We’ve talked about worm composting as a way to recycle food waste. But worms don’t eat everything and if you do a lot of cooking, worms probably won’t keep up with all your waste.

In my yard, I also use the Green Cone System as an additional way to dispose of food waste.

The primary function of the Green Cone System is to accelerate the natural decomposition process by raising temperatures, maintaining aerobic conditions, and encouraging the growth of micro-organisms.

The system takes all household food waste, including vegetable scraps, raw and cooked meat or fish, bones, dairy products and other organic food waste such as bread and pasta. I’ve  also added shredded paper and newspaper before my municipality added these to the recycling program.

How does it operate?

Simplified, the solarcone consists of a two-layer recycled plastic cone above ground attached to a basket below ground. Just put your food waste in and the unit uses the heat from the sun to promote air circulation between the inner and outer cones and start the aerobic digestion process.

How much food can it take in?

The system takes in up to 11 pounds of food waste a week. It reduces the waste primarily to water, carbon dioxide and a small amount of residue left at the bottom. The distributor suggests that after about 5 years, the small quantity of residue can be dug out by removing the upper basket and distributed in your yard. I have had mine for about three years and have never had to clean it.

Are there any odors?

No. Because the basket is covered by ground, there are no offensive odors.

Is it safe from children and animals?

Yes. The lid of the solar cone has a button latch. There is also a safety bar across the top. Since you dug a hole for the basket, it is safely in the soil.

I love my green solar cone digester. This system is almost maintenance-free. It is rodent-free. There is no need to chop food, layer, turn, or water it like with a compost pile. Its a great addition to a home or school already composting with worms or  maintaining a compost pile. Its also excellent for homeowners looking to cut down on the household waste they send to their landfill.

For more information, go to Solarcone.net or google ‘green cone composter’. I also saw several municipalities offer this product to their residents at greatly reduced rates as part of a recycling program. If you are interested, contact your city and ask them to look into this program.

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