New starter advice from a new starter!

[Dawnie4101]

OK so I received my hot bin at the start of this week and in preparation I had a read around the forums and was some what shocked and concerned that some people really could not get the bin going. I was fairly worried that this was going to be me and with the cost of the bin I couldn't let that happen. I began reading around tips, problems and advice and made some notes as I was determined that I would succeed with this! I noted some people having issues with the grille vent at the bottom, the charcoal lid filter, composting material not warming up etc. Obviously I read the start up literature and the thing that immediately struck me was the bin works and acts like a chimney! So having a woodburner stove I knew the importance of the 'draw'. Could I do something with the bin to maximise the chimney and draw effect? Absolutely - yes! For the first 6-8inches or the base of the bin I built a mesh of sticks and bigger plant materials like stems etc to become a framework for the smaller grass clippings, kitchen peelings, skins, smaller plant materials bulking agents and woody chips supplied. The framework seems to act like grate in a traditional fire which allows a bigger air area under the composting materials which means that when you open the valve at the top you have more air to draw upon on and it keeps the composting material away from the grille and guess what? It's working an absolute treat! The bin is 'burning' at 70-80C. Hope this might help someone out there who may be struggling.

[merlinjack]

Hi,
This may also help, i have had my bin for about 5 weeks it has been ticking along at 30 - 40c. i never expected 60c.
i decided to look in the bin two days ago, took the front door off, no surprise it all looked familiar, not really compost, dug out the bottom of the bin and put it back in in layers 24 hrs later 60c well i am amazed 48 hrs later 72c. honestly if i can do it anyone can just get the mix right have patience and i think emptying and reprocessing might not be a bad idea good luck

[kelitinks]

OK so I received my hot bin at the start of this week and in preparation I had a read around the forums and was some what shocked and concerned that some people really could not get the bin going. I was fairly worried that this was going to be me and with the cost of the bin I couldn't let that happen. I began reading around tips, problems and advice and made some notes as I was determined that I would succeed with this! I noted some people having issues with the grille vent at the bottom, the charcoal lid filter, composting material not warming up etc. Obviously I read the start up literature and the thing that immediately struck me was the bin works and acts like a chimney! So having a woodburner stove I knew the importance of the 'draw'. Could I do something with the bin to maximise the chimney and draw effect? Absolutely - yes! For the first 6-8inches or the base of the bin I built a mesh of sticks and bigger plant materials like stems etc to become a framework for the smaller grass clippings, kitchen peelings, skins, smaller plant materials bulking agents and woody chips supplied. The framework seems to act like grate in a traditional fire which allows a bigger air area under the composting materials which means that when you open the valve at the top you have more air to draw upon on and it keeps the composting material away from the grille and guess what? It's working an absolute treat! The bin is 'burning' at 70-80C. Hope this might help someone out there who may be struggling.

That is the best information for a new start that I got from reading forums. I was having trouble starting mine, but, taking your advice, Hey Presto, it has reached a hot temperature. Thanks for that

[Hollow101]

OK so I received my hot bin at the start of this week and in preparation I had a read around the forums and was some what shocked and concerned that some people really could not get the bin going. I was fairly worried that this was going to be me and with the cost of the bin I couldn't let that happen. I began reading around tips, problems and advice and made some notes as I was determined that I would succeed with this! I noted some people having issues with the grille vent at the bottom, the charcoal lid filter, composting material not warming up etc. Obviously I read the start up literature and the thing that immediately struck me was the bin works and acts like a chimney! So having a woodburner stove I knew the importance of the 'draw'. Could I do something with the bin to maximise the chimney and draw effect? Absolutely - yes! For the first 6-8inches or the base of the bin I built a mesh of sticks and bigger plant materials like stems etc to become a framework for the smaller grass clippings, kitchen peelings, skins, smaller plant materials bulking agents and woody chips supplied. The framework seems to act like grate in a traditional fire which allows a bigger air area under the composting materials which means that when you open the valve at the top you have more air to draw upon on and it keeps the composting material away from the grille and guess what? It's working an absolute treat! The bin is 'burning' at 70-80C. Hope this might help someone out there who may be struggling.

Hi dawnie4101, had my hotbin a few months now and followed your advice on setup which has worked really well for me.
one quick question, have you emptied yours yet? Mine is due soon, did you leave the original twigs etc in or empty and replace?

many thanks hollow101

[OAP]

Hi
Got new bin for christmas, put a layer of screwed up newspaper in bottom,, so filled bin up with leaves mixed in woodchippings another layer of newspaper more leaves.
Start nothing happened, so put some warm water in with plastic container, temp went up to 50f and has now just stopped.
is this good as i read of people getting up to 60f. started bin 27/ 12 ,

[EnlightenedElm]

Hi there OAP. It doesn't sound as if there is any 'easy to digest' waste in your HOTBIN at the moment which will be preventing the internal temperature from rising and being sustained. If you would like some assistance, please send us an email to [email protected] and we will be more than happy to offer you some tailored recommendations.

[OAP]

At last bin going well now weather has warmed up over 60c now, have'nt opened front yet, waste just getting to top of door.
During cold spell tryed 2 bottles of hot water still would not take off, so fingers crossed for future.

[Ducklady]

Dawnie, Wood stove user here. Your suggestions make sense. I have gotten very discouraged before I began as I lack grass clippings, etc. I think I would have just resorted to my usual cold compost pile in the back of the garden had I known how particular this hot bin is. Your idea gives me some hope as I do understand chimneys. Thanks.