some of the composting elements listed in the 8 Composting Methods; air, water, organic matter and the added element of Electricity.   Some require exhaust vents as well.  The pros and cons are intermingled because what might be a pro to one person is a con to someone else.  Mechanical composters come in many shapes and sizes for both home and commercial use.  So the pros and cons will vary with size and use.   This method brings with it a variety of common challenges:

Mechanical Composters require:

  • Monitoring
  • Emptying
  • Storing
  • Spreading
  • Ventilation

Commercial Machines:

Industrial-Mechanical-Composter
Industrial Mechanical Composter for Restaurants or Schools
  • They are fast and efficient
  • Produce quite a bit of heat
  • Produce an earthy odor
  • Need a well ventilated outside area or room with an exhaust fan
  • Take up a large amount of space depending on the size required
  • Are costly to purchase and maintain
  • They require electricity so added expense
  • Composted waste has to be removed regularly and stored for collection
  • Therefore extra space needed for storage
  • This waste is not fully decomposed so needs further composting
  • It still requires collection by someone to further compost the waste
  • Produces semi composted soil within 48 hours that smells like composted soil
  • Excellent choice for schools and kindergartens, restaurants, hotels, motels etc.

Home Machines:

Nature-Mill-Mechanical-composter
Mechanical Composter for home use
  • Expensive to purchase
  • Require electricity to operate
  • Still requires composted waste to be buried for further composting
  • If spread directly on a garden will instantly attract house flies
  • Some come with related apps so you can control them from your phone
  • Will compost your waste in a 24 hour period
  • Produces beautiful partially composted waste
  • Tricky to clean and maintain
  • Can be compact and hidden in your kitchen
  • Some cannot compost ALL your kitchen waste
  • Some require EMO’s to be added as well
  • Creates an earthy odor in the house
  • Requires spreading around your garden

Both the commercial and home systems

  • Take up space in your kitchen or additional room
  • Require cleaning and maintenance (additional cost)
  • Require further composting
  • Great method for unit dwellers if you have somewhere to dispose of the composted waste

Pros and Cons of Commercial Composting
Pros and  Cons of Combined ‘Compot’ Composting
12 things to consider when choosing a Composter