Composting Game Changer

I was looking for a device to compost my cats poop, spent litter, and kitchen waste. I joked with my cats that it was time for them to stop living at home for free and pay their way. I already use other devices: Aerobin, FoodCycler, and Subpod. I wanted to separate the cats waste from the compost I use in my veggie garden. My plan was to use the cat waste only in flower beds away from edible plants.

I read up on the Bokashi method. Some use this method in addition to vermicomposting for processing pet waste. I was looking to compost my cats poo using the bokashi method and then use GEME to heat treat. This device uses the aerobic fermentation method, which we call hot composting.
During the fermentation, the GEME-Kobold (a heat-resistant composite microbial group) and the industrial-grade purification system can deodorize itself. If using bio-cat litter, you don't need to pre-treat it using the bokashi method and put it directly into GEME.

I live in the Northern Hemisphere and must switch from composting outdoors in the spring and summer to indoors in the winter. Composting outdoors slows, and the vermicomposting worms who live outdoors in the Subpods are moved indoors for the winter to rest, eat, and produce worm castings, which will be used in the spring for starting seedlings.

Of course you could dig a hole in the yard, insert a bucket with a top on, drill some holes. Once filled, you dig another hole in the yard and repeat the process. Given I live in a state with four seasons, once the ground freezes and snow take over, the only option is to throw the waste in the trash or store it until spring in an air tight container. Eau de poo, no thank you.

At first the GEME worked fine, then after a couple of months it stopped processing the waste and began to pile up (see the before photo). I contacted GEME. Upon reviewing my amateur photos and video, they knew what the problem was and quickly provided a solution by swapping out an old part for the new. I am one of the early users. A known defect with the first generation has since been correced and improved. It's now working again.

In the past, I didn't include the cat litter. Different opinions made me cautious to add it, but a representative from the company said it was okay as long as it is bio waste. I use pine pellets. Since I live in the Northern Hemisphere, when the bin becomes full (during winter), I put the excess compost in a container to use in the spring.

You may be looking at the price and asking yourself, "is it worth the cost?" I can tell you; it is worth the investment. I live in the Midwest, and my state has experienced drought the last two years. I learned by adding compost and topsoil, soil retains more water and reduces the amount of watering (I only use rain barrels). I no longer throw away kitchen waste, have reduced garbage going into the bin (less to lift), and spend less time pulling weeds out of the garden. It's been a win-win.