Abstract: A biodegradable container (‘cage unit’) for organic materials includes a solid cage base having a floor and at least two opposing sides extending upwardly therefrom. The cage base is made from a non-petroleum-based material. An animal-resistant coating is bonded to at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the cage. A cage cover comprises filtered air entry and exit apertures and a non-ventilated top surface. A front portion of the top surface has a viewing window. A gas-adsorbent material is coupled to an interior surface of the non-windowed portion of the cover. A containment rack system comprises a vertical, columnar support structure to receive cage unit support members; one or more cage units; a columnar plenum having an open side area and an open top area and, optionally, a canopy having a fan and an exhaust port. When docked on the rack, the rear end of the cage is raised with respect to its front-end at an angle between about 5 to 20 degrees with respect to horizontal.