How it works
Five steps to controlled composting.
Durvela turns composting into a repeatable process. Load the right mix, seal the drum, rotate for oxygen, monitor the conditions, and harvest finished compost with confidence.
LOAD
ADD YOUR ORGANIC WASTE
THE RIGHT WAY
A proper balance of ingredients is the first
step to fast, clean, and effective composting.
WHAT TO ADD
Nitrogen-rich materials that
support rapid decomposition.
- Fruit & vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds & filters
- Grass clippings
- Tea leaves
Carbon-rich materials that
provide fuel and structure.
- Dry leaves
- Shredded cardboard
- Sawdust or wood pellets
- Straw
Aim for a 30:1 ratio of browns to greens.
This balance ensures optimal aeration, heat retention, and microbial activity.
To determine exactly what amount of browns you need to add (it also suggests if any water should be added along with the browns), use our compost calculator →
TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Chop or break down large pieces.
- Avoid adding large wet clumps (mix in dry browns).
- Do not include large amounts of salty or oil foods.
- Keep materials varied for balanced decomposition.
DID YOU KNOW?
Smaller pieces break down faster.
Try to keep ingredients under 2 inches
in size for optimal results.
BUILT FOR CONTROL
Durvela’s sealed drum and engineered design maintain the
ideal environment from the moment you load it.
SEAL
LOCK IN THE CONDITIONS
THAT MATTER
Sealing the drum creates a controlled environment that supports high temperatures, reduces odors, and speeds up decomposition.
HOW TO SEAL
Close the door completely.
Ensure the door sits flush against the drum.
Engage both latches.
Push the latches firmly until they lock into place.
Check the seal.
Confirm the door is secure and the latches are tight.
WHY IT MATTERS
Maintains heat and moisture
for efficient decomposition.
Prevents pests from entering and
odors from escaping.
Creates a safe, aerobic
environment for microbes.
PERFORMANCE INSIGHT
A tight seal, combined with Durvela’s insulation,
helps maintain ideal internal temperatures of
130–160°F for rapid breakdown.
ROTATE
MIX FOR OXYGEN.
SPEED UP RESULTS.
Regular rotation introduces oxygen, prevents
clumping, and evenly distributes heat and
moisture throughout the drum.
HOW TO ROTATE
Rotate the composter after every addition or at
minimum once every 2–3 days.
This ensures proper aeration and keeps materials
moving for consistent decomposition.
ROTATION BEST PRACTICES
- Rotate in the same counter-clockwise direction each time.
- Keep a steady pace for smooth operation.
- Do not overfill the drum (if its more than 70% full its time to unload some matured compost). Overfilling can make rotation difficult and reduce aeration efficiency.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN
YOU ROTATE?
Adds oxygen for microbial activity
Breaks up clumps and eliminates
compaction
Distributes moisture and heat
evenly
Speeds up decomposition
ENGINEERED ADVANTAGE
Durvela’s internal mixing system and drum design
work together to break down materials more
efficiently than static compost bins.
MONITOR
TRACK PROGRESS.
OPTIMIZE RESULTS.
Monitoring your compost ensures the conditions stay in the ideal range for efficient, odor-free decomposition.
WHAT TO MONITOR
Ideal range: 130–160°F. Higher temps kill pathogens, weed seeds, moss, and speed up breakdown.
Material should feel like a damp sponge. Add browns if too wet, greens if too dry. To estimate if water should be added, use our compost calculator →
Should smell earthy, not sour. Bad odor = too much moisture or not enough oxygen. Add airflow with our solar powered aeration fan kit →
HOW OFTEN?
Check every 1–2 weeks.
Use a compost thermometer to monitor internal temperature
through the access port. During active decomposition the ports
nearest to the hopper door will show highest temperature, while
maturing compost near the unloading end will be cooler.
TIPS
- Keep the temp in the green zone
(130–160°F). If it runs too hot, add oxygen with the solar powered aeration fan kit → - Rotate if temperature drops
below 120°F. - Add dry browns if material is
too wet or odorous.
DATA-DRIVEN COMPOSTING
Consistent monitoring leads to predictable results. Durvela gives you the control to know your compost is working.
HARVEST
FINISH STRONG.
REAP THE REWARDS.
When your compost is dark, crumbly, and
earthy-smelling, it’s ready to use.
HOW TO HARVEST
Remove the back door
Unfasten and remove the drum door.
Remove the compost
Use the Durvela Compost Pull Hoe → to remove your finished compost (empty about 1/3). Compost can be used as top dressing right away, or left to mature for a few weeks before blending into the soil.
Close and reinstall
Reinstall the back door
and you’re ready for the next cycle.
WHAT FINISHED COMPOST
SHOULD LOOK LIKE
- Dark brown to black
- Crumbly texture
- Earthy smell
- No recognizable food scraps
COMPOST USES
PRO TIPS
- Sift out any large, undecomposed
pieces before use with the Durvela Compost Screener → - Store compost in a dry place
until needed. - The more consistent your process,
the better your results.
THE DURVELA DIFFERENCE
Engineered for performance. Built for control.
Designed to deliver premium compost—every time.
Results
Odor-Free
Decomposition
Last