5 Things to Consider When Purchasing a Compost Bin

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Compost Bin | 5 things to consider before you buy

When you think of a compost bin, you probably imagine a big outdoor bin of rotting leaves and apple cores. But composting is also a great way to reuse your food scraps, reduce household waste, and keep your home healthier and cleaner.

Compost bin types

Compost bins are available in a range of prices, materials, and sizes. Before you buy one for your home or business, it’s helpful to understand the different features available and how those features might affect your needs:

  • Plastic compost bins: These bins are typically the most affordable option and are made from recycled plastic. They are lightweight, easy to clean, and can be purchased in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. One advantage of plastic compost bins is that they can be easily moved around the yard or garden. However, they are not as durable as some other materials and may not last as long.
  • Wood compost bins: These bins are made from cedar, pine, or other types of wood, and can be purchased in a variety of sizes and styles. Wood compost bins can be more attractive than plastic bins, and they may be more durable and long-lasting. However, they may require more maintenance, such as staining or sealing, to protect against rot and weather damage.
  • Metal compost bins: Metal compost bins are typically made from galvanized steel or other durable materials. They are strong and long-lasting, and can be purchased in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. One advantage of metal compost bins is that they are resistant to pests and animals. However, they can be more expensive than plastic or wood bins, and they may be prone to rust if not properly maintained.
  • Tumbler compost bins: These bins are designed to be rotated or “tumbled” to mix and aerate the compost, which can speed up the composting process. They are typically made from plastic or metal, and can be purchased in a variety of sizes. Tumbler compost bins are convenient and easy to use, but they can be more expensive than other types of bins.
  • Worm compost bins: These bins are designed to house red worms, which eat organic material and produce compost as a byproduct. Worm compost bins are typically small and lightweight, making them easy to move around. They are also easy to use and maintain, but they may not produce as much compost as other types of bins.

They can vary greatly in size, shape, design, cost material they’re made from, and accessories such as lids or access doors. They also come with different features that may or may not be important to you.

Here are 5 things to consider when purchasing a compost bin:

What’s your budget?

The first thing to consider is your budget. Composting is a great way to reduce your food waste, but it doesn’t have to be expensive.

First, you can purchase a compost bin. These can range in price from less than £35 up to £1000+ for a more complex design.

Second, you can use a bucket to collect your food waste. This is a great way to compost without having to spend money on a compost bin. Another option is to use a tumbler compost system, which is a bit more expensive but is also easy to use and clean.

A compost bin can help you make your kitchen less smelly and reduce the amount of food waste going to landfills. It can also be a great addition to any garden or outdoor space.

Composting is an excellent way to supplement your soil and reduce waste by up to 50%!

How much space do you have?

The next thing to consider is how much space you have to store your compost bin. Bins come in many different sizes and shapes, so you’ll likely need to choose a size and shape that will fit into your available space.

The amount of space also affects how often you’ll need to take your compost out and turn it. If you have very little space, you may need to consider a vertical composter that takes up much less space. If you have plenty of space, you may want to consider a compost bin that’s larger and/or has more features, such as a tumbler bin or other design that will make turning your compost easier.

It’s important to consider both how much space the compost bin takes up and the size of the compost you’re trying to create. If you’re after a huge compost pile, you’ll need a larger compost bin with more capacity.

Man holding compost
How to buy a compost bin that’s right for the way you need to use it.

Where will the bin be located?

Next, consider where you’ll be placing your compost bin. Do you want it to be out of sight in a closet or cupboard, or will it be visible in your kitchen or garden? Compost bins come in a wide range of styles and materials.

Here are some materials you may want to consider:

  • Wooden or plastic compost bins are a good choice if you want something that’s out of sight. These are good for indoors and outdoors, but not for very wet areas.
  • Stainless steel compost bins are great for wet environments, such as a garden or outdoor kitchen. They can also be used indoors, but they’re not ideal for a kitchen area.
  • Plastic compost bins are a good option for a kitchen but aren’t the best for outdoor environments.
  • Wooden compost bins can be used outdoors, but they’re not ideal for a kitchen.

How much capacity do you need?

The next thing to consider is how much of a capacity you need for compost. Most compost bins come in standard sizes, so you’ll likely have to choose a size that meets your compost needs. For example, if you compost only scraps from your kitchen, a compost bin that holds a few gallons would be sufficient.

However, if you compost food scraps from your kitchen, garden, and yard, a compost bin that holds a few gallons would not be enough capacity. You may also want to consider how much you feed your compost. If you have a lot of scraps to add, it’s best to get a larger bin.

A compost tumbler could be a good choice if you have a lot of food scraps to add. These systems allow you to add a large number of scraps at once. Using a tumbler allows you to add more scraps while still giving them enough time to decompose.

Additional features to consider

Finally, you may want to consider any special features that may be important to you. Compost bins come with a wide range of features, so make sure to pick the one that best fits your needs. Here are some features to consider:

  • Lid – Some compost bins come with lids, but not all. If you’re worried about pests getting into your compost, a compost bin with a lid may be a good choice.
  • Design – There are a few different designs for compost bins. There are traditional compost bins, compost tumblers, indoor compost bins, and more.
  • Materials – Compost bins come in many different materials. Each material has its own set of pros and cons.

Featured compost bins

ECO-KING recycled green plastic compost bin (2-sizes)

Crocus

Thermo-King Insulated 400 litre recycled plastic composter

Crocus

ECO-KING recycled green plastic compost bin (2-sizes)

Crocus

Summing up

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll likely have a good idea of which compost bin is right for you. Composting is a great way to reduce waste, make your garden healthier, and save money on fertiliser. It can also be a helpful way to reduce household odours.

If you make compost at home, you can be sure that it’s clean and healthy, and you can use it in your garden or flowerbeds. Indoor composting is a great way to reuse food scraps and reduce your trash load. Choose a compost bin that meets your needs and is easy to use and clean.

Further reading

How to compost – Garden Advice – Westland Garden Health
Home composting is a vital part of a healthy, sustainable garden. It enables you to recycle large amounts of waste that would otherwise end up as in your regular/brown bin that then end up as landfill. Composting creates a natural supply of rich organic matter that can be used to enrich your garden soil in beds, borders and vegetable patches. Once you get going, it’s surprisingly easy.

Composting / RHS Gardening
Home composting is the most environmentally-friendly way of dealing with kitchen and garden waste, plus it produces compost that can be used as an excellent soil improver.

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