Baskadia

As more people seek ways to reduce household waste, the debate between Bokashi and traditional composting often arises. Personally, I’ve found that different methods suit different stages of life. When I lived in a London apartment, the Bokashi bin was a game-changer, allowing me to compost indoors without needing much space. Now, with a backyard in suburban living, I use both Bokashi and traditional composting side by side. Each method has unique benefits, and together, they help me manage kitchen and garden waste efficiently.

What is Composting?

Traditional composting involves layering nitrogen-rich green waste (like lawn clippings, kitchen scraps, and leaves) with carbon-rich brown waste (such as paper, dry leaves, and small branches). Over about six months, this mixture breaks down into nutrient-rich compost, perfect for enriching garden soil.

What is Bokashi Composting?

Originating in Japan, Bokashi means "fermented organic matter." Unlike traditional composting, which breaks down waste through decay, Bokashi "pickles" kitchen scraps, turning them into pre-compost. Once buried, Bokashi transforms into rich soil in as little as four weeks.

How Does Bokashi Work?

Bokashi involves collecting kitchen waste in a sealed container and sprinkling it with Bokashi bran daily. The bran contains beneficial microbes that ferment the waste. Once the bin is full, it’s left to sit for a week before being buried in the soil. Within 2-3 weeks, the Bokashi turns into compost, ready to nourish your garden.

Bokashi vs Compost: Key Differences

1. Anaerobic vs Aerobic
   Bokashi is anaerobic (without air), requiring a sealed container, while composting is aerobic (with air), needing regular turning for faster breakdown.
   

2. Time to Create Compost
   Traditional composting takes about six months, while Bokashi can produce usable compost in just four weeks.
   

3. Compost vs Pre-Compost
   Bokashi produces pre-compost, which needs to be buried to fully break down. It can also be added to a traditional compost bin to speed up decomposition.
   

4. Odor & Pests
   Bokashi has a sour, vinegar-like smell and is pest-free, making it ideal for indoor use. Compost bins can attract pests and emit stronger odors.
   

5. What to Include
   Bokashi can handle almost all kitchen waste, including meat, dairy, and bones, while compost bins are better for garden waste like lawn clippings and sticks.
   

6. Space Requirements
   Bokashi is compact and perfect for small spaces or apartments, while composting requires outdoor space for a bin.
   

7. Cost
   Both methods require an initial investment, but Bokashi has ongoing costs for bran. However, the liquid byproduct of Bokashi serves as a free, nutrient-rich fertilizer.
   

How to Use a Bokashi Bin

1. Gather Supplies
   You’ll need a Bokashi bin (often sold in sets of two) and Bokashi bran.
   

2. Choose a Spot
   Place the bin at room temperature, away from direct sunlight—under the sink or on the kitchen counter works well.
   

3. Fill the Bin
   Add kitchen waste daily, pressing it down to remove air pockets. Sprinkle Bokashi bran over each layer.
   

4. Collect the Liquid
   Drain the "liquid gold" every 1-2 days. Dilute it to use as fertilizer or pour it undiluted down drains to clean pipes.
   

5. Bury the Contents
   After two weeks of fermentation, bury the Bokashi in your garden or add it to a compost bin.
   

6. Repeat the Process
   Rinse the bin and start again. With two bins, you can maintain a continuous cycle.
   

Bokashi in Small Spaces

Bokashi is ideal for apartment dwellers or those with limited outdoor space. It allows you to compost indoors without the mess or odor of traditional composting. Once the bin is full, you can bury the contents in a container planter or find a community composting program.

What to Put in a Bokashi Bin

• Yes: All food waste, including meat, bones, and dairy.
  

• No: Rotting food (especially moldy items) and liquids (to maintain a dry environment).
  

Bokashi Problems

If your Bokashi bin develops a foul odor, add more bran. If the smell persists, empty the bin, clean it, and start over. White mold is a good sign, but blue or green mold indicates a problem.

Bokashi vs Worm Farming

Worm farming (vermicomposting) is another waste-recycling method, but it’s aerobic and has limitations on what scraps worms can process. Bokashi can complement worm farming by pre-treating scraps that worms can’t handle, like citrus or dairy.

Pros and Cons: Bokashi vs Compost

Bokashi Pros

Bokashi Cons

Produces nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer

Initial setup cost

Pest-free and odorless

Ongoing cost of Bokashi bran

Compact and suitable for small spaces

Limited capacity for garden waste

Retains nutrients and nitrogen content

Low CO2 emissions

Creates compost in 4 weeks

Composting Pros

Composting Cons

Handles large amounts of garden waste

Requires outdoor space

Low setup cost

Takes up to 6 months to produce compost

Produces large volumes of compost

Can attract pests and emit odors

Higher CO2 emissions

Final Thoughts: Is Bokashi Better Than Composting?

The Bokashi vs compost debate ultimately depends on your living situation and needs. Bokashi is faster, simpler, and ideal for small spaces or beginners. However, traditional composting is better for handling large amounts of garden waste. If you have the space, using both methods together can maximize your waste-recycling efforts and keep your garden thriving!