Setting Up a Worm Composting Bin

Detailed instructions for setting up a 'deluxe' Rubbermaid worm composting bin

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• vermicomposting
• composting
• compost
• worm
• bin

[snippax]

Putrid meats and dairies, I understand that you said they will make a headache for you and they are hard to break down, but I don't understand why not add them anyway. Will they not end up being compost? Forgive my ignorance, I just don't quite understand why you can't compost dairies and meats. I this just for worm composting or composting in general?

[TheCompostGuy]

@snippax - apart from the fact that they can create really foul odors (nobody wants to deal with that), they are high-nitrogen wastes so there potential for ammonia gas release. In a larger outdoor bed, in moderation, probably no issue whatsoever. In an enclosed plastic tub - BAD idea. :-)

[JmanMulletHunter]

Would I be able to use cardboard from cereal boxes and similar cardboard with printing as my bedding material or should it be cardboard that doesn't have printing on it like paper towel rolls and things like that?

[TheCompostGuy]

@JmanMulletHunter - wouldn't recommend too much cardboard with colored inks on it. I generally just recycle my cereal boxes and stick with TP rolls, corrugated box cardboard and egg carton cardboard.

[BManTyler]

How do they fare outdoors in winteretime?

[TheCompostGuy]

@BManTyler - will do just fine if you provide them with a larger, well insulated bed. Depends on your location though. We have decent winters with lots of snow, and I have no trouble keeping them alive. Keeping a fully active system is another matter altogether

[Jefferdaughter]

@snippax - You can! The compost pile should be established & 'active' w/ adequate decaying plant material/carbon to balance the high nitrogen content of the meat or dairy products, which should be well buried within the pile. Properly done, there will be no odors or flies. I would not try these materials in a worm bin set up in a home, however. You are right, they are very nutrient dense materials; a shame to waste.

[Jefferdaughter]

@firetoy911 - If your rabbit cages are outside & raised, why not create composting bins beneath the cages? With or wi/out addedworms, all the materials you mention compost readily. Hay & straw adds carbon, which helps absorb the urine and should be added to balance the nitrogen of the urine. Wherever you set up your compost pile, you should get great results.

[Jefferdaughter]

@snippax - Meat & dairy products are nitrogen rich & 

[Werd2yermom]

Thanks TheCompostGuy! How many worms would you start out with with that size bin?

[firetoy911]

I have two questions, 1) what happens to the cardboard bedding? Do they eat it up as well? Also, I am looking for a way to compost rabbit waste which includes rabbit pellets, grains that fall through the cages, hay, some straw, and moisture. Now between all my rabbits they probably pump out 30-50 pounds per week but my biggest concern is whether the worms would process the hay portion to a significant degree. The hay and bulky stuff adds volume to my manure pile :-(

[ginamarina101]

@Coleslaw909 yes, fish is also animal meat. like 000winter000 said down there, adding meat will attract flies leading to maggots.

[Coleslaw909]

What about Fish? Should I avoid that too?

[midnightmandi]

excellent video and excellent supplier of red wigglers. I am very please with my vericulture I purchased from Thecompostguy.

[67kpg]

very cool thanks

[MsTokies]

how do they bred? it needs to be dry for them to hatch?