An apparatus for decomposing kitchen waste by the use of vermiculture includes a container. A conduit is disposed along a bottom of the container and is attached to a spigot that exits from the container. A plurality of fluid collection openings are arranged in spaced-apart rows along a bottom of the conduit and in a cluster proximate the spigot. Gravel or other means for producing a volume for the collection of an effluent is provided along the bottom of the container up to the uppermost height of the conduit, which is sloped downward toward the spigot. A screen is placed over the conduit and gravel. A starter material is placed over the screen and provides a habitat for a preferred species of earthworm which are then added.