Solar-Powered Composter

Solar-Powered Composter ENERGY Waste Oil 17-3-33 You can turn grass clippings and other yard or garden debris into "aged" compost in only two weeks with a new solar-powered compost tumbler that has a programmable timer for automatic rotation, says Swisher Mower and Machine Co., Warrensburg, Mo. The box-shaped composter is powered by a solar panel that recharges a 12-volt battery. The battery drives a motor that rotates the composter. Material is loaded through a door on one side. "The secret to 14-day composting is to mix up the compost every day," says Max Swisher, owner. "The programmable timer eliminates the need for manual cranking. It can be set to automatically tumble the compost each day for three minutes which is enough time for five revolutions. The box design mixes compost more efficiently than round models where the material tends to slide down the sides during rotation and ball up. "The battery will store enough power to continue to operate for 25 days with no sun. An easy-to-use watering system lets you add water and automatically distribute moisture evenly throughout the compost while it's being tumbled to increase decomposing activity. Adjustable aeration vents allow oxygen to enter the composter. A 23 bu. (184 gal.) single compartment model sells for $499. A 12 bu. (96 gal.) model sells for $399. Manual crank models are also available. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Swisher Mower and Machine Co., Inc., Box 67, Warrensburg, Mo. 64093 (ph 800 222-8183 or 816 747-8183).

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