What happens when an MIT trained engineer comes back after vacation to find he forgot to empty the kitchen compost bin before he left? Aside from cleaning up the mess, getting rid of the flies, and getting rid of the smell, the light bulb clicks on:

“While grudgingly cleaning the kitchen compost bin, [Russ Cohn] noticed it was warm. Microorganisms were hard at work! The composting process had already begun. Just a little more oxygen, some mixing, insulation, and a powerful air filter would accelerate the composting process and eliminate odors. Dozens of prototypes and patents later, the NatureMill home kitchen compost bin was born.”

Composting became mandatory for all residents of San Francisco in 2009. Before that people were using various methods to compost, including backyard compost bins, worm composting, compost tumblers, and just collecting their compost in plastic bags. Thinking “There’s got to be a better way!” while taking inspiration from the aforementioned forgetfulness led to the creation of the Nature Mill kitchen composter. The composter seems like a very convenient and useful idea, especially if its claims of no odor and creating compost every two weeks are accurate. Here’s how it works, as written on the website:

Deposit food waste any time, any day – up to 120 lbs (55kg) per month. For best results, cut items into small pieces. Items remain in the upper chamber under optimal composting conditions: mixing, air flow, heat, and moisture (see diagram). The energy released destroys odors, pathogens, and seed germination. It is later transferred through a trap door to the lower cure tray, where it continues to compost while you add fresh items to the upper chamber.

Technical specifications Size and weight 20″ high x 20″ deep x 12″ wide (51x51x30cm); 17 lbs (8 kg) Capacity 120 lbs (55 kg) organic waste per month.  Add items any time, any day. Ideal for a family of 5, or a single individual living alone. Waste materials Accepts most food waste items.  Avoid hard item such as bones, and fiberous items such as corn cobs and corn husks. See detailed list.   The instructions contain a detailed reference sheet with specific examples. Rate of compost production One batch every 2 weeks, depending on actual usage.  An indicator light signals when to remove compost. Finished product High nitrogen compost – a soil amendment for lawns, gardens, trees, or potted plants.  Compost is ready to use. Installation No installation is required.  Plug into a standard power outlet.  For outdoor use, keep power supply dry. For installation inside a cabinet, we recommend our cabinet kit – some assembly required. Power Consumption 5 kwh / month – as much as a typical night light.  This costs about $0.50 per month, depending on local rates.  Uses far less energy than hauling the same amount of waste in a diesel garbage truck. Cleaning and Maintenance Wipe the hopper and exterior with a moist towel.  Rinse the cure tray and drip tray when you empty them.  Do not disturb the compost cultures in the reactor chamber.  Do not use soaps or chemicals.   Replace air filter every 5 years or as needed.

Right now there is no composting collection at my apartment, though the Compost Cab will soon give me a paid collection option. I currently keep compostable scraps in a bin in the freezer. When full, I take out the bin and dump the scraps in the woods nearby, away from residential areas for as not to bother people should animals find the spread out banana peels and apple cores. I would love put all my organic scraps in a bin in my kitchen and let it compost in a quietly and non-malodorous contraption that would give me fresh compost to use on my potted plants. I’m thinking about investing in one of these devices but need to do a little more research.

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