Composting Eco-Nappies

darraghdog

Registered User
Messages
115
Hi Everybody,

We got a little baby over the weekend, and I'm looking to get some eco-nappies... the web page said that you can use a wormery to compost them ( ).
Proboem is, I'm just after buying a normal compost bin of the council; can I put some worms in there just to turn it into a wormery; or is a wormery;s structure different to a normal compost bin ?

Thanks,

Darragh.
 
Our compost bin contains lots of earthworms but I think that a dedicated wormery is somehow different to a normal compost bin. I'm not sure if the compostable nappies can be put in a normal compost bin (perhaps you could inquire with the supplier?) but normally it is recommended that you do not put faecal matter in a normal compost bin.
 
In short (as you will find out soon) the output capacity from an infant is greater than the input capacity of your basic composter or wormery, unless you have an *enormous* composter. Even then, the likely smell in the medium term (before it all turns to compost) is unlikely to make you popular with the neighbours.

Last time I checked a wormery was more or less a compost heap with specific fittings and bits and bobs to allow you drain off the 'worm juice' from the bottom and use it as liquid fertilizer.

Congratualtions on the new baby.

z
 
Check http://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/ for lots of info on wormeries. Also the ecoshop at the back of Glen of the Downs garden centre sells (or orders in at least) worms for composting and has a range of composters and I've always found them to be very helpful and knowledgeable. Check www.rollercoaster.ie as well for more info - I think there is a place you can buy eco nappies from who will also collect the used ones - not sure though if these were eco nappies or simply cotton re-useable ones - it's a couple of years ago that I read a discussion on this topic on a different site but as far as I do recall rollercoaster was mentioned several times as the place to go for information on this.

Congratulations on the new arrival.
 
the eco idea is nice, but make sure they do the job. in our experience, pampers are leak free 99% of the time whereas we once tried lidl nappies and after the first 5 leaked we chucked the rest
 
Eco baby nappies sure do the job! Been using them for 3 years now. Never composted them though. The vermicomposter has to be quite big to compost the get though the output of one (never mind 2!) kids. On researching it, I was advised that you really need two large ones, so that you can switch back and forth giving the worms a chance to get munching.

Also you need different worms from normal compost heap worms, but a wheelbarrow load of farm yard or stable manure should start you off.

And congratulations on the baby and being a parent. Have fun!
 
As far as I know it is not advisable to put nappies on a trad. composter. You can certainly use them in a wormery composter. Check out www.boards.ie They have a green issues section in Society and they should be able to help you!