How to make your own compost bin
Composting: a load of rubbish that makes sense
Like many affluent cities, Hong Kong has seen its waste grow along with its economy, and that has made waste management a seriousissue. Most people don't give it a second thought, and just throw eggshells and vegetable peelings into the bin during meal preparation.
This organic waste eventually makes its way to Hong Kong's overburdened landfills which, according to the Environmental Protection Department, will be exhausted by 2020 if waste levels continue to rise at the current rate.
One thing families can do to lighten the load is maintain a compost bin. By transforming discarded food into organic fertiliser, people can not only take a load off the city's waste, but they can also help return food to the production cycle.
Whether you are a regular cook, or a fully fledged urban farmer, it's hard to argue against having rich, organic plant food, home-made, healthy and on-demand from your compost bin.
Starting your own compost system is a trial-and-error process, but that's half the fun. First, designate a corner of your balcony or roof for the compost bin. Find a suitable lidded container - a 90-litre plastic bin is good, but you can also go smaller and use bins made of metal. Now you are ready to put in the good stuff.
In composting lingo, it is all about finding the right balance of "green" components, which are the fodder for nitrogen production, and "brown" ones, which are the fodder for carbon.
Green (wet) stuff includes vegetable and fruit scraps, teabags, and tea leaves. Avoid animal products, except eggshells.