The Mill: Could This Sleek Food Recycler Actually Be the Solution to Our Compost Woes?
I do not like composting. This may be anathema for someone living outside of Portland, Oregon, a city synonymous with environmental consciousness. But, I’d just rather not have a container of slimy, rotting kitchen scraps sitting on my countertop. It attracts fruit flies and makes my house smell like federal-prison pruno—especially in the heat of summer.
Instead, my family of three has been relying on an in-sink garbage disposal, which our septic repairperson adamantly advises against. Garbage disposals are also a bad idea for those not on septic systems because the refuse ends up in the waterways, polluting the environment. Throwing food into the kitchen trash eventually leads to the local landfill, where uneaten food makes up 24 percent of municipal solid waste. Its breakdown results in the release of dangerous methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.
To combat this, many cities have their own composting programs. My rural exurb does not, so I’m forced to choose between a normal-smelling kitchen and actively contributing to global warming. That’s why I’m very interested in the Mill, an odorless, fully automatic food recycling bin dreamed up by Matt Rogers, former Apple engineer and cofounder of smart-thermostat pioneer Nest.
My family, who cook prolifically at home, tried the Mill for six weeks. We connected it to a power meter to test its output and cost of use, and we fed it as diverse a batch of food scraps as possible (including sauces, hundreds of eggshells, and a particularly vexing batch of melon rinds). Our goal was to determine whether this pricey bin could be worth the cost for our household.
From the Grounds Up
There’s no denying that the Mill, at 50 pounds, 27 inches tall, and 16 inches wide, demands a significant footprint. Even in my fairly spacious kitchen, finding a place for the Mill where it was both accessible yet not obstructive, and within a couple of feet of a power outlet, was a challenge. For those short on counter space, the Mill’s floor-based design could offer an edge over countertop competitors like the Lomi.
The Mill itself is composed of sleek, high-quality stainless steel and plastic, a far cry from the traditional compost bin aesthetic. It looks more like a futuristic coffee machine than a device designed to cope with smelly food scraps. The machine features a large, easy-to-open hopper that can accommodate quite a bit of waste without needing to be emptied frequently. The Mill uses a two-stage process involving heating and grinding, similar to the way a traditional compost bin works but on a smaller scale.
The Big Reveal: How the Mill Turns Scraps Into Compost
The Mill’s operation is simplicity itself. Just fill the hopper with food waste – no need to pre-sort or rinse it – and close the lid. The machine will automatically begin its cycle, first heating the contents to a high temperature. The heating process eliminates odors and destroys pathogens, making the Mill fundamentally different from traditional compost bins that rely on air exposure to break down food waste. It also ensures that the compost is safe for use in gardens and potted plants even if it hasn’t been pasteurized.
After heating, the Mill begins the grinding process, churning the waste through a ceramic grinding disc to reduce it to a fine, crumbly, odorless compost. This compost resembles a mixture of dry soil and ground coffee. The Mill doesn’t create a liquid fertilizer byproduct like some other composter models.
The whole process takes about six hours and can be timed to your schedule using the Mill’s integrated app. The app allows you to control the unit, receive notifications, and track how much food waste you’ve recycled over time. But, here’s the kicker: you can run multiple cycles in a day if need be.
The Good, the Bad, and the Smelly (or Not!)
The Mill shines in a few key areas:
- Odorless operation: This is arguably the Mill’s biggest selling point. The odor-free design truly comes in handy, especially for those who dislike the traditional composting process.
- Automating the process: The Mill handles everything itself, from heating to grinding to disposing of the final compost. This eliminates the need for regular monitoring and makes composting extremely convenient.
- Ease of use: It couldn’t be simpler: fill, close, walk away. No need to pre-sort or rinse anything. You can even toss in eggshells, bones, and meat scraps, and the Mill will handle it all.
- Compost consistency: The Mill consistently outputs a fine, crumbly compost that’s ready to use right away.
- Minimal environmental impact: The Mill uses less energy than a traditional oven and produces less methane gas than a typical landfill.
However, as fantastic as the Mill is, it’s not without its drawbacks:
- Cost: This is a considerable investment, especially compared to a standard compost bin. It may not be a feasible option for everyone.
- Size: As a countertop appliance, the Mill requires significant space, which isn’t ideal for smaller kitchens.
- Initial learning curve: While simple to operate, new users might need a bit of time to understand the settings and features.
- No liquid fertilizer: The Mill produces only dry compost, meaning you’ll need to find another source for liquid fertilizer if you need it for your garden.
Is the Mill Worth It? A Balanced Perspective
The Mill is a groundbreaking innovation. Not everyone will be able to afford its premium price tag, but it could be a game-changer for people who struggle with the inconvenience and mess of traditional composting. Its ability to handle a wide range of food waste, including meat and bones, will appeal to those who want a truly all-in-one solution.
However, factors like size, cost, and the lack of a liquid fertilizer output might be deal breakers for some. Ultimately, the decision of whether the Mill is worth it for you comes down to personal needs, priorities, and budget.
For environmentally conscious individuals living in areas without municipal composting programs, the Mill offers a convenient and effective way to reduce food waste. It’s a good way to turn your kitchen scraps into a valuable resource and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
