🗑️ Using the Bokashi Bin
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What is Bokashi composting?
Bokashi composting uses a mix of beneficial microbes (Effective Microorganisms or EM) to ferment food waste in an airtight container. It’s a fast, low-odour method that prepares food scraps for full breakdown in soil or compost. Bokashi is an anaerobic process so removing as much air as possible and ensuring your using an airtight container is critical to the process.
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What is Bokashi bran made of?
Bokashi bran is made from wheat or rice bran infused with EM microbes, molasses, and water, then dried and stored. It’s the “fuel” that drives the fermentation process.
Our Bokashi Bran is made from Organic wheat bran, plantation grown pine, organic molasses and activated EM-1, rain water.
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How do I use a Bokashi bin?
Download Our Bokashi In 4 Simple Steps Guide- Add food scraps to the bin
- Sprinkle a handful of bokashi bran over the top, lightly covering the food scraps.
- Press down to compress and remove air
- Close the lid tightly after every use
- Drain off the liquid every few days, this depends on how moist or dry your food scraps are
- Once bin is full, let it ferment for two weeks (longer in winter)
- Bury the fermented leftovers in soil, add to the compost bin or worm farm
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What can I put in a Bokashi bin?
Accepted:
- Fruit and vegetables
- Cooked leftovers
- Meat, fish, small bones
- Dairy products
- Bread & grains
- Coffee grounds, tea bags
Avoid:
- Rotten or mouldy food
- Excess liquid
- Large bones
- Non organic materials
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One Or Two Bins?
You can do Bokashi composting with just one bin however once its full the bin has to sit and ferment for two weeks meaning your throwing away compost gold during that time. This is why most people will have two bins and then cycle between the bins so that compost gold is always available and no food waste is going to the regular bin service.
⚠️ Troubleshooting
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Why does my Bokashi bin smell bad?
A sour, fermented smell is normal. If it smells rotten:
- Add more bran
- Ensure liquid is drained off
- Press contents down firmly
- Ensure lid is fully sealed
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What is the liquid that collects in the bin?
That’s Bokashi tea. Drain it every few days. Dilute (1:100) to use as plant fertiliser or pour down drains as a natural cleaner.
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The contents look the same after two weeks?
Bokashi composting is different to regular composting, the food waste is not broken down at this stage but fermented. Its completely normal for the food to look almost the same as when it went in. You should notice white fluffy mould growing over the top if the process is working well.
🌱 Additional Info
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Can I compost during winter?
Yes! Either let the bin ferment for longer than two weeks- perhaps three to four weeks. Otherwise keep the bin indoors at room temperature. Microbial activity slows in the cold below 20C.
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Is Bokashi safe for kids and pets?
Yes, but keep Bokashi tea and the bran stored safely. Always wash hands after handling.
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Need More Help?
Get in contact with us if you have any other questions, we are more than happy to answer questions and guide through the process.
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I don't have a bin?
Make Your Own Bokashi BinYou can buy pre made bins (hint, we sell them!) or have a go at making your own.
Kai Kai Farm
Bokashi Bran Mix - Organic Compost Activator For Kitchen Waste









Home & Garden
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