Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Green Cone System easy to use?
Yes, very. In your kitchen, fill the Green Cone caddy or other transport bucket with all your organic kitchen waste. When convenient, empty the caddy into the Green Cone in your garden.
Can I use chemical activators as well?
No. Chemicals can kill or disrupt the bacteria breaking down the food waste. The only activator that is recommended for use is the all-natural Green Cone Accelerator Powder.
Where should I install the Green Cone?
The ideal location for the Green Cone is a sunny, close-at-hand spot like a flowerbed or vegetable garden. For best results, avoid cold, dark, wet places in the yard.
Can my Green Cone stop working?
It's easy to have a well-functioning Green Cone. However, some problems may occur if:
- The Green Cone is installed in a very dark, shady area.
- The surrounding soil isn't well-drained, or if the soil contains heavy clay or chalk.
- The black basket is below the water table or in an area where water collects.
In these circumstances, the Green Cone's digestion process could turn anaerobic (without oxygen). You can tell that by examining the food waste. If it looks wet and slimy, the Green Cone should be reinstalled.
In periods of very cold weather the digestion process may slow down due to lack of natural bacteria. This would be evident by the level of waste in the basket not decreasing. Under these circumstances, the addition of the natural Green Cone Accelerator Powder should restore the bacteria population and restart the digestion process.
Can I use my Green Cone to dispose of animal excrement?
Yes, in moderation. When it is time to empty the Cone, take care to wear gloves and make sure you wash your hands.
Can I put garden waste in my Green Cone?
It is better not to. A traditional compost bin or heap is better at handling garden waste such as grass cuttings.
How much food waste can I put in my Green Cone?
Provided your Green Cone has been correctly installed, 1-1/2 to 2 pounds (roughly one gallon) of food waste can be placed in your Green Cone every day. This amount is typical of that produced by a family of four. The precise quantity of waste digested by your Green Cone each day will depend upon the ambient temperature, the population of bacteria and the mix of food waste you produce. Just like human beings, the Green Cone responds to a balanced diet of vegetables, fruit, fish and meat!
Why is there a bar across the top of the Green Cone?
The bar across the mouth of the Green Cone provides some rigidity in storage and transit. Its original purpose was to prevent small children climbing into the Green Cone. Turning the new twist-lock on the lid now serves the same purpose and the bar may safely be removed using a hacksaw to allow large scraps to be put more easily into the Green Cone.
Will the Green Cone attract flies?
The Green Cone is a sealed unit and when properly installed, emits no odors. It does not, therefore, attract flies. However, the eggs of fruit flies are already in the skins of many fruits and can hatch out in the Green Cone. Similarly, if food or food waste is not kept covered prior to going into the Green Cone, its possible for a housefly to lay eggs before the food reaches the Green Cone. These would also produce maggots and flies in the Green Cone. Good housekeeping is therefore important.
Should flies become a nuisance they can be eradicated by using a modest amount of an airborne fly killer. Be sure to use an organic product that will not kill the bacteria. Under no circumstances should one use liquid fly killer inside the cone.
Will the Green Cone attract vermin?
If correctly installed, your Green Cone will not attract vermin. By ensuring that the top of the black basket and the bottom lip of the green outer cone are below ground level, you will harmlessly filter out any odors into the surrounding soil. It is also important not to spill food near the Green Cone.
If you suffer from rats in your yard, you could be unlucky with a rat running across the Green Cone. If you think there is a chance of this happening you should put "guinea pig" wire around the black basket to prevent a rat gnawing its way through into the waste.
Does the Green Cone produce methane?
Not really. Because of the amount of oxygen inside your Green Cone, the decomposing food will produce very little methane.
Do I have to turn or mix the contents in my Green Cone?
No, just put all your food waste into the Cone and forget it. Your Green Cone does all the hard work for you.
When and how often should I empty my Green Cone?
In a well operating Green Cone, the waste residue will only need to be removed every few years and certainly no more than once a year. It requires emptying when the residue builds up to about 4" below ground level and shows no signs of reducing.
Will my Green Cone work all year round?
Yes. Your Green Cone works 365 days a year. The level of food waste may rise during winter but should drop down when the weather gets warmer. If decomposition slows during very cold periods, use the natural Green Cone Accelerator Powder.
How do I clean my kitchen caddy?
First, remove the filter by snapping it off of its holder. Then hand-wash the caddy in warm soapy water.
