GEME Terra 2 vs Mill Composter: The 2026 Decision Guide

Choosing a kitchen composter isn’t just about convenience — it’s about capacity, output reality, and long-term cost.

This guide compares GEME Terra 2 vs Mill (Gen 2) using only published specifications and official support statements, so you can decide which system actually fits your kitchen and budget.

The 90-Second Truth: The "Lazy" Owner vs. The Service Subscriber​

1. Mill (2nd gen.) dries and grinds scraps into “Food Grounds.” Mill support explicitly states Food Grounds aren’t compost.

2. Mill pricing model includes purchase ($999+) or rental ($35/mo). Recurring costs include filters ($89) and optional pickups ($192/yr).

3. GEME Terra 2 provides up to 2kg/day continuous capacity, with 95% waste reduction allowing harvest intervals of 1–2 months.

1. Quick Verdict (TL;DR)​

Feature	GEME Terra 2	Mill (Gen 2)
Processing model	Continuous (daily throughput)	Batch-based
Published capacity	Up to 2kg per day	6.5L bucket (fills over weeks)
Output	Bio-compost (soil-ready)	Dried “Food Grounds” (not compost)
Filter cost	$0 (permanent filter)	$89 per replacement
Subscription required	No	Optional / ecosystem-based
Best for	Ownership, low maintenance	Service-based users

What This Comparison Is (and Isn’t)​

• ✅ Based on official product pages & support documentation
• ✅ Focused on real-world ownership and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
• ❌ Not sponsored
• ❌ Not lab testing — specs and statements only

2. Capacity Model — Daily Throughput vs Batch Cycles​

GEME Terra 2 Capacity​

GEME Terra 2 publishes a daily processing capacity of up to 2kg per day.
Because it uses a continuous biological breakdown process, waste can be added at any time — there is no “lockout” period during operation.

Key points:

• Up to 2kg/day published capacity
• 19L internal chamber
• Continuous feed, 24/7 operation

This model favors households that cook frequently or generate food waste daily.

Mill Capacity​

Mill uses a batch-style bucket system:

• 6.5L bucket
• Designed to fill over up to 4 weeks
• Waste is dried and ground once the cycle runs

Mill does not publish a daily throughput figure. Instead, capacity is described in terms of container volume and fill time.

Capacity Verdict​

If you think in daily food waste volume, Terra 2’s model is clearer.
If you prefer accumulating waste and processing it periodically, Mill aligns better.

3. Output Reality — Compost vs Food Grounds​

	Mill (2nd Gen.)	GEME Terra 2
Output	Dried "Food Grounds"	Bio-compost (up to 95% reduction)
Compost Status	"Food Grounds aren't compost." It Needs pickup or further composting	Ready for soil amendment
Harvest Frequency	When bucket fills / after each drying cycle	Once every 1–2 months

What Does Mill Produce?​

Mill produces dried, ground food waste referred to as “Food Grounds.”

According to Mill’s own support documentation:

“Food Grounds aren’t compost.”

The output is a dehydrated biomass intended for storage, pickup, or secondary use — not finished compost.

What Does GEME Terra 2 Produce?​

GEME Terra 2 produces biologically reduced compost:

• Up to 95% volume reduction
• Compost can be harvested every 1–2 months
• Output is suitable for soil amendment

This distinction matters if your goal is actual compost, not just waste drying.

Output Verdict​

• Want soil-ready compost at home → GEME Terra 2
• Want dehydrated waste for storage or pickup → Mill

4. Recurring Costs & Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)​

Mill Ongoing Costs​

Depending on how Mill is used, ongoing costs may include:

• Rental plan: ~$35/month
• Carbon filter replacements: $89
• Optional pickup service: ~$192/year

These costs vary by user, but they are part of Mill’s ecosystem-based model.

GEME Terra 2 Ongoing Costs​

• One-time device purchase
• Permanent catalytic filter
• No required subscriptions
• No mandatory recurring fees

Cost Verdict​

If you prefer predictable, one-time ownership, Terra 2 is simpler.
If you’re comfortable with service-based pricing, Mill may fit your expectations.

Mill involves potential recurring costs for rental ($35/mo), filters ($89), or pickups ($192/yr). GEME has zero mandatory recurring fees. Click here to Calculate your cost.

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5. Which One Fits Your Kitchen?​

Choose Mill if:​

• You want Food Grounds + optional mail-back service
• You’re comfortable with filters, rentals, or service fees
• You like the “fill over weeks” bucket model (6.5L / up to 4 weeks to fill).

Choose GEME Terra 2 if:​

• You want real compost output
• You cook often and generate daily food waste
• You want no subscriptions and minimal long-term cost
• You want long intervals between harvest (1–2 months) via 95% reduction

6. FAQ​

Is GEME Terra 2 really 2kg per day?​

Yes. GEME publishes “up to 2kg/day” as its daily processing capacity.

Does Mill make compost?​

No. Mill explicitly states that Food Grounds are not compost.

Does GEME require filter replacements?​

No. GEME uses a permanent Metal-Ion Catalytic filter. Unlike charcoal filters, it does not require periodic replacement.

What are the annual costs for Mill?​

It depends on your plan. Rentals are ~$420/year ($35/mo). Filter replacements are listed at $89. Optional pickup service is $192/year.

How often do I need to empty GEME?​

Official guidance states waste volume is reduced by 95%, allowing you to harvest compost just once every 1–2 months.

Is GEME suitable for apartments?​

Yes. It is floor-standing, quiet, and designed for indoor use.

Can I put bones in GEME?​

Small bones (chicken/fish) are accepted. Large beef/pork bones should be avoided as they take too long to break down biologically.

Does Mill require a subscription?​

You can buy the device upfront ($999+), but the ecosystem (pickups, filters) is designed around recurring services/purchases.

7. Practical Decision Rules​

1. The “Output Truth” Rule​

If you specifically want “compost,” note Mill’s own definition: Food Grounds aren’t compost. If you want compost positioning + harvest intervals, Terra 2 states 95% reduction and 1–2 month harvest.

2. The “Fees Tolerance” Rule​

If recurring costs annoy you, audit the full stack: rental + filters + optional pickups. If you’re fine with that, Mill can make sense.

3. The “Capacity Model” Rule​

Terra 2 publishes a daily capacity (up to 2kg/day). Mill describes a bucket capacity that fills over weeks (6.5L; up to 4 weeks). Choose the model that matches your cooking rhythm.

Verified Sources​

Last Verified: Jan 18, 2026. Data derived strictly from public support pages.

1. GEME — Terra 2 Home Bio-Composter (Specs: up to 2kg/day, Permanent Filter)
2. GEME — FAQs (95% reduction; harvest every 1–2 months)
3. Mill Support — "Food Grounds aren't compost"
4. Mill Support — Pricing (Buy $999 / Rent $35/mo)
5. Mill Support — Carbon filter replacement ($89)
6. Mill Support — Pickup Service Pricing ($192/year)
7. Mill — Food Recycler Page (6.5L capacity; up to 4 weeks to fill)

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