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Subpod Underground Compost Bin & Worm Farm - Subpod US
woman installing subpod in ground compost system
Subpod Underground Compost Bin & Worm Farm - Subpod US
Subpod Underground Compost Bin & Worm Farm - Subpod US
Subpod In-Garden Compost System - Subpod Composting & Gardening
Subpod In-Garden Compost System - Subpod Composting & Gardening, home composting, worm composting, grow food, vermicomposting, composting
how subpod in garden compost system works
grow food, composting, home composting, subpod
Subpod Underground Compost Bin & Worm Farm - Subpod US
Subpod Underground Compost Bin & Worm Farm - Subpod US
Subpod Underground Compost Bin & Worm Farm - Subpod US
Subpod Underground Compost Bin & Worm Farm - Subpod US
Subpod Underground Compost Bin & Worm Farm - Subpod US

Subpod Underground Compost Bin & Worm Farm

Regular price $220.00 Sale price $187.00
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$10 Flat rate shipping on all orders

Our story began with Subpod. It's the beautiful system that solves every common compost problem you’ve ever experienced!

  • Smell-free and pest-resistant
  • Composts up to 33lbs of food waste a week
  • Suitable for households of 4 - 8
  • Dual compost chambers
  • Compost bin, worm farm & garden seat
  • Effortless 5-minute-a-week maintenance
  • Includes 2 x worm blankets
  • All packaging is 100% home compostable
  • 2 year guarantee

Ships within 1 - 2 business days from our USA Warehouse via UPS.

Need something smaller? Shop Subpod Mini →

29.5" L x 17.7" W x 16.9" H

As per the diagram, 12.6" of your subpod will be buried and 4.3" will be above ground

Meet Subpod

3 in 1 - compost bin, worm farm and garden seat.

Taking care of your waste is as simple as opening a lid, stirring your scraps and taking a seat.
Smell-free, mess-free and stress-free.

Watch the video for our Subpod compost system

"As the global food waste crisis hits people’s radars, innovators are coming up with all kinds of creative solutions. Joining the movement, a team of people in Australia, has dreamed up a novel solution that makes composting food waste easier, quicker and more appealing – and it’s now been launched globally."

"That's the great thing about Subpod, it can go anywhere. I call myself a compost master. I've mastered composting. I have done my 10,000 hours in many systems. I can speak with authority here. I haven't seen anything better in a simple system that's understandable and easily teachable as a Subpod."

How Subpod Works

Subpod is an in-ground compost system and worm farm. Compost worms
and microbes live inside Subpod and turn all the materials you feed them (food scraps, paper, coconut peat) into rich compost. Over time, nutrients from the compost will feed your garden soil and help your plants thrive.

Compost Underground

Compost worms live in Subpod like they would in nature. Underground, they compost in the dark,
protected from harsh weather conditions and direct sunlight. Fresh air circulates through Subpod via the
ventilation panels, which helps aerobic (odourless) microbes speed up the composting process.
As the worms and microbes breed, they explore the soil, taking particles of compost with
them and boosting fertility through the garden bed.

Soil is an insulator, it protects the worms in hot weather and gives them a
cool place to escape to. When it's cold, the soil traps heat in Subpod and keeps the worms
active during winter – so you can compost all year round.

Subpod in 4 Simple Steps

Step 1: Put your food waste in Subpod and aerate your compost to speed up the
next step.

Step 2: Worms and microbes go to work, breaking down your food waste into worm castings (compost).

Step 3: Ventilation and aeration keep your system smell-free while the composting process happens.

Step 4: You can harvest your compost and use it as
fresh organic fertiliser for
your plants!

Subpod is a vermicomposting system

Vermicomposting
Uses worms to break down food waste much faster than traditional methods, generally in 2 - 3 months. Vermicompost (worm castings or worm manure) is nitrogen rich compost that’s as good for the garden as the traditional stuff. Subpod can compost smaller amounts of waste non-stop, which is a big advantage over traditional systems.

Traditional composting
A complex biological process that uses a microbes, a specific ratio of carbon to nitrogen and high temperatures. It requires a large pile of organic matter to generate the high temperatures needed to compost the food waste. This can take a lot longer, up to 6 - 9 months, and systems are often exposed, attracting pests and emitting foul smells.

What makes Subpod unique?

The best seat in the house

A garden is more than just a place to grow - it’s a place to go. A place to relax, be with nature, and enjoy the sun. Which is why we designed Subpod to blend in seamlessly with any green space. Subpod is more than just a smell-free underground composting system. It’s a comfortable, easily customizable seat that can support up to 150kg of weight. Compost your food scraps all year round and enjoy your garden, your way!

Worm flow

We believe in living in harmony with nature. Subpod’s unique design lets your worms live in the soil, the way they’re meant to. Underground, your compost worms are safe from the sun and can choose to travel from the life-hub of the Subpod, out into your garden. Just like a forest floor, they will nurture and aerate your garden’s soil, before heading home to eat. Improve your gardens’ health, and grow more veggies, with less work.

Air flow

Smelly compost? It’s not something you need to worry about with Subpod. The key to healthy compost is air, and with a unique 360-degree ventilation system, your compost will get plenty of that! Fresh air flows in, and stale air can flow out before it ever turns sour. We designed the size of the Air Flow holes so they could keep out any common pest. Keep your compost smell-free and healthy, with Subpod.

In-ground system

It’s time to bring composting out into the light, and make it a feature of your garden! Say goodbye to those big black compost bins roasting in forgotten corners, Subpod’s in-ground design means it can seamlessly blend in with any environment. Whether it’s resting in your garden ready for harvest, nestled in as a cafe seat helping to clean plates, or subtly hidden under some beautiful ferns, you get to choose how Subpod suits you! No more overheated, ruined compost. Just the fresh stuff - safe in the ground, ready whenever you need it, right where you want it.

BEGINNER FRIENDLY

The basics of composting right there in your lid

We’ve taken the guesswork out of compost. Many old-school compost systems are challenging to maintain, and there’s a lot of trial and error when you start. Subpod is completely beginner-friendly, with easy to follow instructions on how to feed and care for your worms right on the lid. We’re more than just a compost company; we’re a growing community that’s invested in your success. If you ever need help, you’ll have the whole Subpod team right there to support you.

Order now for immediate delivery from our local USA warehouse

Become a food waste warrior – order your Subpod today

Pick the right Subpod Bundle for you

Subpod Classic

Price: $220
$10 Flat rate shipping

The perfect option if you want to install your Subpod in an existing garden bed and already own a compost aerator (a speciality compost mixing tool) or you would like to mix your compost by hand or trowel.

What's included?
1 x Subpod
2 x 100% natural jute worm blanket
1 x Detailed instruction manual

Not included but required:
1,000 composting worms
Where to buy compost worms
Everything you need to know about compost worms

Subpod Essentials

Price: $265 NOW at $238
$10 Flat rate shipping

The essentials bundle includes Subpod, plus a compost aerator, a speciality tool to mix your compost. Installing their Subpod in an existing garden bed or directly in the ground? We recommend this bundle.

What's included?
1 x Subpod
1 x Subpod Compost Aerator
2 x 100% natural jute worm blanket
1 x Detailed instruction manual

Not included but required:
1,000 composting worms
Where to buy compost worms
Everything you need to know about compost worms

Subpod Grow Bundle

Price: $403 NOW at $362
$10 Flat rate shipping

The "everything–you–need–bundle" including Subpod, Aerator and stylish raised garden bed. Start fighting food waste and grow healthy food in your backyard. Our best selling bundle for first time composters.

What's included?
1 x Subpod
1 x Subpod Grow Garden Bed
1 x Subpod Compost Aerator
2 x 100% natural jute worm blanket
1 x Detailed instruction manual

Not included but required:
1,000 composting worms
Where to buy compost worms
Everything you need to know about compost worms

We're here for you.

We want to make your composting experience easy, simple and enjoyable as possible.

60 Day Satisfaction Guarantee

We know you'll love Subpod – that's why it comes with a 60 day satisfaction period. Use your Subpod in your backyard and return it if you're not happy to us within 60 days for a full refund.

$10 Flat Rate Shipping from our U.S.A. warehouse

Delivered to your door from our local warehouse with world class courier services. You'll be provided with a tracking number once your Subpod is dispatched, knowing exactly when you'll receive it.

Our returns process is easy

In the unlikely event that you'll need to return your Subpod within 60 days, the process is incredibly easy. Our customer service team will provide you with a return shipping label and guide you through the process.

Fall in love with compost when you choose Subpod.

Over 20,000 people from schools, households, businesses, restaurants, families, cafes and non-profits around the world have fallen in love with compost after choosing Subpod.

"Composting just got a bit more efficient! I highly recommend this... I'm looking forward to some really good harvest"

Ashlie Thomas
@the.mocha.gardener

"Subpod is one of those wonderful solutions that if enough people implemented this change it would have an enormous impact on our planet"

Damon Gameau
@damon.gameau

"It's the easiest system you can imagine, even the kids know how to churn the worms"

Courtney Adamo
@courtneyadamo

FAQ's

How is Subpod different from other composting systems?

Subpod is an in-ground worm farm, the first ever of its kind! Above ground compost systems are often difficult to maintain and attract pests. Worm farms that are above ground also fail when they get too hot or cold – but not Subpod. Subpod sits 90% below the soil level in your garden, so the compost worms that live inside can come and go freely (nourishing the soil directly). The soil insulates your compost and protects your worms from harsh weather, so you can keep composting no matter the season!

  • It allows you to compost directly in your garden allowing the worms and microbes to distribute nutrients into the soil.
  • Because you’re composting in the soil, your system is insulated → which means you can compost in a variety of climates
  • Subpod sits 90% below ground, which deters pests and predators
  • The worms are able to move freely between the Subpod module and the surrounding garden which creates a worm friendly environment
  • The Subpod has a unique modular design, which allows multiple systems to be installed in one bed and cater to larger volumes of waste.

We designed Subpod to deal with all the common issues associated with traditional compost systems:

  • It’s aerobic, using odourless microbes to speed up the composting process
  • The ventilation panels keep it smell-free with fresh air
  • It doubles as a garden seat, subtly hidden amongst your plants

What can be composted in Subpod?

You can compost a much bigger variety of materials in Subpod than in other worm farm systems! See the full list below:

FOOD WASTE ✅
Most food waste can be composted in Subpod without worry. Fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells (crush them first), coffee grounds, used tea leaves, spoiled plant-based milks, grains, pastas, breads, nuts (and their shells), seeds, pits, husks and so on. Small amounts of meat, seafood, dairy foods, citrus, onion and garlic may also be added. Subpod can also process spicy herbs, peppers and oils but it’s best to introduce these slowly in small amounts at first, and only once your worms are fully established (after around three months).

PAPER & CARD ✅
Most scrap paper and cardboard can be added to Subpod, as long as it’s not laminated or super glossy. Again, the smaller the pieces, the better. Junk mail, office paper, bills, envelopes (no plastic windows), post-it notes. Paper plates, tissues, egg cartons, paper cupcake liners, baking paper, even card and paper packaging is fine.

NATURAL FIBRES ✅
Cotton wool balls and pads, tampons, toilet paper cores and even natural latex condoms and gloves can go into Subpod. Old clothing, face washers, napkins, tablecloths and very old towels can be used as long as they are made from natural fibres like cotton, tencel, linen, hemp or wool (no polyester, nylon, acrylic or blends) – just shred them into small pieces first. Washer and dryer lint is okay too, as long as it comes only from clothing made from natural fibres.

WOOD AND BAMBOO ✅
Sawdust (no paint) is great. Toothpicks, disposable wood, bamboo and bioplastic cutlery and crockery can be composted, along with dead matches, bamboo skewers, garden prunings (cut 'em up small), and charcoal from the fireplace – as long as you wash off the ash which is too alkaline for Subpod.

HUMAN AND ANIMAL WASTE ✅
Human hair and nail trimmings, used facial tissue, used cotton bandages and sanitary items can all be composted in Subpod, as long as they are made from 100% natural fibres. Pet hair of all kinds is fine, along with soiled newspaper and hay cage liners and faeces from vegetarian pets and livestock (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, cows and horses). Dog and cat faeces are NOT suitable for Subpod if you’re eating the plants growing around it. But fine if you want to have a separate one for this purpose.

NOT COMPOSTABLE 🛑
You cannot compost non-organics such as plastic, tin cans, cigarettes, building waste, toxic waste, glass, or any other similar materials in Subpod.

How much food waste can I compost in Subpod?

Once your worm population builds up (up to 3 months) you can feed your Subpod 30L (7.9 gal.) or 15kgs (33 lb) of food waste per week. This can be optimised for higher performance, and we go into detail about this in the below video.

How many Subpods do I need?

For reference, the average family generates 7kg (15lbs) of food waste a week, for reference.

  • We have designed the Subpod to be used for a family of up to four people, processing around 15kg (33lbs) of organic waste per week.
  • It will take from six weeks to three months to get your Subpod working at this capacity, depending on the season and how much you feed it. The worms need to settle in and build up their numbers.
  • Subpod is modular, so If you have more than 30L/15kg of waste per week, you can choose to connect two or more Subpods and create a bench seat, or install in separate garden beds.

What are the dimensions/specifications and capacity of Subpod?

The external dimensions are: 29.5 in (750 mm) Length x 17.7 in (450 mm) Width x 16.9 in (430 mm) Height, including the lid. The internal dimensions are: 28 in (710 mm) Length x 16.1 in (410 mm) Width x 11.5 in (290 mm) Height below the soil level.

A total internal volume of 30 gallons, (115 litres), which gives a total composting volume of 22 gallons (84 litres) due to the soil level and air flow area at the top.

Does Subpod need to be underground?

Yes - 12" underground! Being underground is what makes Subpod different from other compost systems. The soil provides insulation and a way for worms and microbes to explore your garden and feed your plants. Above ground compost systems struggle to keep worms and microbes comfortable, and even alive, in summer and winter – but underground they're safe and happy (which is the secret to good compost).

Does Subpod need worms?

Yes! Subpod is a vermi-composting system, which means it relies on compost worms to break down your food waste. Without compost worms, Subpod can't do its job.

We recommend buying worms for your Subpod locally if possible, but you can also find them online. If you need more information on how to buy worms, read this blog!

Do worms come included?

Unfortunately, no. But we do have a few tips though!

- Try to purchase worms locally. Worms always seem to be happier if they don’t have to be shipped for miles across the country.

- Get a diversity of worms. There are 3 main types: Red Wigglers, Night Crawlers and Tigers. Each is better suited to different environments and temperatures, so it’s helpful to get all 3.

- Jump on to our growhub community and see if there’s a local Subpodder that will give you some worms. Make a friend and score some worms at the same time!

How many worms will I need for Subpod?

We recommend starting out with a minimum of 1,000. If you would like to speed up the process, start with a 2,000.

Does Subpod attract pests and rodents?

  • No it shouldn’t. Subpod’s built-in ventilation panels have small holes that keep out bugs, pests and rodents, whilst allowing air to flow in. Just make sure the ‘worm holes’ in the sides of the Subpod are covered with soil so nothing can sneak in.
  • Some pests are attracted to the smell of rotting food. By keeping a healthy Subpod, your food won't rot, it will instead be composted by your worms and microbes.
  • Keep your food scraps in a sealed container/caddy to make sure bugs don’t lay eggs in your waste before you transfer it to the Subpod.

Here's a short video to help you

Can Subpod be installed directly into the ground, or does it have to be in a raised garden bed?

Yes! Subpod can be installed directly into the ground. Subpods work the same planted directly in the ground as they do in a raised bed, however we find that raised beds are just that much easier to access and use Subpod.

If you want to plant at ground level, watch the below video for some handy tips to see how to plant your Subpod.

Can I compost in winter with Subpod?

Yes! But you may need to do a little tweaking. Subpod relies on the worms and microbes to compost and they can go dormant if they get too cold.

Subpod is naturally insulated by the surrounding soil so during winter the temperatures inside will be higher than any above ground compost system. But things will slow down if the temperature drops below 55 F (12C).

We’ve found 3 proven methods that keep your worms warm and happy over winter.

Help! I'm a compost beginner – how do I get started?

We have free online courses that will walk you through everything you need to know about Subpod.

View our free Subpod online courses.

Does Subpod need any maintenance?

  • When you add your food scraps and carbon material to the Subpod, you'll need to mix them through using an aerator. This takes a few minutes each time you feed the worms.
  • If the soil surrounding Subpod settles and starts to reveal the Subpod wormholes (beneath the airflow panels), more soil (and mulch) needs to be added to cover the holes.
  • Otherwise, just keep feeding your worms and keep the blanket moist when you are adding more food.

Placement of Subpod – in the shade or no shade?

If you live in an area with hot summers, you will want to provide some shade for the Subpod worms (and the plants) by picking a place that gets shade in the hottest part of the day, or by setting up a simple frame for shade cloth to be placed over the bed.

If you plan to grow food bearing plants around your Subpod they will need at least 6 hours of sunlight, so some sort of seasonal shade cloth structure could be a good solution. We have even seen people plant an umbrella base behind their Subpod in the garden bed to allow a beach or cafe umbrella to be popped up in the heat of the day!

Is Subpod made from plastic?

It’s great to be concerned about the use of plastic, and we have put a lot of energy into this. When designing the Subpod we have considered many factors, and one of the main things that are important to us is a circular life economy.

We have found that the best material we can use now to manufacture our Subpod is polypropylene which is naturally BPA free. This is one of the safest plastics available from a health perspective with no endocrine disruptor chemicals and with undetectable leaching. Because we have designed the Subpod for durability and long life use, as a priority we are initially making Subpods from virgin polypropylene and will field test blends of up to 50% recycled polypropylene to verify these blends have sufficient strength and longevity to permit the use of a percentage of recycled polypropylene in Subpod manufacturing.

Polypropylene is water and food safe and has been used in the food industry for many years, able to withstand high temperatures of about 110 degrees Celsius/230 Fahrenheit. Using polypropylene, Subpod are expected to have a minimum usable lifespan of 10 years in the soil without any leaching or degradation which is important since the Subpod will contain and be surrounded by a microbe-dense soil in a wide range of conditions, including damp and high humidity areas.

Doubling as bench seating requires that the materials chosen support body weight. Polypropylene based Subpod can bear up to 200 kilograms/440.93 pounds.

Finally, the Subpod can be recycled when it reaches the end of its life in your garden, completing its life cycle. There are exciting plastic substitutes being developed which we are looking into, but most of these are designed to be composted after use and we need the Subpod to hold up strong for many years while it is efficiently composting all of your kitchen waste ;-)

It’s number for recycling is 5.