1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Outsunny 160L Double Chamber Rotating Drum Composter. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient assembly, operation, and maintenance of your composter. Please read it thoroughly before use and retain it for future reference.
This composter is designed to help you create nutrient-rich compost from food scraps, kitchen waste, and garden waste, contributing to a more sustainable environment and healthier plants.
2. Safety Information
Please observe the following safety precautions:
- Keep children and pets away from the composter during assembly and operation.
- Do not overload the composter.
- Ensure the composter is placed on a stable, level surface.
- Wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, when handling organic waste and compost.
- Do not place hazardous materials, chemicals, or non-biodegradable items into the composter.
3. Assembly Instructions
Assembly is required for this product. Please follow these general steps. Refer to the included assembly diagram for detailed instructions and component identification.
- Unpack all components and verify against the parts list.
- Assemble the steel frame base, ensuring all connections are secure.
- Attach the two compost chambers to the central rotating axle.
- Mount the assembled drum onto the steel frame base.
- Ensure the sliding doors are correctly installed and can open and close smoothly.
- Check all screws and fasteners to ensure they are tightened securely before first use.
4. Operating Your Composter
4.1. Dual Chamber System
The Outsunny composter features a dual-chamber design, allowing for continuous composting. While one chamber is actively composting, you can add new materials to the second chamber. This ensures a steady supply of finished compost.
4.2. Adding Materials
Open the sliding door of the designated chamber and add your organic waste. Ensure a good mix of 'greens' (nitrogen-rich, e.g., food scraps, grass clippings) and 'browns' (carbon-rich, e.g., dry leaves, shredded paper). Close the door securely after adding materials.
4.3. Rotating the Drum
The 360-degree tumbling design allows for easy and efficient mixing of the compost pile. Simply rotate the drum several times every few days. This aeration is crucial for speeding up the composting process and preventing odors.
4.4. Ventilation
The composter is equipped with 8 ventilation holes on each side to promote air circulation. Proper airflow is essential for aerobic decomposition, which is faster and produces less odor.
4.5. Extracting Finished Compost
Once the compost in a chamber is dark, crumbly, and smells earthy, it is ready to be used. Open the sliding door and extract the finished fertilizer. The sliding doors are designed for convenient fertilizer removal.
5. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Periodically clean the exterior of the composter with a damp cloth. If necessary, rinse the interior with water, ensuring it dries completely to avoid anaerobic conditions.
- Inspection: Regularly check the steel frame and plastic components for any signs of wear, damage, or loose fasteners. Tighten any loose screws.
- Lubrication: If the drum rotation becomes stiff, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can be applied to the rotating mechanism.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Compost is too wet/smelly | Too many 'greens', not enough 'browns', or insufficient aeration. | Add more 'brown' materials (e.g., dry leaves, shredded paper). Rotate the drum more frequently to increase airflow. |
| Compost is too dry/not breaking down | Too many 'browns' or insufficient moisture. | Add more 'green' materials (e.g., fresh food scraps, grass clippings). Lightly moisten the contents if they are very dry. |
| Pests (e.g., flies, rodents) | Exposed food waste, strong odors, or easily accessible openings. | Ensure all food waste is covered with 'brown' material. Keep doors tightly closed. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods. |
| Drum is difficult to rotate | Overloaded or mechanism needs lubrication. | Reduce the amount of material in the drum. Apply silicone-based lubricant to the rotating parts. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | 160L Double Chamber Rotating Drum Composter |
| Brand | Outsunny |
| Material | Steel, PP Plastic |
| Color Options | Gray and Green, Black, Black and Green |
| Total Measurements (L x W x H) | 71 cm x 65 cm x 96 cm |
| Cube Measurements (Diameter x Length) | Ø60 cm x 65 cm |
| Height Above Ground | 37 cm |
| Door Measurements (L x W) | 26 cm x 14.5 cm |
| Capacity | 160 Liters |
| Assembly Required | Yes |
8. User Tips
- Balance 'Greens' and 'Browns': Aim for a good mix of nitrogen-rich (greens) and carbon-rich (browns) materials. A general rule of thumb is a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of browns to greens by volume.
- Chop Materials: Smaller pieces break down faster. Consider chopping larger food scraps or garden waste before adding them.
- Maintain Moisture: The compost pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge. If it's too dry, add a little water; if too wet, add more browns.
- Regular Rotation: Rotate the drum every 2-3 days to aerate the pile and speed up decomposition.
- Avoid Certain Items: Do not add meat, dairy products, oily foods, diseased plants, or pet waste, as these can attract pests and introduce pathogens.
9. Warranty and Support
For any questions regarding assembly, operation, or maintenance, please contact Outsunny customer support. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
Official Product Video:
