If you are getting into composting, you’ll find there are a whole bunch of different bins to choose from. Some are extremely cheap (or free) while others can be expensive. All of them have their uses and their own set of advantages and disadvantages. So which one of these bins is right for you? Well, let’s take a look at the range of composting bins so you can make the best choice. I will go (roughly) in an order from cheapest to most expensive options.
Oh, and make sure to check out my other article on the difference between hot and cold compost for a more detailed explanation on how to actually compost. All these different bins will be oriented toward one style or the other.
For a quick and dirty explanation: Cold composting is a slow process that can take a year or more to finish but requires no turning or real maintenance; hot composting is a fast process (sometimes only a matter of weeks), but it requires constant maintenance and turning of the pile. In any case, this article will deal with the different sorts of bins that are available, so make sure to read the other article, too.
Just a Pile on the Ground
The absolute easiest and cheapest composting “bin” is a pile on the ground. And yet, it works. It’s probably the oldest way of doing compost and is extremely easy to start – just pick a spot on your land and begin stacking all the stuff you want to compost.
It should be noted, however, that it probably won’t be the best method if you don’t live on some amount of land. It takes up a significant amount of space as it doesn’t really have an actual container to hold all the compost. If you live in close proximity to others, they may not like an unsightly pile of future compost gold.
- Pros: Easiest bin, free, good for both cold and hot composting
- Cons: Unsightly appearance, messy
Pallet Bin
Another cheap (or free) option is the pallet bin. It is easy to make. All you need to do is screw four pallets together in a square. This square forms a box to hold your compost. Once it is assembled (which doesn’t take long), you can start filling it full of compostable material. It works best for cold composting — as you can fill and forget about it for a year, but if you are dead-set on using this for hot composting, you will need to remove one of the sides when you turn the compost, which is every couple days.
To obtain pallets, check out your local Craigslist or Marketplace listings. You can also see them available while you are out driving. Many companies will give them to you for free if you ask. I have even driven past businesses with designated areas for unwanted pallets you can just drive up and take. I am sure that once you start looking, you will find a good source.
- Pros: Neat and orderly appearance, inexpensive, best for cold composting
- Cons: Difficult to turn, some assembly required
Fencing Rings
While these composting bins cost a bit of cash upfront, the amount per bin is quite low. They are easy to construct and can be made into pretty much any size you want. These are the sort of bins that I currently use, and they’re great for the job.
You will need to buy a roll of woven wire fencing. This fencing is often about 4 feet high and can be up to 330 feet long in a roll. I have found the most useful size is a 4-foot diameter circle. To make it, you cut about 12.5 feet of fencing. If you want a bigger ring, cut a longer length (divide the length of fence by 3 to get the approximate diameter of the ring). Then you make a circle out of it, and join the ends. You can use the ends of the fencing itself to join them. It takes about two minutes to make a ring.
- Pros: Cheap, easy to construct, easy to move, great for cold composting
- Cons: A bit messy in appearance
Bin With Removable Front
Very similar to the pallet bin in form, this bin has one side that can be removed. It can be made from a whole number of things, but the key is the front should be removable. This bin can be made of bricks, like in the picture, or of pallets or purchased lumber. I should note that this style was the first compost bin I ever used, and it made great compost with the cold composting method.
The idea here is that you add boards to the open front of the compost bin as it fills up. As you generate more compost, keep adding it to the bin. Once the compost gets to the top of the front board, attach another board. Continue this process until you reach the top of the bin. Then wait until it is time to turn the compost (for hot composting) or for the compost to finish (for cold composting). At that point, all you need to do is remove the front boards, and you’ll be able to easily turn or use your compost.
- Pros: Neat appearance, can be free (or cheap), best for cold composting
- Cons: Difficult to turn compost, some assembly required
3-Section Compost Bin
There comes a time when you have filled your existing compost bin, and then have to let it rest until the compost is finished. When this happens, you can either stop composting, build another bin, or already have built a 3-section compost bin. This sort of compost bin can be built from new lumber or for free from pallets. If you go the pallet route, it takes from 7 to 10 pallets, depending on the type of front you want. If you want a removable front as described above, you will need seven pallets with some lumber for the front slats.
The nice part about this bin is that it gives you three nice and neat sections. It can be used for hot composting by moving the composting material from one bay to the next when it needs turned. It can also be a cold composter with three bins.
- Pros: Neat appearance, large capacity, suited for both hot or cold composting
- Cons: A bit more difficult to build
Used Barrel Rotating Bin
By “used barrel” I mean one of those 55-gallon plastic or metal bins that can be had rather cheaply from Craigslist, Marketplace, or any such websites. Just make sure to get ones with a removable top. Some barrels come with a sealed top which makes them more difficult to use as a compost bin.
To make the bin more efficient, it’s a good idea to drill holes through the barrel that ensure the proper amount of air is allowed into the compost (remember that hot composting requires air to proceed). Drilling holes is far easier with plastic barrels than metal, but the metal ones are more durable and heat up faster in the sun.
Once you obtain the barrel and drill holes (if you do), then you need to fill it with compostable material. Once full, put the top back on the barrel, and let it sit a few days to get the process started. Then, every couple days, roll the barrel across the ground in order to ensure the material inside is good and mixed, and let it sit. During the summer, a bin like this will produce compost in a few weeks.
- Pros: Cheap, good for making quick compost
- Cons: Not the most aesthetically pleasing
Stationary Plastic Box Composter
Stationary plastic box composters can be purchased online or in any big box store. F2C makes an easy-to-assemble, stationary, plastic box composter.
They function in the same way as the pallet compost bin that I already covered and are easy-to-assemble with little or no tools.
Being plastic, you want to be careful with these bins. It is a sturdy plastic, but in the cold, all plastic gets brittle. This makes it easier to damage with shovels, rakes, and other tools that might be in use around the bin.
- Pros: Easy setup, best for cold composting
- Cons: Made of plastic
Tumbling Composter
Tumbling composters are another type of bin that can be purchased online, such as this hexagon style from Miracle Gro.
Like the stationary bin above, this bin is made of plastic. However, unlike that bin, it comes on a stand and can be rotated as needed. This helps the compost break down much faster than it otherwise would, and it takes the hassle out of having to manually flip the compost with a shovel or pitch fork. Trust me, it’s way easier to use and far less time to manage than a pile that must be flipped by hand.
- Pros: Easy setup and operation, produces compost quickly, takes up little space
- Cons: High initial cost
Conclusion
So there you have it, a nice little rundown of the composting bins you have available to you. All are suitable for different purposes, and none is without its usefulness. You only have to decide which type is most appropriate for your specific scenario. What is best for you may not be what’s best for everyone. Take an honest look at your situation and make an informed decision. Happy composting to you!
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