Frequently Asked Questions

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What can I put in Vego Composter?

Always
Fruit/Vegetable Scraps:
Banana peels, apple peels, tomato tops, onion bottoms, potato peels, avocado skins, carrot tops, vegetable & fruit ends, broccoli & cauliflower stems, apple cores, etc.
Tea & Coffee:
Loose tea and coffee grounds.
Meal Leftovers:
Small quantities of prepared foods like grains, egg shells, fish scraps, meat scraps, sauces, & dairy products (cheese, yogurt, etc.)
Herbaceous Houseplants:
Herbaceous plants (as opposed to woody varieties) have soft stems, leaves & flowers (under 2 in.)Starches:
Bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, cereals, oats and other grains.

Limited
Fibrous Waste:
Chopped up corn husks & nut shells.
Sticky Foods:
Honey, maple syrup, jams, nut butters, etc. (in very small amounts.)
Biodegradable Materials:
Unbleached: Food-soiled paper napkins, tea bags, coffee filters.

Never
Meats & Dairy:
Large amounts of chicken, beef, pork, & lamb, excessive cheeses & yogurts.
Fats & Oils:
Solid fats (butter, margarine, lard), cooking oils.
Hard Waste:
Woody plant matter (sticks & branches), salt, hard bones (chicken, beef, pork, lamb, etc), fruit pits, pineapple heads, walnut shells (toxic to plants.)
Synthetic Waste:
Soaps, shampoo & conditioner, packaging, diapers, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, pet feces, cigarettes, styrofoam, synthetic chemicals (including cleaners, disinfectants, etc.)
Recyclable Waste:
Paper, envelopes, paper boxes, metal, plastics, glass.
Tip:
●For optimal composting, please break down food waste into small pieces before putting it in. If the waste contains too much liquid, please filter out the water first
●For the sake of plant nutrition, please follow the list to fill your composter, and keep sugary and oily scraps to a minimum for Vego, Fertilize, and Grass modes

Why is the Vego Composter considered the best countertop composter for home gardeners?

The Vego Composter is regarded as the best kitchen composter for your countertop due to its advanced features, efficiency, and user-friendly design. It turns kitchen waste into valuable compost, making it an essential tool for sustainable gardening.

What makes the Vego Composter a superior choice for a countertop composter?

The Vego countertop food composter stands out due to its compact size, ease of use, and efficient composting process. It easily fits on your kitchen counter, providing an eco-friendly solution for managing food waste and enriching garden soil.

How does the Vego Composter function as a food composter kitchen appliance?

The Vego Composter is an effective kitchen compost bin that breaks down food scraps and kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost. Its innovative design and features make kitchen composting straightforward so you can give your garden all the goodness it needs.

What benefits does the Vego kitchen composter offer for eco-friendly waste management?

The Vego Composter offers numerous benefits for kitchen composting, including reducing landfill waste, creating nutrient-rich compost, and promoting sustainable living. Its advanced technology ensures efficient and hassle-free composting right in your kitchen.

How does the Vego kitchen counter composter enhance the composting process at home?

It processes kitchen scraps through its advanced composting technology. It uses low-temperature processing to preserve beneficial microbes, an intelligent scale to adjust processing times, and a smart app for real-time monitoring. It is a kitchen waste composter with advanced features, making it ideal for those leading a sustainable lifestyle.

How should I maintain my Vego Composter?

Cleaning your Vego Composter
To maintain and upkeep your composter, it is important to keep it clean. We recommend cleaning the exterior of your device once a month or as frequently as your other kitchen appliances. To ensure optimal performance, clean your inner bucket every time it is emptied.
●Unplug the power cord before cleaning.
●Please use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the exterior surfaces of the Vego Composter, including detachable parts such as the lid, inner bucket surface, and carbon filter box. If heavily soiled, you may use a small amount of dish soap. After cleaning, ensure to dry the surfaces thoroughly.
●Do not submerge your device in water as it contains electrical components that could be damaged by water and may cause electric shock.
Cleaning your bucket
Different types of kitchen waste may leave residue on the inner walls or blades. After cleaning out the Vego Meal, you can remove the residue as follows:
●Quickly clean the inner surface and any food residue using a brush and soap.
●For stubborn residue, add water to the waterline inside the bucket, cover with the lid, and activate Clean Mode. After the mode ends, pour out the dirty water and wipe clean.
●The inner bucket is dishwasher safe. Run a hot cycle, and after it completes, allow the bucket to cool before placing it back in the machine.
●Ensure the inner bucket is dry and cool before reinserting it into the device.
The Carbon Filter Refill Kit
The Carbon Filter Kit helps absorb odors produced during the composting process. You need to replace this periodically. Your device will notify you when it's time to replace the filter, or you can replace it every three months or whenever you notice strong odors.
Purchase a Carbon Filter Refill Kit at the following link: https://vego.com/pages/installation

Why are the contents of my kitchen composter staying partially wet?

This can happen due to the type of waste added. Avoid overloading with sticky, sugary, or high-fiber materials. Use a balanced mix of fruit and vegetable scraps or coffee grounds instead.

What should I do if the composter's blade gets stuck?

Remove any easily removable items, add water, and run the self-clean mode. After it's complete, empty the bucket and clear any remaining debris.

What if the blade is stuck due to compacted food causing a jam?

Use the self-clean mode with added water to loosen the compacted materials. Soaking the bucket may take longer and is not recommended.

Can the composter’s motor burn out if the blade is stuck?

No, the Vego Kitchen Composter has an automatic motor protection feature that stops operation to prevent burnout. Use self-clean mode to fix the issue.

How can I prevent the blade from sticking to the bottom of the inner bucket?

Mix different types of kitchen waste, like fruit and vegetable scraps, to avoid sticking.

What if the problem persists despite following the recommended process?

If the issue continues, try using more vegetable scraps and provide the compost output for further troubleshooting.

Where can I find guidance on what can be added to the composter?

Refer to the manual for detailed instructions on suitable kitchen waste to include. Avoid adding too much sugary or high-fiber material.

Is there an alternative to using the self-clean mode for a stuck blade?

Soaking the bucket can help, but it usually takes longer. The self-clean mode is the most effective option for unjamming the blade.

What inspired Vego Garden to develop a tabletop composter for home use?

We were inspired to develop a tabletop composter to provide a convenient solution for home gardeners to recycle kitchen waste. This compact composter fits perfectly on any table, making sustainable living easy for everyone.

How does the Vego indoor composter help sustainable gardening?

Our indoor composter contributes to sustainable gardening by turning kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost, reducing landfill contributions. We designed it to ensure a seamless composting process indoors, promoting eco-friendly habits and healthier gardens.

How does the Vego electric countertop composter efficiently handle kitchen waste for home gardeners?

The Vego countertop electric composter efficiently handles kitchen waste using advanced technology to break down food scraps into nutrient-rich compost. Its compact design fits perfectly in any kitchen, providing a convenient and eco-friendly solution for managing waste.

What are the key features of the Vego electric compost machine?

The Vego electric composter features a built-in scale, low-temperature processing, and an intelligent app for real-time monitoring. These features ensure efficient composting, low energy consumption, and easy operation, making it an ideal choice for climate-conscious households.

Can the Vego electric kitchen composter handle all types of kitchen scraps and food waste?

Yes, the Vego electric food composter is designed to handle a wide variety of kitchen scraps and food waste. Its advanced composting technology efficiently breaks down organic material, turning it into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to enhance your garden soil.

Why does Vego Mode continue to run automatically for one minute every two hours after entering standby mode?

Vego Mode is designed as a continuous composting mode. Despite the completion of the pre-composting cycle, we continue to provide temperature control, ventilation, and occasional agitation to maintain optimal composting conditions within the bucket. This ensures a continuous composting process and prevents the Vego Meal from molding. If left uninterrupted, this process can last for up to 10 days before the device enters final standby mode.

How can I tell if the composted material is too dry or too wet?

A general rule of thumb is that the moisture level should be that of a well squeezed sponge. However, due to variations in moisture content of different kitchen waste, if you find your output too wet, we recommend starting a new cycle.

What is Vego Meal?

Vego Meal, the nutrient-rich output from our Kitchen Composter, can be used as a plant meal, reducing waste and supporting the "garden to table & back again" concept.

What Should I do with my Vego Meal?

The modes you run on your Vego Composter determine how you can use the nutritious Vego Meal:
Vego Mode
Usage for Indoor Plants. Outdoor Plants. Garden Beds Planters, Lawns. Add to potting soil or use as a topdressin
Mix Vego Meal with soil in a 1:10 ratio. Higher maturitytio of Vego Meal to soil. Grass mode output is ideal.
Express Mode
Usage for Garden Composter, Worm Composter, Storage, Green Bin
Add excess to compost piles to stimulate composting, or in airtight containers for later use. Reduced volume and odor make it ideal for composting.
Fertilize Mode
Usage for Outdoor Plants, Garden Beds, Planters
Topdress using a 1:10 ratio of Vego Meal to soil. Adjust the ratio based on plant stages for optimal growth.
Grass Mode
Usage for Lawn,Outdoor Plants, Garden Beds, Planters
Use as a topdressing. Apply in the morning or evening, during rainy or dry days. Use a 1:10 ratio of Vego Meal to soil. Grass mode output is ideal.

How does the Vego app enhance the functionality of the automatic composter for users?

The Vego app enhances the functionality of the smart composter by providing real-time updates, remote monitoring, and customization options. It allows users to manage their composting process effortlessly, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

Why do users need real-time monitoring and notifications for the Vego smart waste kitchen composter?

Real-time monitoring and notifications for the smart kitchen composter are essential because they inform users about the composting process. These features ensure timely adjustments, prevent issues, and maximize efficiency, making the composting experience easy and hassle-free.

How to create an account in the app?

1. Tap on the "Sign Up" button.
2. Enter your email to receive the verification code.
3. Set a password for your account.
4. Agree to the terms of use.

How to connect devices and App?

1. Enable bluetooth on your phone
2. Click “Add Device”
3. The inner bucket and top lid of the composter are installed and in the standby state. Press and hold the clean mode button for 10 seconds and wait for a sound beep 3 times, and then your composter will appear in the app
4. Click “Connect” in the app, and enter your wifi credentials
Note:
●During the connection process, your phone, device & Wi-Fi router should be within 10 ft of each other.
●Make sure the WiFi that you connect to can access the Internet.
Only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is supported, 5GHz Wi-Fi is not supported.

How do I establish connection if my device supports both 2.4G and 5G networks?

If your router supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, while only one Wi-Fi name appears in your network selection page, please take the following steps.
1. Go to your router's wireless connection page (access is usually provided on the label on the back of the router);
2. Proceed to the settings page for 2.4GHz, and set the Wi-Fi name (SSID) as xxx-2.4G, with xxx for the Wi-Fi name. Save the new settings;
3. Proceed to the settings page for 5GHz, and set the Wi-Fi name (SSID) as xxx-5G, with xxx for the Wi-Fi name. Save the new settings;
4. A new Wi-Fi network name should then appear in your mobile phone's Wi-Fi settings.
Note:
●After changing the Wi-Fi name, reconnect to the wireless router device. Use the same password if it has not been changed.
Only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is supported, 5GHz Wi-Fi is not supported.

Can multiple devices be connected to the same account?

Yes.

Can I manage multiple devices with one app?

Yes, you can manage multiple devices using just one app.

Can I share my device with family members?

Yes, you can share your device with up to 5 friends via the app.

What should I do if an invited user accidentally deletes the device?

You can invite the user again.

What is the Reminder Function?

Smart reminder assistant keeps users updated on real-time progress and completion of the device, reminding them to dispose of the waste.

What OS versions are supported by the Vego app?

iOS: Version 16 and newer ones are supported.
Android: Version 8 and newer ones are supported.

Why am I not receiving the verification code when registering on the app?

If you don't receive the email verification code, please follow these steps:
Step 1: Ensure you entered the correct email address.
Step 2: Check your “spam” or “junk” folder if it's not in your inbox.
Step 3: If you still can't find it, it might be blocked by your email firewall. Add hello@vego.com to your email whitelist or use a compatible email service.

If you still don't receive the code, you can register using one of the following methods:
Method 1: At the bottom of the registration page, choose Gmail or Apple ID to authorize your registration.
Method 2: Contact customer service at hello@vego.com with the email address you'd like to register, and we'll manually create an account for you and send your login password.

Where’s the best place to put my compost bin?

Your compost bin can go in sun or shade, but a mix of both is best. Keep it close to your garden and a water source for convenience, but not too close to your home to avoid unwanted odors or pests.

What can I put in my compost bin?

Your compost needs a mix of:
· Browns (dry materials) – Leaves, twigs, cardboard, paper, wood chips.
· Greens (fresh materials) – Fruit & veggie scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, grass clippings.
· Water – Just enough to keep it damp, like a wrung-out sponge.
· Air – Turning the pile keeps it fresh and speeds up composting.
· Microbes – The tiny workers that break everything down!

What is the correct ratio of greens and browns?

For the best composting results, aim for a 2 to 3 parts browns to 1 part greens ratio. This balance ensures efficient decomposition, prevents odors, and keeps your compost pile healthy.

What not to compost?

To keep your compost healthy and problem-free, avoid adding these items:
· Meat, Fish, and Dairy – Attract pests and create bad odors.
· Oily or Greasy Foods – Slow down decomposition and cause odor issues.
· Pet Waste (Dog/Cat Poop) – Can contain harmful bacteria and parasites.
· Plastic, Metal, or Glass – These materials don’t break down.
Large Branches or Thick Wood – Takes too long to decompose (chop into small pieces if needed).

Stick to natural, plant-based materials, and your compost will stay healthy and nutrient-rich!

How Do I Know When My Compost is Ready?

Finished compost is dark, crumbly, and smells earthy. It should no longer contain recognizable food scraps or plant materials. If your compost is still warm or has a strong odor, it needs more time to fully decompose. Patience is key for achieving the best results!

Why does my compost smell bad?

If your compost has a sour or rotten smell, it’s likely too wet and lacking air. Try turning the pile to improve airflow and adding more browns (like dry leaves or cardboard) to soak up excess moisture.

If it smells like ammonia, you probably have too many greens (nitrogen-rich materials). Balance it out by adding more browns to absorb the excess nitrogen.

How should I structure my compost pile?

· Start with a 6-inch layer of browns at the bottom for airflow and moisture absorption.
· Alternate layers of greens and browns in a “lasagna” style.
· Chop or shred materials into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.
· Keep a layer of browns on top to deter pests and mask food scraps.

How do I maintain my compost pile?

· Turn the pile regularly to aerate it and speed up decomposition.
· Monitor moisture levels—keep the pile damp like a wrung-out sponge.
· Turn the pile after heavy rain to prevent excess moisture buildup.

What if my compost isn’t breaking down?

· Too dry? Add some water and mix it up.
· Too wet or smelly? Add more browns (like leaves or paper) and turn it.
· Not heating up? Add more greens (like food scraps) and mix well.

How does the In-Bed Composter work?

Simply add fruit and veggie scraps, garden waste, or leaves into the composter. Over time, the organic material breaks down naturally, enriching your soil with nutrients—no turning or extra maintenance needed!

Do I need to cover the compost?

Yes! Covering your scraps with straw, burlap, cardboard, or grass clippings helps retain moisture, regulate temperature, and keep pests away.

Can I use this as a worm composter?

Absolutely! Just add worms and a breathable lid, and they’ll speed up decomposition while producing nutrient-rich castings for your soil.

How deep should I bury the composter?

Bury it 12-13 inches deep, leaving the top edge exposed for proper ventilation. If using a non-breathable lid, keep the soil depth at 10 inches to allow airflow.

What can I compost in it?

It’s best for fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, and garden waste. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods to prevent odors and unwanted pests.

Will it attract pests?

Not if managed properly! Keeping the compost covered and avoiding meat or dairy scraps helps deter pests.

Is it weather-resistant?

Yes! Made from durable, weather-resistant metal, it’s built to last through all seasons.

Does it have a lid?

No, but you can add a breathable cover like burlap, cardboard, or straw to help with moisture control and protection.

Can I use multiple composters in one bed?

Definitely! Using more than one can speed up the composting process and provide even more nutrients for your plants.

How can I reach out to customer service?

Our customer service team is available 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (CST), except for holidays. You can call us at (866) 597-1888, use our online chat, or send us an email at hello@vegogarden.com.

What is the customer service response time?

We are working 7 days a week to take care of our customer's needs. You can expect a response to emails or voicemails left outside of business hours within 24 hours; we often respond more quickly than that during the workday.

Do you have a phone number I can call?

Yes, we can be reached at (866) 597-1888.

What is the estimated delivery time on in-stock items?

Due to our workload, in-stock items usually are prepared for shipment within next business day, and then are scheduled for UPS/FedEx pickup. If more than 5 business days have passed since you ordered something that is In Stock and you have not heard anything, please contact Customer Service at hello@vegogarden.com.

When will the Pre-Order items be shipped out?

The estimated fulfillment date is listed on the product page, please only place your pre-order if you are OK with the waiting time. Your order confirmation email will also have the fulfillment date.

When will [out of stock item] be back in stock?

The restock time will be listed on the product page. If you cannot find such info, please contact our customer support.

Do you ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or countries other than the USA?

Yes, we do. We can ship to these addresses with extra shipping cost. Please contact Customer Service at hello@vegogarden.com with your address and the details of your order (quantity, type, and color of beds) and they can provide you with a quote!

What if the package gets damaged during shipping?

Because of the weight of our packages, there may be some panels bent in transit if UPS/Fedex handle it in a rough way. No worries, you can fix this easily so your gardening isn't delayed. Our panels are manufactured through a bending process from flat steel coils, in other words, they were bent before. It will not affect the corrosion resistance to bend them back. It may be hard to bend all the panels at one time, but you can always bend them back one by one. Here is an instructional video you may find helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh3PWhQsFGI.

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Still Have Questions?
Customer Service (8:30 AM - 3:30 PM CST, Monday to Friday):
Support Phone: (866) 646-1230
Support Email: hello@vego.com