Composite System
What you should know (basic idea)
Composting = turning kitchen + garden waste into fertilizer (compost) using natural decomposition.
Works best with:
- Food scraps (veg, fruit)
- Dry leaves,
- grass,
- cardboard
Avoid:
- Meat,
- dairy,
- oily food (smelly + attracts pests)
In Malaysia’s hot + humid climate, composting is actually faster than in colder countries
What you should prepare
A. Basic components (simple setup)
- Compost bin (with lid)
- Plastic bin, drum, or ready-made composter
- “Brown” materials (carbon)
- Dry leaves, paper, cardboard
- “Green” materials (nitrogen)
- Food scraps, grass clippings
- Aeration tool
- Stick, fork, or small shovel (to turn compost)
B. Optional upgrades (better results)
- Bottom holes for drainage
- Ventilation holes (oxygen flow)
- Compost starter (optional, speeds up process)
- Tap system (for liquid fertilizer “compost tea”)
Setup considerations (Malaysia-specific)
- Location
- Shaded area (not direct hot sun)
- Good airflow
- Away from house doors/windows (avoid smell)
- Rain protection
- Covered lid (heavy rain can flood compost)
- Pest control
- Use closed bin
- Don’t add oily/meaty food
- Bury food scraps under dry materials
- Moisture balance
- Should feel like damp soil, not wet or dry
- Too wet = smelly
- Too dry = slow decomposition
How composting works (simple rule)
π Follow this ratio:
- 2–3 parts brown (dry)
- 1 part green (food waste)
- Example: Add veggie scraps → cover with dry leaves
Cost in Malaysia (realistic)
- DIY mini composter
- RM0 – RM100
- Using: Old paint bucket / drum
- Drill holes yourself
- π Cheapest option
- Basic ready-made composter
- RM100 – RM300 (Common on Shopee/Lazada)
- Better compact systems (tumbler/bin with features)
- RM300 – RM800
- Includes: Rotating bin (easy turning)
- Better ventilation
- Cleaner look π
Recommended simple setup (best for beginners)
π Start with:
- 1 plastic bin (50L–100L)
- Drill side + bottom holes
- Keep lid closed
- Add kitchen scraps + dry leaves
- π‘ Cost: around RM50–RM150 DIY
How long it takes
Malaysia climate:
- 4–8 weeks (fast)
- Turn/mix once a week → faster
Common mistakes to avoid
❌ Too much food waste → smelly
❌ No dry materials → wet/slimy compost
❌ No lid → pests (rats, flies)
❌ Too much rainwater → rotting instead of composting
What you get
- Free natural fertilizer
- Better soil for plants
- Less kitchen waste


