How to Make Kitchen Waste Compost and Liquid Fertilizer at Home – A 2-in-1 Process

Composting kitchen waste is an eco-friendly and rewarding practice that can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills while providing nutrient-rich soil for your plants. In this article, we’ll explore a unique two-in-one composting method that not only yields nutrient-rich soil but also a valuable liquid fertilizer. This method involves using two buckets or containers and a special concoction to expedite the composting process.

Materials You’ll Need

1. Two buckets or containers (one to fit inside the other).
2. A lid for the outer bucket to keep pests out.
3. Small drain holes in the inner bucket.
4. A faucet.
5. Compost or soil.
6. Kitchen waste (vegetable scraps, eggshells, fruit peels, coffee grounds, etc.).
7. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB).
8. A 1.5-liter bottle with a cap.
9. A tool to mix the compost.

Setting Up the Composting System

1. Prepare the Buckets: In the inner bucket, make small drain holes to allow excess moisture to escape. Place this bucket inside the outer one, ensuring there’s space at the bottom for liquid collection. Measure about 10 cm from the bottom of the inner bucket, and make a hole on the side large enough for the faucet. Install the faucet in this hole, which will collect the liquid produced during composting.
2. Layering the Compost: Start the composting process by placing a layer of kitchen waste (vegetable scraps, eggshells, fruit peels, coffee grounds, etc.) in the inner bucket. Cover the waste with a layer of compost or soil. This helps to accelerate the decomposition process.
3. Applying the PSB Solution: Create a PSB solution by mixing three bottle caps of PSB with 1.5 liters of water. After piercing the cap of the 1.5-liter bottle multiple times, put it back on the bottle and mix in the PSB and water. Pour this solution over the waste and compost in the inner bucket. The PSB helps reduce bad odors and aids in the decomposition process.
4. Initial Rest Period: Seal the inner bucket with its lid and let it sit for 7 days. This resting period allows the microorganisms to begin breaking down the kitchen waste.
5. Mix and Add More Waste: After 7 days, open the inner bucket, and use a tool to mix the contents. Add more kitchen waste, cover it with a layer of compost, and close the lid.
6. Repeat the Process: Continue this 7-day cycle for three more iterations, totaling 30 days. Mixing every 2-3 days can expedite the composting process. During this time, you can place the buckets in the sun to speed up decomposition.
7. Harvest the Liquid Fertilizer: After 30 days, you’ll find nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer in the bottom bucket. Open the faucet and collect this liquid. Keep the buckets closed for further composting.
8. Wait for Solid Compost: Leave the buckets undisturbed for another 30 days (60 days in total). By the end of this period, the top bucket will contain nutrient-rich compost, while the bottom bucket will have more liquid fertilizer.

Watch the video:

Using Your Kitchen Waste Compost and Liquid Fertilizer

The kitchen waste compost is an excellent source of nutrients for your plants. Simply apply the compost to your garden or potted plants to improve soil quality, enhance plant growth, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

The liquid fertilizer you’ve collected is a valuable resource for your plants as well. Dilute it with water (typically 500 parts water to 1 part liquid fertilizer) and use it to nourish your plants, promoting healthy growth and robust yields.

By following this two-in-one composting process, you not only reduce kitchen waste but also create organic, nutrient-rich resources to enrich your garden and make a positive impact on the environment. Happy composting!

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