The latest innovation in eco-friendly waste disposal is the solar digester.
Solar digesters are similar to composters, except that instead of producing compost for your garden, the organic waste is decomposed into a sludge, which seeps back into the earth.
In the past, non-gardening homeowners were forced to throw out their kitchen scraps and past-due groceries because they did not compost.
However, food waste digestion is perfect for homeowners that do not have a garden.
Not only is a solar digester animal-proof, but many units are built to be aesthetically-pleasing! Look for bins that are decorative in nature; for example, one leading product is shaped like a terracotta urn.
Look for products that are manufactured from thick rotationally-molded plastic because they can be left outside over the winter.
A food waste digester comprises two pieces: an above-ground bin, and a below-ground basket or basin.
The bin acts as both a barrier, and a compost-accelerator.
Most bins come with a locking lid, which keeps small animals out.
The design of the bin is often engineered to optimize the collection of solar heat and maximize oxygen circulation, which are two keys to the aerobic decomposition process.
A solar digester is extremely easy to install and use.
All that is required is that a hole be dug to fit the underground basket.
The above-ground bin can then be secured to the basket.
There is actually no maintenance required! Each day, all you have to do is to open the locking lid, empty your scraps into the bin, and remember to close the lid again!