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How to clear a jam

  • Updated

If your bin is showing two red LED lights, it is jammed.

Jams are caused by big or hard items getting stuck in the paddles. You can resolve most jams on your own. These step-by-step instructions will help. You can also follow along with the youtube video here.

Important: Make sure the bucket and the contents have cooled.

Tools you may need: 

  • Rubber gloves
  • A wooden spoon or chopsticks
  • A container to transfer your Food Grounds and kitchen scraps to, so you can see inside the bucket

Follow these steps:

  1. Open your kitchen bin’s lid, flip up the bucket cover, and remove the bucket.
  2. Use your tools to break up or remove anything that could stop the paddles from making a full rotation. 
    • Try to position the wooden spoon or tool against a paddle and use that as a lever to scrape the bottom of the bin. 
  3. You may need to transfer your Food Grounds to another container so you can access the paddles. 
    • Tip: If you see anything stuck to the side of the bucket, it’s okay to leave it as long as it’s not getting in the way of the paddles. It will come off over time, you don’t need to scrape it off. 
  4. Check to see if you resolved the jam by returning your Food Grounds to the bucket and putting it back in the kitchen bin. When you close the lid your bin will start to cycle. This may take a few minutes.

Still not working: 

  • Dump any bulk dry Food Grounds that aren't jammed at the bottom or around the paddles into another container (no need to be too precise here). If they’re dry and fine enough, you can always add them to your Food Grounds return liner and box. 
  • Remove the bucket from the bin. 
  • Add 2 cups or 1/2 liter of boiling (or very hot) water to the bucket.
  • Let soak for 2-3 hours (the longer the better!). 
  • Strain out as much water and excess material as you can.
  • Run manual Dry & Grind cycle (double tap button).

If you still don’t have any luck, contact Mill Support.

To prevent future jams:

  • Keep large bones and hard shells out of your bin. If in doubt, check the Food library in the app.
  • Don’t add liquid to the bin.  
  • Don’t add more than two cups of sugar or sugary items to the bin (e.g. berries, sweet potato). This can cause caking, which can lead to jams.
  • Don't add lots of fibrous or starchy material to this bin (e.g. corn husks, potato peels). This can increase jam risk.

 

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