If you've ever wondered how to compost food waste more easily – even things like cooked food, meat, and dairy – Bokashi composting might be just what you need. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through the very basics of Bokashi, how it works, and why it’s becoming increasingly popular for homes and small spaces.
What is Bokashi?
Bokashi is a food waste fermentation system that uses Effective Microorganisms (EM) to ferment – not rot – your kitchen scraps. Unlike traditional composting, which relies on oxygen and heat, Bokashi is an anaerobic process, meaning it works in airtight conditions.
Instead of creating finished compost straight away, Bokashi produces something called pre-compost, which is then added to soil to finish breaking down.
How Does Bokashi Work?
Here’s how the Bokashi process typically works:
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Add food waste to a Bokashi bin – including meat, dairy, bread, vegetables, and cooked leftovers.
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Sprinkle Bokashi bran (containing beneficial microbes) over the waste after each layer.
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Press down the waste to remove air and seal the bin tightly to maintain anaerobic conditions.
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Leave it to ferment for around 2 weeks after the bin is full.
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Drain off the liquid (“Bokashi tea”) every few days – it can be used as a natural fertiliser when diluted.
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Bury the fermented waste in soil or add it to a compost heap to complete the decomposition.
What Can I Put in a Bokashi Bin?
Unlike standard compost bins, Bokashi bins can take:
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Fruit and vegetable scraps
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Cooked food and leftovers
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Meat and fish (raw or cooked)
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Cheese and other dairy products
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Bread, pasta, and rice
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Eggshells and coffee grounds
Avoid large bones, excess oil, or liquids like soup, which can disrupt fermentation.
What Happens After Fermentation?
Once the food waste has fermented in the bin, it becomes Bokashi pre-compost. This isn’t quite finished compost yet – it looks similar to how it went in, but it’s been chemically transformed and is now ready to enrich soil.
You can:
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Bury it in your garden soil (it will break down fully in 2–4 weeks)
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Add it to a compost heap to speed up composting
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Use a soil factory (a box or bin with soil) to finish the process in a controlled environment
Benefits of Bokashi Composting
✅ Handles All Types of Food Waste
Unlike traditional composting, Bokashi can manage meat, dairy, and cooked food, making it ideal for everyday households.
✅ Space-Saving and Indoor-Friendly
The system is compact and odour-controlled, perfect for small kitchens, flats, and urban living.
✅ Produces Nutrient-Rich Soil Additive
The fermented waste is packed with nutrients and beneficial microbes that boost soil health and fertility.
✅ Creates Bokashi Tea
This liquid byproduct can be used as a natural fertiliser for plants (when diluted 1:100) or poured down drains to help keep them clean.
Final Thoughts
Bokashi composting is a simple, efficient, and eco-friendly way to deal with kitchen waste. Whether you're new to composting or want a more flexible system that works in small spaces, Bokashi could be the perfect solution.
By understanding the basics and starting small, you’ll be on your way to reducing waste, improving your soil, and living a more sustainable lifestyle – one food scrap at a time. Get started today at https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/collections/bokashi-composting
