Compost Bins
Besides keeping compost tidy during decomposition, good compost bins retain heat and moisture while keeping out pets and pests, like raccoons and rodents. Selecting the most suitable compost bin encourages regular continued use. Compost bins can be built with minimal materials or purchased.
Selection
Do-it-yourself bins
- A 3-cubic-foot area is recommended for an initial bin size.
- With portable compost units, lift vertically and place the structure adjacent to the compost pile. Use a spade to turn the compost layers into the compost bin's new location.
- Constructing three-sided bins make the turning process somewhat easier.
- Consider constructing a sectional bin where successive compost piles are turned into the adjacent bin. Use the compost from the last bin for the garden and continue starting materials in the first bin.
The primary advantages of commercial compost bins are:
- Construction time saved.
- Superior rodent proofing.
- Built-in features to more easily turn or centrally aerate the compost.
- Direct access to finished material.
To make compost bins attractive outdoor features rather than smelly eyesores, consider these possibilities:
- Cedar construction.
- Recycled wine barrel units.
- Compost bin bench seat.
- Elegant architectural elements that appear as more formal structures.
Many commercial bins offer add-on features to expand the bin without purchasing an entire unit.
Specialty compost bins are available to effectively decompose meat scraps and pet manure. These are buried in the ground to reduce odors and prevent pest problems.
Depending on the size, materials and features, prices for compost bins range from $35 to $1,200. Before purchasing, evaluate bins to be sure the selected unit:
- Supports the major garden and household waste to be utilized.
- Is large enough to accommodate the waste volume generated.
Numerous local governments and civic organizations in the United States offer composting programs. Many of these supply compost bins at greatly reduced prices to encourage program participation.
Worm bins
Worm bins offer another popular way to compost kitchen scraps that can be kept indoors for year-round use. Red worms, purchased by the pound, maintain an excellent reputation for effective processing. Approximately 1,000 to 2,000 worms comprise each pound.
Worm bins can be built inexpensively or purchased. Kits are available that contain bin, bedding, and worms – just add water and waste.
Worm bins produce vermicompost (worm castings), which is a nutrient dense compost material that can be used for top dressing or potting soil, and a liquid by-product, compost tea that can be used for houseplant fertilizer.
As with garden compost bins, avoid using:
- Fish.
- Meat scraps.
- Dairy products.
- Oils.
- Pet waste.
Add citrus rinds, onions and broccoli in small amounts to avoid attracting fruit flies or creating strong odors.
Successful worm bins provide:
- Moisture.
- Air.
- Worm food.
- Darkness.
- Warm temperatures between 55 degrees and 77 degrees F.
Avoid areas that might reach below freezing or over 90?F that can kill the worms. The bin needs to be at least 8 inches deep since worms live in the upper 6 inches of soil. Newspapers or leaves provide bedding – soak with water then squeeze out excess. Be sure to have a lid to protect from insects and rodents.
Harvest worm castings in 3 to 6 months.
- Begin harvest by moving material to one side.
- Apply supplemental bedding and new food sources in the cleared side.
- Only bury kitchen scraps in the fresh bedding side.
After several weeks, begin to harvest the first side as the worms move to the fresh location.
- After removing all the worm castings, replenish area with fresh bedding material.
View Compost Bins at CompostBins.com