The most effective means of managing our waste is to change the patterns in which we consume and discard our waste. The Vermiculture bin is a very effective means of reducing the amount of waste that goes to the landfill while also producing an organic fertilizer to return to the earth. The worm box uses eisenia foetida, commonly known as the red wiggler. The worms are placed in one section of the box with wet, shredded news paper. Food scraps from the kitchen are added to the box, as they accumulate.
Worms feed on fruit and vegetable peels, tea bags, coffee grounds, and even pulverized egg shells.
Adding a handful of dirt helps to provide the necessary grit for the worms' digestion. Under the correct conditions, a damp ventilated area, the worms can double the population in about 60 days. With one pound of worms, approximately one pound of soil can be removed form the box each month. The soil is removed, leaving some behind which contains enough worms to continue the process.