Welcome to the HOTBIN Help Blogs
The Top FAQs
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Can I Compost Only Food Waste?
The HOTBIN can be used to compost solely food waste however remember that some waste types, such as cooked food waste/small...
Can I Compost Only Food Waste?
The HOTBIN can be used to compost solely food waste however remember that some waste types, such as cooked food waste/small...
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How Weatherproof is HOTBIN?
Once filled, it is common for the HOTBIN to hold 50-100kg of weight. If gale force winds are forecast within your...
How Weatherproof is HOTBIN?
Once filled, it is common for the HOTBIN to hold 50-100kg of weight. If gale force winds are forecast within your...
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Do I Need to Water the Heap?
We recommend that you do not add liquids to the HOTBIN. The addition of new waste should provide any additional moisture.
Do I Need to Water the Heap?
We recommend that you do not add liquids to the HOTBIN. The addition of new waste should provide any additional moisture.
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Does My Compost Heap Need Turning?
The necessity of turning your compost is a highly debated topic that divides the experts. This short article explores whether turning...
Does My Compost Heap Need Turning?
The necessity of turning your compost is a highly debated topic that divides the experts. This short article explores whether turning...
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Holiday Checklist - What To Do Before You Go
Are you off on your holidays and worried what state you will find your HOTBIN in on your return? Worry no...
Holiday Checklist - What To Do Before You Go
Are you off on your holidays and worried what state you will find your HOTBIN in on your return? Worry no...
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Can I Use Sawdust Instead of Woodchip or Paper?
No, unfortunately not. Sawdust is too fine and wood shavings are not thick enough to be a substitute for woodchip and...
Can I Use Sawdust Instead of Woodchip or Paper?
No, unfortunately not. Sawdust is too fine and wood shavings are not thick enough to be a substitute for woodchip and...
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Does the HOTBIN Need a Power Source?
HOTBIN does not require an external power source to work, it is an aerobic composter that heats up using heat generated...
Does the HOTBIN Need a Power Source?
HOTBIN does not require an external power source to work, it is an aerobic composter that heats up using heat generated...
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How Much Compost Will HOTBIN Produce?
The amount of compost HOTBIN will produce will depend on the amount of waste added and how the HOTBIN is operating...
How Much Compost Will HOTBIN Produce?
The amount of compost HOTBIN will produce will depend on the amount of waste added and how the HOTBIN is operating...
Need Help Getting Started?
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All About HOTBIN Compost
What does your first batch of compost look like? The base layer in your HOTBIN may need to be partially or...
All About HOTBIN Compost
What does your first batch of compost look like? The base layer in your HOTBIN may need to be partially or...
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Why Choose HOT Composting?
New to composting? Look no further! HOT composting allows you to compost more, faster Here is a short guide beginners guide...
Why Choose HOT Composting?
New to composting? Look no further! HOT composting allows you to compost more, faster Here is a short guide beginners guide...
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Using Old Compost to Start a HOTBIN
Bacteria is essential to the composting process, a couple of trowels full of old compost is a good addition when starting...
Using Old Compost to Start a HOTBIN
Bacteria is essential to the composting process, a couple of trowels full of old compost is a good addition when starting...
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How to Start My HOTBIN in Winter
With HOTBIN you can compost all year round as the heat produced by the bacteria is contained within the HOTBIN. Therefore,...
How to Start My HOTBIN in Winter
With HOTBIN you can compost all year round as the heat produced by the bacteria is contained within the HOTBIN. Therefore,...
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Where Can I Locate the HOTBIN?
You can locate the HOTBIN on any flat surface. It can be placed in the sun or shade, on soil, grass,...
Where Can I Locate the HOTBIN?
You can locate the HOTBIN on any flat surface. It can be placed in the sun or shade, on soil, grass,...
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How To Start My HOTBIN
Give your HOTBIN the best start in life by feeding it plenty of chopped easy to digest waste along with shredded...
How To Start My HOTBIN
Give your HOTBIN the best start in life by feeding it plenty of chopped easy to digest waste along with shredded...
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Chopping or Shredding Waste
Should Waste Be Chopped or Shredded Before Composting? It is not essential but as best practice chopping down the size of...
Chopping or Shredding Waste
Should Waste Be Chopped or Shredded Before Composting? It is not essential but as best practice chopping down the size of...
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Help, I Don’t Have Any Shredded Paper!
Don’t panic! Our definition of “shredded paper” does not mean that you need to buy reams of brand new paper. Most...
Help, I Don’t Have Any Shredded Paper!
Don’t panic! Our definition of “shredded paper” does not mean that you need to buy reams of brand new paper. Most...
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At a Glance: Woodchip and Paper
Woodchip and paper are essential parts of the Composting process. Woodchip (or woody matter excluding sawdust and wood shavings) provide a...
At a Glance: Woodchip and Paper
Woodchip and paper are essential parts of the Composting process. Woodchip (or woody matter excluding sawdust and wood shavings) provide a...
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All About Woodchip
Woodchip is required inside the HOTBIN to help maintain airflow by creating a structure of free air spaces to allow a...
All About Woodchip
Woodchip is required inside the HOTBIN to help maintain airflow by creating a structure of free air spaces to allow a...
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All About Liquid Fertiliser
Water is released during the composting process. In the HOTBIN, much of this water is evaporated and leaves as steam/water vapour...
All About Liquid Fertiliser
Water is released during the composting process. In the HOTBIN, much of this water is evaporated and leaves as steam/water vapour...
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Do I Have Enough Waste to Maintain a Hot Compos...
HOTBIN's compost aerobically and are designed to maintain temperatures between 40-60°C. Hot composting also allows you to compost a wider variety...
Do I Have Enough Waste to Maintain a Hot Compos...
HOTBIN's compost aerobically and are designed to maintain temperatures between 40-60°C. Hot composting also allows you to compost a wider variety...
Composting Case Studies
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Composting on the Allotment with HOTBIN Mega
Lauran, a dedicated allotment gardener, shares her experience with the HOTBIN Mega, highlighting its ease of use, efficiency, and ability to...
Composting on the Allotment with HOTBIN Mega
Lauran, a dedicated allotment gardener, shares her experience with the HOTBIN Mega, highlighting its ease of use, efficiency, and ability to...
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Composting in a Small Paved Garden?
As reviewed By Margaret Rose Johnston: Introduction Living in Cumbria with my hubby Stuart, an engineer, I've always loved gardening. But...
Composting in a Small Paved Garden?
As reviewed By Margaret Rose Johnston: Introduction Living in Cumbria with my hubby Stuart, an engineer, I've always loved gardening. But...
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Adam Pasco Gardening Journalist
Been using HOTBIN for 6 years to recycle every compostable bit of waste. Adam is the former editor of Gardeners World...
Adam Pasco Gardening Journalist
Been using HOTBIN for 6 years to recycle every compostable bit of waste. Adam is the former editor of Gardeners World...
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RHS Gold Medal Winning Garden Designer
Keen composter and gold medal winning garden designer, Robert Barker purchased the HOTBIN following a diagnosis of arthritis. Find out how...
RHS Gold Medal Winning Garden Designer
Keen composter and gold medal winning garden designer, Robert Barker purchased the HOTBIN following a diagnosis of arthritis. Find out how...
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Composting Waste in a Small Household
Review: Recycling Waste in a Small Household "Having a small garden pushed us towards the HOTBIN and happily the performance is...
Composting Waste in a Small Household
Review: Recycling Waste in a Small Household "Having a small garden pushed us towards the HOTBIN and happily the performance is...
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Permaculture Magazine Reviews the HOTBIN Composter
Review By: John Adams and Maddy Harland "My seed and potting compost supplies are now entirely home made." Over the years...
Permaculture Magazine Reviews the HOTBIN Composter
Review By: John Adams and Maddy Harland "My seed and potting compost supplies are now entirely home made." Over the years...
How To Guides
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How to Maintain an Aerobic Compost Heap?
Airflow is crucial for all composting methods hot or cold, learn why oxygen and proper airflow are the key ingredients for...
How to Maintain an Aerobic Compost Heap?
Airflow is crucial for all composting methods hot or cold, learn why oxygen and proper airflow are the key ingredients for...
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How Do I Store My Compost?
HOTBIN can produce a lot of compost so it may be useful to know how to store it for later use.
How Do I Store My Compost?
HOTBIN can produce a lot of compost so it may be useful to know how to store it for later use.
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How To Prevent and Fix a Wet HOTBIN
Advice on how to recognise wet waste and prevent and fix a wet HOTBIN.
How To Prevent and Fix a Wet HOTBIN
Advice on how to recognise wet waste and prevent and fix a wet HOTBIN.
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How to Keep HOTBIN Hot
Top tips on how to keep the HOTBIN composting at high temperatures.
How to Keep HOTBIN Hot
Top tips on how to keep the HOTBIN composting at high temperatures.
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How To Prevent Flies and Maggots
Flies and maggots are fortunately uncommon visitors to the HOTBIN but can prove irritating little critters once in situ. Their presence...
How To Prevent Flies and Maggots
Flies and maggots are fortunately uncommon visitors to the HOTBIN but can prove irritating little critters once in situ. Their presence...
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How To Unsteam the Thermometer
If your thermometer has steamed up, follow our tips to get it back up and running!
How To Unsteam the Thermometer
If your thermometer has steamed up, follow our tips to get it back up and running!
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How to Keep My HOTBIN Clean?
Vermin and other pests are largely attracted to the HOTBIN because they can smell food waste around the bin. By keeping...
How to Keep My HOTBIN Clean?
Vermin and other pests are largely attracted to the HOTBIN because they can smell food waste around the bin. By keeping...
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How To Remove the Hatch
Removing and replacing the HOTBIN hatch carefully is easy when you know the simple technique.
How To Remove the Hatch
Removing and replacing the HOTBIN hatch carefully is easy when you know the simple technique.
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How To Harvest Your Compost
Ready to remove compost? Here are a few tips of how to successfully remove compost from the HOTBIN.
How To Harvest Your Compost
Ready to remove compost? Here are a few tips of how to successfully remove compost from the HOTBIN.
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How To Use the Valve
When the HOTBINs are dispatched, the valves are closed to prevent damage or loss in transit. When setting up your HOTBIN,...
How To Use the Valve
When the HOTBINs are dispatched, the valves are closed to prevent damage or loss in transit. When setting up your HOTBIN,...
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How to Use the Thermometers?
The HOTBIN is supplied with two thermometers, learn how, why and when they should be used and during hot composting
How to Use the Thermometers?
The HOTBIN is supplied with two thermometers, learn how, why and when they should be used and during hot composting
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How to Use The Hot Water Bottle?
The hot water bottle is like a hot water bottle for the HOTBIN! It can be used when starting the HOTBIN...
How to Use The Hot Water Bottle?
The hot water bottle is like a hot water bottle for the HOTBIN! It can be used when starting the HOTBIN...
Fascinating Fact Files
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Do I Need to Use Compost Activators or Accelera...
Do You Need A Compost Starter? No, save your money! It’s likely that if you are reading this you have a...
Do I Need to Use Compost Activators or Accelera...
Do You Need A Compost Starter? No, save your money! It’s likely that if you are reading this you have a...
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Do You Know the Difference Between Biodegradabl...
Do you know the difference between something that is biodegradable and something that is compostable? If not, you aren’t alone, have...
Do You Know the Difference Between Biodegradabl...
Do you know the difference between something that is biodegradable and something that is compostable? If not, you aren’t alone, have...
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Composting Herbicides and Pesticides
Explore the essentials of composting herbicides and pesticides. Learn the importance of following manufacturer guidelines and discover how hot composting bacteria...
Composting Herbicides and Pesticides
Explore the essentials of composting herbicides and pesticides. Learn the importance of following manufacturer guidelines and discover how hot composting bacteria...
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A Complete Guide to Vegan Friendly Composting
As veganism gains popularity, so does the need for sustainable gardening practices that align with a vegan lifestyle, like home composting....
A Complete Guide to Vegan Friendly Composting
As veganism gains popularity, so does the need for sustainable gardening practices that align with a vegan lifestyle, like home composting....
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Everything You Need to Know About Peat
What is Peat? Peat usually forms in wet areas from dead organic material that is prevented from decaying due to the...
Everything You Need to Know About Peat
What is Peat? Peat usually forms in wet areas from dead organic material that is prevented from decaying due to the...
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How Does The Temperature Vary by Layer?
The HOTBIN Works In Three Zones: The hot active upper zone Middle maturing zone Bottom holding zone Feed Me - The...
How Does The Temperature Vary by Layer?
The HOTBIN Works In Three Zones: The hot active upper zone Middle maturing zone Bottom holding zone Feed Me - The...
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10 Ways to Use Your Homemade Compost
You'll have some great compost after adding all of your garden and food waste into the HOTBIN. First: Check if your...
10 Ways to Use Your Homemade Compost
You'll have some great compost after adding all of your garden and food waste into the HOTBIN. First: Check if your...
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Will I Find Worms in the HOTBIN?
Worms are not needed in the HOTBIN, but don’t be worried if you do find them, red stripy brandling worms are...
Will I Find Worms in the HOTBIN?
Worms are not needed in the HOTBIN, but don’t be worried if you do find them, red stripy brandling worms are...
Will It Compost?
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Halloween Pumpkin Food Waste - Eat It or Compos...
Pumpkin food waste is a sad but true fact when it comes to Halloween in the UK. An estimated 12.8 million...
Halloween Pumpkin Food Waste - Eat It or Compos...
Pumpkin food waste is a sad but true fact when it comes to Halloween in the UK. An estimated 12.8 million...
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Can I Compost Wood, Paper and Cardboard?
Not all wood and paper items decompose at the same rate. We look into different wood, paper and cardbaord waste types...
Can I Compost Wood, Paper and Cardboard?
Not all wood and paper items decompose at the same rate. We look into different wood, paper and cardbaord waste types...
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What Can I Compost During Autumn?
As the nights start to draw in and the landscapes take on a subtle amber glow as leaves turn every shade...
What Can I Compost During Autumn?
As the nights start to draw in and the landscapes take on a subtle amber glow as leaves turn every shade...
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What Can I Compost During Summer?
We provide a list of what waste you might find in your garden to compost during the summer months
What Can I Compost During Summer?
We provide a list of what waste you might find in your garden to compost during the summer months
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What Can I Compost During Spring?
Spring is the season where we venture out into our gardens and generate more waste for the compost bin. Here is...
What Can I Compost During Spring?
Spring is the season where we venture out into our gardens and generate more waste for the compost bin. Here is...
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Can I Compost Leylandii?
Most composting advice states that Leylandii and pine needles are hard to compost in a traditional composting systems, however by hot...
Can I Compost Leylandii?
Most composting advice states that Leylandii and pine needles are hard to compost in a traditional composting systems, however by hot...
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Can I Compost Lawn Thatch And Moss?
Whilst scarified lawn thatch and moss can be added into the HOTBIN, there are some recommendations we advise.
Can I Compost Lawn Thatch And Moss?
Whilst scarified lawn thatch and moss can be added into the HOTBIN, there are some recommendations we advise.
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Can Rhubarb Leaves Be Composted?
Unlike with traditional composting methods where composting poisonous plants is not advised you can add rhubarb leaves into the HOTBIN to...
Can Rhubarb Leaves Be Composted?
Unlike with traditional composting methods where composting poisonous plants is not advised you can add rhubarb leaves into the HOTBIN to...
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Can I Compost Magazine Wrappers?
Single use plastics have never before been under more scrutiny and nearly every industry is looking at ways to phase out...
Can I Compost Magazine Wrappers?
Single use plastics have never before been under more scrutiny and nearly every industry is looking at ways to phase out...
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Can Ash Be Composted?
Wood ash can be added to the HOTBIN but only in small quantities, but what about BBQ or charcoal ash?
Can Ash Be Composted?
Wood ash can be added to the HOTBIN but only in small quantities, but what about BBQ or charcoal ash?
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Can I Compost Kitchen Roll?
Kitchen roll is a paper-based product commonly made up of cellulose fibres which are relatively easy for the thermophilic bacteria in...
Can I Compost Kitchen Roll?
Kitchen roll is a paper-based product commonly made up of cellulose fibres which are relatively easy for the thermophilic bacteria in...
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Can I Compost Poo?
We got a whiff that you'd like to know more about composting poo in the HOTBIN, so here goes!
Can I Compost Poo?
We got a whiff that you'd like to know more about composting poo in the HOTBIN, so here goes!
Learn Even More
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What Does HOTBIN Compost Look and Feel Like?
Discover the unique qualities of HOTBIN compost. Despite its deceptive appearance - often sticky, moist, and lumpy - HOTBIN compost is...
What Does HOTBIN Compost Look and Feel Like?
Discover the unique qualities of HOTBIN compost. Despite its deceptive appearance - often sticky, moist, and lumpy - HOTBIN compost is...
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Odours Coming From The HOTBIN
All composting produces odours, but which odours are good and which do you not want to smell in your compost heap?
Odours Coming From The HOTBIN
All composting produces odours, but which odours are good and which do you not want to smell in your compost heap?
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All About Bacteria And Micro-Organisms
Micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes account for most of the decomposition that takes place within the HOTBIN. Find out...
All About Bacteria And Micro-Organisms
Micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes account for most of the decomposition that takes place within the HOTBIN. Find out...
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All About Mould And Fungi
Mould and Fungi in the HOTBIN are a sign of decomposition, discover the different types of mould and fungi and how...
All About Mould And Fungi
Mould and Fungi in the HOTBIN are a sign of decomposition, discover the different types of mould and fungi and how...
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All About Humus and Compost
Humus is the remnants of decaying organic material. It is a great addition to your garden as it helps improve soil...
All About Humus and Compost
Humus is the remnants of decaying organic material. It is a great addition to your garden as it helps improve soil...
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All About Greens and Browns
In the HOTBIN, you do not need to analyse materials and mix them to achieve a strict 30:1 carbon to nitrogen...
All About Greens and Browns
In the HOTBIN, you do not need to analyse materials and mix them to achieve a strict 30:1 carbon to nitrogen...
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All About Composting pH Levels
Compost too acidic or alkaline? Wondering if you should test the pH of compost? Everything you need to know about pH...
All About Composting pH Levels
Compost too acidic or alkaline? Wondering if you should test the pH of compost? Everything you need to know about pH...
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How Does Hot Composting Work?
Composting is a natural process. It will happen under a huge range of environmental conditions. However, to get it working fast,...
How Does Hot Composting Work?
Composting is a natural process. It will happen under a huge range of environmental conditions. However, to get it working fast,...
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What Is The Compost PAS 100 Standard?
Large-scale compost manufacturing in the UK produces compost that conforms to a quality standard called PAS100
What Is The Compost PAS 100 Standard?
Large-scale compost manufacturing in the UK produces compost that conforms to a quality standard called PAS100
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What Is Compost?
It is important to understand that the term “compost” is used to describe many things. Compost is actually the brown stable...
What Is Compost?
It is important to understand that the term “compost” is used to describe many things. Compost is actually the brown stable...
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Why is Hot Composting Faster?
Hot composting increases the rate of chemical biological reactions - the speed doubles for every 10°c increase in temperature.
Why is Hot Composting Faster?
Hot composting increases the rate of chemical biological reactions - the speed doubles for every 10°c increase in temperature.
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Benefits of Homemade Peat Free Compost
Is peat or peat-free compost better? Or will making your own compost reap the best rewards for your garden? We look...
Benefits of Homemade Peat Free Compost
Is peat or peat-free compost better? Or will making your own compost reap the best rewards for your garden? We look...
