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brandond_gw

Carbon Filter for kitchen container

brandond
14 years ago

I have one of those stainless steel kitchen containers for scraps that ends up in my compost pile. I replace the filter every 6 monthes or so. I have been ordering them from gardeners supply company, as that is where the container came from. Does anyone know if some local business would carry such a product. If I could find some of that carbon material I could just cut out the pattern I need. It really does a good job of keeping it from stinking. IF not I will just order a bunch from gardeners supply sO I dont have to keep paying that freight fee.

Comments (48)

  • minitrucker
    14 years ago

    Google fish filter stuff I have seen carbon impregnated pads for sale some place. Sounds like you need cut to fit material I have used Doctors Foster+Smith and That Fish Place catalogs before.

  • jonas302
    14 years ago

    some range hoods use a carbon filter there might be something for a furnace also maybe talk to a appliance dealer

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  • Kimmsr
    14 years ago

    The container we use to accumulate kitchen waste for the compost bin, a cut off 1 gallon milk jug, does not have am odor filter, does not need an odor filter because we empty it often enough that the material does not get a chance to develop unpleasant odors. There is no reason to hold that kind of material inside your house long enough for unpleasant odors to develop.

  • brandond
    Original Author
    14 years ago

    Kimmsr In all practicallity, I generally only have once a week to dispose of my kitchen container. My family life and work schedule does not permit me the time to set around my compost pile like a campfire.

  • PRO
    Steven Laurin & Company
    14 years ago

    We use one of those heavy plastic 3 gal Rubbermaid bins with a burp-able lid - never noticed any offensive odors, even after a couple weeks. But then, typical scraps are coffee grounds (w/filter), assorted vegetable + fruit waste and crushed egg shells. However, I imagine if animal and fish parts were stored there - it would really reek.

  • soilguy
    14 years ago

    Watching this thread for suggestions too.
    We also have the same SS container that needs costly replacing.
    It can become 'soggy/gunky/stinky' at times (we do lots of fish/seafoods).
    Both kitchen and table scraps go in it. Everything.

    Can be cleaned/reactivated once, at least.
    Rinse well in mild bleach water, then re-dry in preheated oven on sheet/tray at 160F/175F for an hour.
    Seems to be some kind of 'impregnated' material.
    Hotter/longer 'melts' it some. So have a replacement on hand before you try it.

    SoilGuy

  • borderbarb
    14 years ago

    Have you tried to control odor through other means? I wonder if a sprinkle of cat litter [unused, natch] after each "deposit" might work as well as the filter. Might be worth a try and sounds cheaper than buying filters. Money saved is money we can spend on plants or other garden goodies.

  • terrene
    14 years ago

    I have a large cat litter box that has a big cover over it, and the cover has a slot for a carbon filter to slide into it. Maybe a pet store?

    I use a 2 gallon white bucket that used to hold some sort of joint compound or something. No labels, so it is very innocuous in the corner of the kitchen countertop. I dump about every 3-7 days (like Brandon, my life doesn't revolve around dumping or making compost as I'm a laissez-faire composter and only do cold composting, in a bin, large piles alongside the front and back gardens, and lots of sheet composting).

    Sometimes I use "browns" as an odor suppressor in the kitchen bucket - paper towels, paper plates, or brown paper shopping bags as a brown layer on top of any stinky green stuff.

  • annpat
    14 years ago

    How far out on the back forty do you keep your compost pile? I dump my compost bucket every two days and I sincerely doubt that it takes more than four minutes to walk the 25 feet to my pile, dump the container, and get back to the house. So 12 minutes a week is too much for you? And you've got family who could take a turn?

    I cannot imagine storing stinking compost on my counter to save myself---at the very, very most---12 minutes a week.

  • PRO
    Steven Laurin & Company
    14 years ago

    Our kitchen waste container is stored in the cabinet under the kitchen sink - compost bins are 125 ft from the back door. Typically, I wait 'till the 3 gal bin is full, usually a week, or so . . . longer during winter months when freezing temps make turning the piles more of a chore. Within that time however - there is no noticeable stink. So, what's the urgency?

  • PRO
    Steven Laurin & Company
    14 years ago

    That's the point - no stink, so no urgency! There's also no necessity for supporting the capitalistic system we are opposed to, by purchasing carbon filters for a SS compost waste receptacle. That is, unless that receptacle is intentionally faulty by design of the filter retailers, such as the ones needed for the SS can the OP described.

  • brandond
    Original Author
    14 years ago

    You cant imagine purchasing a carbon filter. Lady they cost like 4 dollars for a pack of 3, and they do work. They are some really wackos on this website. Im far from a tree hugger. IM a conservative loving,freedom loving American that has a small stainless steel container, that uses carbon filters. OH and I support capitalism, no this march toward socialsim mentality thats around here.

  • annpat
    14 years ago

    (Lloyd, did you notice how brandon spelled 'wacko'?)

  • cheapheap
    14 years ago

    I donÂt know where to get a filter or what type of bin that you have ( got a picture, dimensions, or a link?) but maybe a couple of coffee filters, some activated charcoal from a pet store, and a glue gun might be worth a try- you could make several at a time and compost them (minus the hot glue) when you are done with them.

    This is not what you asked, but it might help - I use a bucket with a lid and it works well for me - I just set the lid on it because snapping it on/off is a hassle. If I had to keep it inside for a while I would put a thin layer of peat moss (or perhaps an alternative, shredded paper or cat litter as mentioned above by borderbarb) on the top when I think it will need it - you would probably need less than a gallon per 5 gallon bucket. I also usually put a layer of some type of mulch at the bottom so that everything comes out easily when I dump it.

    HTH, these are interesting times. Best of luck to you.

  • curt_grow
    14 years ago

    Er; archdiver So a socialist would not need or want a carbon filter? Sorry I can't help with filters brandond.

    Curt :-)

  • PRO
    Steven Laurin & Company
    14 years ago

    curt - Of course I support consumerism - I'm an American capitalist, not a socialist, like half the people here. Perhaps I chose the wrong word to describe the corporate decision makers, who intentionally developed a bucket design with a loose-fitting lid - therefore convincing the user there's a need for purchasing their carbon filters.

    "They are some really wackos on this website." brandon - Sorry if I offended your principles, I'm no "wacko". But if no smell emanates from our container without a carbon filter, it seems your pail's design stinks as much as the garbage it contains. :)

  • Lloyd
    14 years ago

    Well there are 'wackos' and then there are compost 'wackos', they aren't necessarily the same thing.

    Lloyd

  • curt_grow
    14 years ago

    archdriver; Sorry it was said in jest. Not to make fun of you or anybody on this forum, but as a tongue in cheek kind of thing. You sure did not offend any principles of mine. I am just not good with the written word as a communication media. LOL

    Curt :-)

  • rott
    14 years ago

    ..
    I use a ceramic cookie jar with a plastic seal on the lid. It holds maybe a gallon. Avoid the ones with a curled lip on the inside. Stuff collects in that inner lip when emptying it out and it becomes difficult to clean. Look for a smooth, straight wall from the bottom to the top where the lid seats.

    We fill the jar, in the kitchen, for a week, maybe two. When I empty it and it gets washed out then. I don't care to waste the water to clean it out any more frequently than that so I am not going to be emptying it out and then washing it out every other day. I'm a lazy slob to boot. The few times stink has been an issue, my wife has smacked me on the head and it gets emptied. Not a major disaster.

    to sense
    ..

  • kikifoow
    14 years ago

    Got a bowl on the countertop with a piece of alfoil as a lid. It gets dumped into a 5 gall bucket outside the back door when full (the bucket has a wood wine crate as a lid to keep the dog out). When I have an extra minute or so I take that bucket over to the pile and empty it. Usually once a week when I go to turn the pile a bit. Basically whenever it ain't raining and I decide to turn the pile.

    If I am busy then maybe the pile doesn't get turned for 2 weeks. The process may slow down or even stop, but I figure it will start up again in spring anyway, it just puts me behind in my piles.

    Why would I spend good money on ss jars and filters instead?

  • Lloyd
    14 years ago

    "Why would I spend good money on ss jars and filters instead?"

    Gift?

    Lloyd

  • brandond
    Original Author
    14 years ago

    Geez guys. I got this container as a gift for Christmas. Its very nice,stainless steel. My wife like things to look nice on the counter top. It suits me since I like to compost,and the looks suit her. brandon

  • kikifoow
    14 years ago

    hmmm. I didn't see any mention of gift.... my bad.

    Brandon, my point being. If you put a bucket or something close to the back door (or whereever) and just dump the container into that it will take you seconds to a minute.. Then when you have time to run that back to the piles, you can. Just an alternative to a stinking bucket in the house or a long run to the pile.

  • annpat
    14 years ago

    I just wanted to dispel any illusions on your part that the rest of us "sit around our compost like a campfire."

    I don't think that you're going to find a better deal than you've already got though. You spend five dollars every two years? You didn't mention how much the freight was.

    You could buy loose charcoal at a fish store and maybe just wrap it in paper towel or cheesecloth.

  • Lloyd
    14 years ago

    I just wanted to dispel any illusions on your part that the rest of us "sit around our compost like a campfire.""

    Sheepishly says Lloyd...

    But sometimes I have a picnic table in the compost area and it even has an umbrella attached to it now (got too hot out in the sun some days!)

    Lloyd

  • Lloyd
    14 years ago

    brandon, not sure if this is the same one as yours but the six reviews seem to be very positive. Target sells replacement filters, 2 for $4.99 tho.

    Lloyd

  • curt_grow
    14 years ago

    Yes Lloyd and I Would be a happy camper if it was summer and a group of us were up there with you for morning coffee at your table watching your tumblers!!!

    Curt :-)

  • Lloyd
    14 years ago

    C'mon up! Mn to Mb ain't that far, heck our borders touch! Morning coffee, afternoon beer, either (or both for that matter) works for me.

    ;-)

    Lloyd

  • terrene
    14 years ago

    Hmmmm..I had no idea that carbon filters on compost buckets were so controversial! LOL

    My compost bucket, despite not being dumped as frequently as some other composters' buckets, only stinks once in awhile. Usually in the hot weather and when there's fruit scraps in the bucket. Under such conditions, it may even be accompanied by fruit flies.

    I just set the lid on it because snapping it on/off is a hassle

    Ditto.

    When I empty it and it gets washed out then. I don't care to waste the water to clean it out any more frequently than that so I am not going to be emptying it out and then washing it out every other day.

    Ditto.

  • CAstarter
    14 years ago

    Brandond

    Amazon has many different filters and often free ship with $25 purchase. I just ordred a compost bin from Costco and am about to order a great counter pail as well.....i agree with having something pretty on counter that doesnt smell for my black gold holdings...Happy New Year

  • PRO
    Steven Laurin & Company
    14 years ago

    With all due respect to everyone who follows this practice - I cannot fathom the concept of a "decorative" SS bin w/replaceable filter on the counter-top. Doesn't anyone have available space under their kitchen sink for a generic holding bin ? My wife and I can't be the only ones who do this without odor problems. ;^)

  • curt_grow
    14 years ago

    arch I was down to the farm store to day looking for a stainless pail, but no luck, seems like plastic is all they carry now. Why look for a stainless pail? Well I was washing out my food grade 2 gallon recycled plastic and after a week of holding kitchen scraps it was not just to fun to clean and bleach. I know a stainless steel would be a lot easier. and heck it would last me the rest of my life too.

    Curt~

  • Lloyd
    14 years ago

    I can fathom/imagine just about every conceivable container/method of material holding. When it comes to the folks on this forum and their compost, there is a creativity/imagination level that is just incredible.

    I'm willing to bet a cup of coffee and donut at the local coffee shop that most people have tried various methods and have settled on the method most efficient (or acceptable to spouse) to them. (laziness breeds efficiency).

    Brandon, where'd you eventually decide to get the filters from?

    Lloyd

  • curt_grow
    14 years ago

    Hey Lloyd I looked it up on the map we are only 450-500 miles apart Don't look like I'll be visiting soon LOL.

    Curt ;-)

  • PRO
    Steven Laurin & Company
    14 years ago

    "I can fathom/imagine just about every conceivable container/method of material holding. When it comes to the folks on this forum and their compost, there is a creativity/imagination level that is just incredible."

    Lloyd,
    My comment was mostly tongue-in-cheek. This ceremonial vessel, is apparently decorated to fit in with the kitchen decor to serve as a reminder to the cooks to use it. If a family is really serious about composting, the container should be treated similarly as a garbage can - which with most folks, is stored behind cabinet doors. I just find the concept of enshrining a garbage can as being very comical. :-)

  • Lloyd
    14 years ago

    "If a family is really serious about composting, the container should be treated similarly as a garbage can..."

    Really?! Well, I guess I'm not like most folks, mine is up on the counter right beside the sink. My bad. Or maybe I'm just not really serious about composting yet, always room for improvement I say.

    Lloyd

  • jonhughes
    14 years ago

    Lloyd,
    You say the funniest things on this forum...
    Every time I see your name, I can't wait to read your posts..
    One of your latest ones bears repeating here and now !!
    I laughed so hard,it was great ;-)

    Here goes :
    Come on now people, you're being unreasonable. Every question or thought posted on this forum can be solved with any of the following answers:
    A) You don't need that
    B) It costs money, you don't need that.
    C) It harms the environment, you don't need that.
    D) I don't use that, you don't need that.
    E) Studies have shown you don't need that.
    F) I've communicated with people all over the world, you don't need that.
    G) A good reliable soil test indicates you don't need that.
    H) I don't know anything about the subject or your circumstances but you don't need that.
    ;-)
    Lloyd
    P.S. Keep your stick on the ice!

  • brandond
    Original Author
    14 years ago

    I ended up buying the filter at pet warehouse. It was an aquarium filter made out of the same stuff that I paid to much for from gardeners supply. I fits perfectly.

    Now look I have read the comments to my very simple post and it just really astounds me. I asked for a simple response to suggestion on what I should use for a filter replacement or where I could get something similar to what I had. I get all these people throwing down on the fact that I have a very nice stainless steel composting pale. IT WAS A CHRISTMAS PRESENT PEOPLE. I used to use an old coffee can so my wife got this which appease her asethicly and is functional for my uses. It does also remeind you to use it since it looks ya in the eyes from the counter. When I first started out I needed that reminder to use it, now i dont.

  • curt_grow
    14 years ago

    But Brandon look at the great chit-chat you started? It's worth It's weight in stainless steel!

    Curt :-))

  • annpat
    14 years ago

    I wouldn't have said a word had you not been so sarcastic to kimmsr.

  • Lloyd
    14 years ago

    And if we can't take what should be a three answer thread and turn it into 50, then we just ain't trying folks!

    Lloyd

    P.S. Don't take it personal Brandon, some of us just can't help ourselves. Thx for giving us me closure.

  • annpat
    14 years ago

    I do apologize, though. It just rubbed me the wrong way that instead of acknowledging minitrucker's and jonas's responses, you decided to get snarky with kimmsr.

    It brought out the sarcastic, rude person in me. I hate it when that happens.

    Oh, and by the way, I'm no lady. :^]

  • rott
    14 years ago

    ..

    OK. I won't share what I do to handle a similar situation. Fend for yourself.

    If I can't directly and definitively answer something I'll just shut up and I hope everyone else does too.

    Enjoy the silence

    ..

  • luckygal
    14 years ago

    I sure wouldn't mind if someone gifted me with a SS compost bin, I'm sure it would look much nicer than my dollar store plastic 1 gal. bucket with tight fitting lid but I'm too cheap to buy one. It is an upgrade from my previous 3.something L ice cream bucket that finally broke.

    For any Canadians who want a SS bin or need filters for their bins I've posted a link below for Lee Valley's very nice "countertop compost pail" and filters. Filters supposedly good for 3 - 6 months each and cost $3.40 Cdn - that would be pretty cheap to keep the stink out of your house if you can't walk to the compost daily. I'm almost tempted to get bin AND filters.

    BTW if you aren't filling a 1 gallon compost bin every day or two you may need to eat more fresh veggies for your health. We have to dump the compost daily but would anyhow, I can't imagine leaving stuff decomposing on the counter or under the sink

    Always interesting to hear how others live.

    signed... Lucky, who obviously doesn't support consumerism because she's a liberal socialist Canadian (and a hick to boot) but who does get a kick out of the humor on this forum. LOL

    Here is a link that might be useful: nice ss compost bin & filters

  • david52 Zone 6
    14 years ago

    Wow - I missed this thread. One could buy a sack of charcoal, crush it up, then pour it into a dispenser hanging right over the stainless steel container, and after every banana peel, pull the lever and cover it up. Think of the advantages terra-preta wise.

    Annpat, you might saunter out, at night, all the way to the compost pile with a banana peel and UCG, but you don't live in wolf country.

    I take great umbrage at the comment that nobody sits around the compost pile in lawn chairs, feet propped up on the used pallets, warming the toes on a smokin' hot pile, while regaling each other with tales of compost piles of yore. And when those tales, told and retold are safely esconed in the rich tapestry that is the oral history of a true compostiere, you can drag out an extension cord, bring out the TV, and watch Wheel of Fortune.

    I have a any assortment of containers by the sink, and when they're full, I step outside and dump them into a lidded garbage can outside the back door. When thats full, I take it down to the heap.

    And I also have a huge lilac bush right out side the back door, and fling stuff under it.

  • david52 Zone 6
    14 years ago

    Or Jeopardy.

    I'll take putricibles for 400, Alex

  • annpat
    14 years ago

    Ok. Ok. I admit it. I "set around my compost pile like a campfire", too. I do it at night; I've found my howling keeps the wolves away.