Apparatus and method for converting organic waste into compost, having: a chamber, with an entry portal disposed near a top and one side of the chamber, and with an exit portal disposed at a bottom of the chamber; an auger extending at a level along a length of the chamber and adjacent to the top of the chamber; a collection chamber disposed under part of the chamber, aligning with the exit portal, and having a door for access therein; a bin fitting entirely within the collection chamber and removable therefrom; a blower for introducing controlled air; sensors to detect the level of organic waste in the chamber relative to the auger; a rotating gate between the exit portal and the collection chamber providing intermittent opening and closing of the chamber to the bin therebelow; and a feedback circuit for delivering a switching signal from the sensors.