DIY Composting System

DIY Composting System

DIY Compost System (Simple 3-Part Setup)

 A good small-scale system has 3 stages:

•  Collect kitchen waste Break it down (composting bin) 
• Finish & use in garden 
•  You don’t need fancy equipment—just smart layering. 

 Compost Bin (Main System) 

• What to use 
• Plastic drum / bucket / ready compost bin 
• Size: 60L–200L (good for small family garden) 
•  Example type: 60L Compost Bin EcoKnights RM 150.00
• Large capacity compost bin for eco-friendly waste management. 3
• 00L Garden Compost Bin RM 55.36
• Affordable 300L garden compost bin for outdoor use. 
• Outdoor Plastic Compost Bin 300–450L RM 202.30
• Durable outdoor plastic compost bin with high capacity. 
• Basic Bokashi Eco Bin RM 105.00
• Basic bokashi bin for kitchen composting. 
• 9L Bokashi Kitchen Bucket RM 59.00
• Compact 9L bokashi bucket for kitchen waste fermentation. 
• DIY version (cheapest) 
• Old paint bucket / plastic drum 
• Drill holes on sides + bottom (air + drainage) 
• Add lid to block rain & pests 

What goes inside (VERY important) 

• “Green” materials (nitrogen) 
• Vegetable scraps Fruit peels Coffee grounds Fresh grass 
•  “Brown” materials (carbon) 
• Dry leaves Cardboard Shredded paper 
•  👉 Golden rule: 2–3 parts brown : 1 part green 

 How to run it (weekly routine) 

• Every time you add waste: 
• Put food scraps in 
• Cover with dry leaves/cardboard (prevents smell) 
• Once a week: 
• Stir / mix compost (oxygen helps decomposition) 
• Check moisture (should feel like damp soil) 

Optional upgrade (recommended in Malaysia) 

• Bokashi + Compost combo (best system) 
• Bokashi bin = handles kitchen waste (fast, no smell) 
• Compost bin = finishes into soil fertilizer 
• Bokashi Eco Bin 15L RM 120.00 
• 9L Bokashi Bucket Kit RM 63.00 
• Bokashi Kitchen Composter Kit RM 110.00 
• Bokashi Starter Kit RM 427.02 
• Airtight Bokashi Compost Bucket RM 1,238.00 
•  👉 Why good in Malaysia: 
•  Hot climate speeds composting 
• Bokashi reduces smell + flies indoors 

Where to place it 

•  Choose: 
•  Shaded corner (not direct sun) 
• Outdoor garden area 
• Good drainage (soil contact helps) 
•  Avoid: 
•  Inside house (unless Bokashi only) 
• Direct rain exposure 

Cost in Malaysia (DIY realistic) 

• 🟢 Ultra budget DIY RM0 – RM80 (old bucket + drill holes) 
• 🟡 Basic proper setup RM80 – RM250 (plastic compost bin + starter tools) 
• 🔵 Better system (recommended) RM200 – RM600 (compost bin + Bokashi + tools) 

 Common mistakes (important) 

 ❌ Too much food waste (causes smell) 

❌ No dry material (turns soggy) 

❌ No lid (flies + pests) 

❌ No mixing (slow composting) 

 What you get at the end After 4–8 weeks (Malaysia climate): 

•  Dark soil-like compost 
• Free fertilizer for: 
• Vegetables 
• Flowers 
• Trees Lawn 

Best simple setup (recommended for you) 

 If you want something easy + low maintenance: 

•  Start with: 
•  1 × 60L compost bin 
• Dry leaves supply (free) 
• Optional: small Bokashi bin for kitchen waste