Bokashi Composting in Norway
A practical guide to starting bokashi composting in Norwegian apartments, balconies, and small homes — including where to source bokashi bran shipped from verified partner shops.
Why bokashi works in Norwegian apartments
Bokashi is an anaerobic fermentation process — not traditional composting. Food scraps are sealed in an airtight bucket with bokashi bran (containing effective microorganisms) and ferment for 2–4 weeks. The result is a pre-composted material that can be buried in soil or added to a regular compost pile.
Small footprint
A standard 10-litre bokashi bucket sits under the kitchen sink or in a cupboard. It takes up roughly the same space as a coffee maker — no garden required.
No smell, no pests
Because bokashi is anaerobic (sealed from air), it does not produce the odours of aerobic composting. When used correctly, there is no odour and no attraction to pests — important for apartment living.
Works in cold climates
The fermentation process generates mild heat and works at temperatures down to about 4°C (39°F). In a heated apartment, bokashi works year-round. The sealed bucket can be stored on a balcony or in a shed during the fermentation period, even in freezing temperatures — the microbes simply slow down.
Year-round practice
Unlike outdoor composting, which slows or stops in winter, bokashi continues indoors regardless of season. This makes it ideal for Norwegian winters where outdoor compost bins may freeze solid.
What you need to get started
Bokashi bucket (10L)
A food-grade plastic bucket with an airtight seal and a tap near the bottom for draining liquid (bokashi tea, which can be diluted and used as a soil additive). Some models include a second inner basket to keep scraps off the liquid.
Price range: typically €25–€45 from partner shops.
Bokashi bran (1kg)
The bran contains the effective microorganisms (EM) that drive fermentation. One kilogram of bran treats roughly 2–3 weeks of kitchen scraps. A 1kg bag typically lasts 2–3 months for a single person.
Price range: typically €8–€15 per 1kg bag from partner shops.
Optional additions
- • Paper filters or cardboard — layered on top to absorb excess liquid and reduce odour
- • Second bucket — a cheap spare bucket lets you ferment one batch while filling another
- • Bokashi tea catcher — some buckets include a graduated measuring cap for the drainage tap
Getting bokashi bran to Norway
Of our verified partner shops, Wurmwelten.de (Germany) is confirmed to ship bokashi products to Norway. Their online shop lists Norway ("Norwegen") as a selectable delivery country on product pages.
Wurmwelten.de — bokashi products for Norway
Wurmwelten offers both the PLASTIA Bokashi Komposter Starter Set(bucket + lid + tap) and bokashi bran (Eisenia fetida)separately. Both ship to Norway.
Evidence:The product page for the PLASTIA Bokashi Komposter Starter Set returns HTTP 200, and the shop's delivery country selector ("Lieferland") on product pages lists "Norwegen" (Norway) as an available destination.
View product page →Other partner shops may also ship bokashi products — check their individual websites. You can browse the full directory on our partners page or email us and we'll check a specific shop's Norway shipping policy for you.
Customs & MVA — brief overview
When ordering bokashi products from a German or other EU shop to Norway:
25% Norwegian MVA applies
Regardless of the order value, 25% Norwegian VAT (MVA) is charged on the total (goods + shipping). Since small partner shops are not registered for Norway's VOEC scheme, VAT is collected by the carrier (Posten/PostNord) upon delivery, plus a handling fee of approximately NOK 150–200.
NOK 350 duty-free threshold
Orders under NOK 350 in goods value are exempt from customs duties. However, the 25% MVA still applies, and the carrier's handling fee is charged separately. For a typical bokashi starter set (€30–€45), expect to pay roughly 25% MVA + a handling fee on top of the shop price.
For a full breakdown of shipping costs per shop, customs thresholds, and currency conversion, see our Shipping to Norway guide.
Getting started — simple steps
Order a starter set
Get a 10-litre bokashi bucket with tap and at least one 1kg bag of bokashi bran. Wurmwelten.de ships both to Norway.
Start filling your bucket
Add kitchen scraps (no meat or dairy — those go to the bin, not the bokashi). Sprinkle a thin layer of bran over each addition. Close the lid tightly.
Wait 2–4 weeks
Open the tap daily to drain excess liquid (bokashi tea) — dilute 1:10 with water and use as a soil additive. Keep the bucket in a heated indoor space or on a cold balcony (fermentation slows but continues).
Bury or add to compost
Once fermented, bury the contents in soil (at least 15cm deep) or add to an outdoor compost pile. The pre-composted material breaks down in 2–4 weeks, leaving rich, dark compost.
Looking for a ready-made starter kit? Our Bokashi Starter Kit includes a 10-litre sealed bucket with drain tap, 1kg of EM bran, and printed instructions for flats, balconies, and gardens.
Every shipping claim on this page is backed by verifiable evidence. How we verify · View all partners