Compost Bins and Tumblers

Composting does not require any special equipment, but the use of composting bins and tumblers makes the process much easier. Composting can be done in a pile or pit. However, these can sometimes be unpleasant to look at, can smell, can attract animals and insects, and require more aeration than when using a bin or tumbler. For these reasons, most people who compost choose to purchase a bin or tumbler. There are four main types of bins described below and examples can be seen in the Composting Guide store.

Worm Bins
The first type of composter is a worm bin. This is specifically designed for those who wish to use redworms to help them compost kitchen scraps. Worm bins are great for those who do not have enough room for a traditional composting bin. It is also great for those who wish to compost their kitchen scraps year round. Worm bins are easy to maintain. You will need to set the bin up properly, but after that there is very little you will need to do to keep the compost going. You can also set up this bin any place that you have room. Many people keep the bins right in the kitchen, making it convenient to add their kitchen scraps to the compost. You will need to make sure that the bin is not kept in too high or too cold of a temperature.

Enclosed Bins
For a worm-free compost pile, the most commonly used bin is an enclosed bin. Enclosed bins work great for people with a lot of room as well as those in smaller spaces. They are the most popular type of bin sold. Enclosed compost bins are covered with a lid. The lid helps to keep animals out and it also keeps rain from adding too much moisture to the compost. Once your compost is set up, there is really nothing more you need to do. Left alone in an enclosed bin, the process for your scraps to compost will go rather slowly. However, if you aerate the compost in your enclosed bin, the composting will occur much more quickly. Enclosed bin composters are the least expensive type of composters and they have an attractive appearance.

Rolling Bins
These types of composters are spherical shaped bins that can be rolled across the yard to the site of grass clippings or other yard debris, and then placed out of the way when not needed. Rolling compost bins do not need to be aerated in the traditional way with a shovel or a pitchfork; they are aerated by being rolled. If you do not need to add any new material to the bin, you simply have to roll it a few times to add enough air for the pile to thrive. Like enclosed bins, they also have lids to protect from rain and animals. Rolling bins tend to be a little more expensive than enclosed bins, although some feel they make up for the additional expense by making it easier to aerate. The main disadvantage of rolling bins is that they can sometimes become difficult to roll if they are full.

Compost Tumblers
The last type of composting bin is a compost tumbler. A compost tumbler is a barrel-shaped container mounted on an axis so it can be easily turned. Compost tumblers do not take up a lot of space and they look attractive. These tumblers are usually the most expensive composting bins. You can not add more materials after the composting starts; however, it is easy to aerate the compost materials, and it allows more rapid completion of the composting process. Composting tumblers also help keep rain and animals away from the compost materials.

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