Bokashi Bins

What is a Bokashi Bin

Bokashi bins allow you to turn kitchen scraps into fermented organic matter. They are different from traditional composting systems that use oxygen to create an aerobic environment. Boksahi bins ferment kitchen waste in an anaerobic environment which happens by removing the air as much as possible.

What you need to get started

Bokashi bin

You can purchase a new bin or search on the second hand economy or even make one yourself. It is best to have two bins on the go because it takes 2 weeks for the food waste to undergo the fermentation process. Two bins allows you to continuously collect your waste without having to wait for the bucket to empty. When one bucket is full, simply leave that one and move onto the other one.

Effective microorganisms/inoculant

Now if you were to leave your bin as is, the food waste would just rot and start to really stink. So we need to add an effective microorganisms (EM) so that the fermentation process can occur. The EM can also be called Bokashi bran, mix, powder or inoculant. You can make your own although it is much more reliable to buy a pre made one.

Kitchen waste

Food scraps from your kitchen, flowers and tissues.

How do I use my Bokashi bin?

Every time you add food waste, sprinkle a layer of EM over the top
Press down on the waste after you add it to remove any air. For example try a potato masher
Only open the bucket if you need to add your kitchen waste. You want to keep as much air out as possible
Liquid will form in the bin and it needs to be removed every second day. This can then be diluted and used as a fertilizer for your plants
After 10 days your mix should be ready to use

What can you put in your Bokashi bin?

One thing that sets bokashi bin’s apart from other composting systems is that you can compost just about any kitchen waste. As a general rule, you can add anything that was once alive.

Bread, grains, cereals
Dairy
Meat and Fish (cooked & Uncooked)
Fruit and vegetables (including citrus and onions)
Eggs and Eggshells
Napkins, paper towels, tissues
Coffee grinds
Tea bags
Wilted flowers

What can't you put in your Bokashi bin?

There really isn’t much you can’t put in you bokashi bin. The three main things are:

Large bones
Large amounts of liquid or oil/grease