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
fuel decomposition.
- Fruit & vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds & filters
- Grass clippings
- Tea leaves
Carbon-rich materials that
provide structure.
- Dry leaves
- Shredded cardboard
- Paper (uncoated)
- Straw
Aim for a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens by volume.
This balance ensures optimal aeration, heat retention, and microbial activity.
To determine exactly what amount of browns you need to add, use our compost calculator →
TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Chop or break down large pieces.
- Avoid adding large amounts of citrus or onion.
- Do not include meat, dairy, or oily 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 gasket.
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 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
Turn the hand crank 8–10 full rotations
every 2–3 days.
This ensures proper aeration and keeps materials
moving for consistent decomposition.
ROTATION BEST PRACTICES
- Rotate in the same direction each time.
- Keep a steady pace for smooth operation.
- Do not overfill the drum. 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 and
speed up breakdown.
Material should feel like a damp
sponge. Add browns if too wet,
greens if too dry.
Should smell earthy, not sour.
Bad odor = too much moisture
or not enough oxygen.
HOW OFTEN?
Check every 1–2 weeks.
Use a compost thermometer
to monitor internal temperature
through the access port.
TIPS
- Keep the temp in the green zone
(130–160°F). - 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
Open the door
Unlatch and open the drum door.
Pull out the tray
Slide out the collection tray
and remove your finished compost.
Close and reset
Push the tray back in, close the 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. - 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