Composite System

 

 

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) 

 👉 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 
•  👉 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 👍 

Recommended simple setup (best for beginners) 

 👉 Start with: 

•  1 plastic bin (50L–100L) 
• Drill side + bottom holes 
• Keep lid closed 
• Add kitchen scraps + dry leaves 
•  💡 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