The 60C bins that turn leftovers into garden compost in 30 days

RESIDENTS in West Sussex have been given insulated composters that can break down food 32 times faster than normal compost bins.

To prevent food waste going to environmentally damaging landfill sites, 30 residents in Adur and Worthing have received Hotbin aerobic composters that are said to convert kitchen leftovers and garden cuttings into nutrient-rich compost in as little as 30 days.

Hotbins are made from expanded polypropylene – which is often used for car bumpers.

The bins lock in heat and reach 40C to 60C to accelerate the breakdown of difficult food waste, such as bones, and kill off pathogens.

If the pilot is successful, households will be encouraged to buy a £200 Hotbin from Adur and Worthing councils, which aim to become carbon-neutral by 2045. Adur councillor Emma Evans said: ‘It’s fantastic that so many households have taken up the chance to reduce the food they waste, as well as their carbon footprint.

‘Bacteria digests waste 32 times faster at 60C than at 10C, so if compost takes 18 months in a cold heap it will take 18 days in a Hotbin. That’s why using one is a brilliant and easy way to do your bit for the environment.’