Turning up the heat on food waste: The West Sussex HOTBIN trial
West Sussex County Council is on a mission to tackle food waste head-on with an exciting initiative known as the HOTBIN trial.
6 September 2024
The goal is to cut down on the amount of food waste ending up in kerbside general waste bins across a range of households in West Sussex. But it’s not just about reducing waste - it’s about sparking awareness, inspiring action, and encouraging everyone to #ThinkBeforeYouThrow.
What is a HOTBIN?
A HOTBIN is a compost bin which allows you to compost all of your food and garden waste in around 30 to 90 days.
Reaching a high internal temperature of between 40 to 60°c, the HOTBIN provides the necessary environment, unlike traditional cold composting heaps, to break down a wider variety of waste more rapidly. Whether it’s your garden clippings or yesterday’s leftovers, the HOTBIN has it covered.
The HOTBIN isn’t just fast; it’s versatile too. It can handle the trickiest of waste items that regular compost bins might reject including cooked food, eggshells, mouldy bread, and even fish, meat and bones.
If you have a pet, The HOTBIN can process chicken waste, dog waste, and cat litter, all while producing a nutrient-rich liquid fertiliser for your garden. It’s a green-fingered dream!
Find more information on HOTBIN Composting Basics.
The HOTBIN trial
To get a real sense of how HOTBINs could revolutionise waste management, a select group of West Sussex residents have been chosen to take part in the trial. These participants represent a diverse range of households and communities, giving the us valuable insights into how HOTBINs perform across different living environments.
Keep your eyes on this web page for results and updates.
Setting up your HOTBIN: It’s easy!
Another great thing about the HOTBIN is it’s a breeze to set up. Whether you’ve got a patch of grass, a paved patio, or a gravel area, you can easily place your HOTBIN on any firm, level surface. The design allows for stability and ensures that the liquid fertilizer drains freely, making it easy to maintain.
So, why not consider joining the composting revolution? Not only will you be reducing your environmental footprint, but you’ll also be turning what was once waste into something wonderfully useful for your garden.
HOTBINs are available for purchase through the HOTBIN website.