Once the waste material has been selected and if necessary, reduced in size, it is
fed into the inlet of the Rocket® composter. Rocket® fuel, a liquid substance,
containing an accelerator is added in proportion to the mixed waste – usually about
25% by volume.
It is preferable in the Rocket® composter to start the composting process with a
high water content, which produces almost anaerobic conditions and gets the process
off to a quick start. The moisture level is controlled throughout the process so that
the compost develops rapidly and then gradually dries out to emerge some 10-14 days
later in a dry and friable condition – ready for use.
Composting generates heat rapidly. The Rocket® composter has a heating
element surrounding the first part of the reactor to kick-start the process and
to ensure it can meet the required temperature for the needs of the particular
process. The Rocket® composter is insulated to prevent heat loss. The waste
material is then turned by a shaft, which is fitted with angled blades that lift
it to aerate it. At the same time the shaft moves it forwards towards the exit
of the equipment.
The heating system has been designed to be variable to meet the different types
of waste material requirements. High temperatures are achieved in the composting
process by the normal reaction of decomposition during the thermophilic stage and
are maintained for several days. During this stage, weed seeds, fly larva, slug
and snail eggs are destroyed as well as most intestinal worms and pathogens that
may be present, especially if animal manures are incorporated into the waste.
These are minimal – normally only a few dollars per month depending on the
Rocket® composter model.
It depends on the final use for the compost i.e. a soil conditioner, as a mulch,
or as a seed or potting compost. The Rocket® composter can be programmed so the
compost emerges in about 9 days when it will be slightly under composted, where
it is ideal for vermiculture as it has a residual food value for the worms.
Or it can be process in 14 days to spread it in the ground as mulch. The lack of
oxygen in this slightly under composted material helps to suppress weeds better.
For seed and potting purposes it is preferable to leave it in a covered heap for
at least 2 weeks to allow it to mature. For the very enthusiastic composters, it
can be tested for maturity by placing it in a vacuum flask, taking the temperature
and if tested again in a week’s time the temperature should not have risen.
the Rocket® composter continues to use the generated heat to dry the compost
to make it easy to handle. It can also be shredded further, or riddled at this
stage if required. The type of waste material, ambient conditions and the required
end product can all have an effect on time of completion.
Since these materials are relatively clean and biodegradable, disposal in landfills
may be unnecessary and wastes space. In addition, as yard wastes decompose in
landfills, they generate methane gas and acidic leachate. Methane is a colorless,
explosive greenhouse gas that is released as bacteria decompose organic materials in
landfills. If methane is not controlled at a landfill, it can seep underground and
into nearby buildings, where it has the potential to explode. Yard wastes also
contribute acidity that can make other waste constituents more mobile and therefore
more toxic.
