At RotoTank™, we’re always looking for ways to help South Africans live more sustainably. With the reduction of household waste becoming a key focus in modern living, we designed a durable, weather-resistant, and cost-effective compost bin that makes recycling kitchen and garden waste simple for every household.
Our bins are made to last, providing a reliable solution to reduce landfill waste while producing nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Absolutely. Composting allows you to transform yard debris and kitchen scraps into valuable soil food for lawns, vegetable gardens, or flower beds.
With a RotoTank™ Composter, you can:
Save money on commercial fertilizers.
Reduce waste going to landfill.
Create a healthy soil conditioner using organic materials you already have.
It’s a practical, eco-friendly way to close the waste loop right at home.
Choose the Right Spot
Start your compost pile on bare soil. This allows earthworms and beneficial organisms to move freely through the materials.
Create a Base Layer
Lay 3–4 inches of twigs or straw to improve drainage and airflow.
Alternate Your Layers
Add organic matter in layers — alternate between moist and dry materials:
Moist materials: food scraps, tea bags, vegetable peels.
Dry materials: leaves, straw, sawdust, and small amounts of wood ash.
Add Nitrogen-Rich Material
Use grass clippings, green plants, or manure to activate the process and speed decomposition.
Maintain Moisture
The pile should stay damp but never soggy. Add water if it becomes too dry.
Cover with Your RotoTank™ Compost Bin Lid
The lid helps retain heat and moisture while protecting against excess rain and pests.
Turn Regularly
Every few weeks, turn or mix the material with a fork or shovel to add oxygen — essential for effective breakdown.
Avoid adding the following items, as they decompose poorly or may attract pests:
Meat or fish scraps
Dairy products, fats, or oils
Plants or wood treated with chemicals
Black walnut tree debris
Diseased plants or insect-infested matter
Weeds that have gone to seed
Charcoal ash
Dog or cat waste
Depending on conditions and effort, your RotoTank™ composter can produce usable material in as little as six to eight weeks, though most batches take several months to mature fully.
When the mixture becomes dark brown, crumbly, and has a rich, earthy smell, the process is complete and ready to use in your garden.
The right balance of carbon (browns) and nitrogen (greens) is key to healthy composting.
| Material | Carbon or Nitrogen | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wood chips | Carbon | Use sparingly |
| Tea leaves | Nitrogen | Loose or bagged |
| Straw or hay | Carbon | Straw is best |
| Shredded paper | Carbon | Avoid glossy paper |
| Sawdust | Carbon | Add in thin layers |
| Lawn cuttings | Nitrogen | Mix in small amounts |
| Fruit & vegetable scraps | Nitrogen | Alternate with dry layers |
| Green comfrey | Nitrogen | Excellent activator |
| Cut flowers | Nitrogen | Chop into smaller pieces |
| Chicken manure | Nitrogen | Very effective activator |
| Raw meat, bones, fish | – | Do not add |
Yard and garden waste decomposes at different rates. Chop larger items into smaller pieces to help them break down faster. Leaves and grass clippings are great additions but should be mixed with other materials — thick layers can compact and slow the process.
If you have too many leaves for your main bin, create a separate leaf pile in a shaded area with good drainage. Layer soil between every 30 cm (1 ft) of leaves and keep the pile slightly moist — not packed too tightly.
After 4–6 months, the material will turn dark and crumbly, perfect as an organic soil conditioner. For continuous results, consider using multiple RotoTank™ Compost Bins to produce compost at different intervals throughout the year.
