How to Buy a Compost Bin

Choosing a compost bin

• Balance labor and cost. Large, stationary compost bins cost less on average than other models, but the contents must be turned regularly with a shovel or rake to help materials break down faster. However, if you are not in a rush for compost, a stationary bin can be used with no turning. If you need compost quickly and don't want the work of turning materials by hand, the extra cost of a tumbling bin or a digester model may be worthwhile.

• Your climate makes a difference. Think about how each model's structure, color and primary material will respond to typical weather conditions in your area -- and whether they'll promote or impede the composting process. For example, a fully enclosed plastic bin, which captures more of the sun's heat, may be helpful in a colder climate. Conversely, an open cage of wire mesh may not work well in a dry climate, because it will not hold in moisture well.

• How much volume do you need? Stationary composters tend to have the largest capacity and may be most useful for people with large amounts of yard waste. Those who don't produce as much compostable material and want less labor-intensive composting can consider tumblers as an option. If your compost is primarily kitchen waste, a digester might be a good choice; vermicomposters can be used indoors or in a garage as long as you avoid extremes in temperature. They can also handle the types of kitchen scraps that often cause odor in a traditional compost pile.

• Space and odor considerations. Some compost bins take up a lot of space, and some cannot be placed in direct sunlight. Most tumblers work fine on any level surface, but most static compost bins can sit only on grassy areas. If you need to do your composting indoors, consider a digester or other self-contained system designed for indoor use.

• Opt for enclosed bins and tumblers if pests are an issue. These composters also tend to look neater than open bins -- so if your community has property or homeowner's regulations regarding composting, they may be more likely to meet requirements.

• Look at warranties and return policies. A composter is a fairly big investment. Before you buy, check to find out how easily you will be able to return the product if you are not satisfied.

Types of composters: Pros and cons

Traditional bin-style composters, also known as stationary or static composters, are typically constructed of plastic, wood, wire or some combination of these materials. Fully enclosed compost bins, as opposed to those with an open mesh construction, speed decomposition because they can better capture the sun's heat, which helps to break down organic matter. This benefit, most notable in dark-colored plastic bins, can be especially useful in cooler climates, where open piles may break down more slowly.

One potential drawback of a static composter is that decaying wastes generally must be turned by hand to help them break down faster. While some consumers have no problem with this, others may find it difficult or inconvenient. It is possible to use a static composter without turning the pile, but you'll wait longer for usable compost. This approach is sometimes called cold composting.

Another type of composter -- known as a tumbler -- replaces hand turning with mechanical mixing. Most tumblers have a cylindrical or drum-shaped container mounted on a base or a stand. Some tumblers require the user to flip or turn the entire container to mix the compost, while others have a crank handle. Less common are ball-type models that can be rolled along the ground. Compost tumblers tend to be more critter resistant than many static composters, particularly if the tumbler is raised on a stand. Raised tumblers also provide easier access to finished compost than those that sit on or near the ground.

Tumblers tend to be pricier than stationary compost bins, but they essentially eliminate the need for manual turning or the use of additional tools to aerate the material. Some consumers find that they're worth the investment. However, many tumbling compost bins have a smaller capacity than stationary bins, which makes them less than ideal for composting large amounts of yard waste. Larger tumblers also may be hard to turn when full. Another downside is that tumblers work best when organic matter is added all at once, even though most households generate kitchen and yard waste a bit at a time.

A third style of composter -- a digester -- breaks down organic waste with the help of other organisms. Digesters can be used indoors, and they are ideal for kitchen scraps, particularly those that would cause unpleasant smells or infestations in a traditional compost pile. A popular type of digester is a vermicomposter, which uses colonies of worms to produce waste that is rich in plant nutrients. Worm bins, however, must be kept within a certain temperature range, typically 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For those who are squeamish about vermicomposting, a few digester models use other methods to break down food waste, such as solar heat and fermented organic matter. A handful of composters, both with and without worms, are marketed for use as pet-waste digesters.

Anyone who composts outdoors will need some kind of container to hold compostable kitchen waste until it can be transferred outdoors to a larger compost bin or pile. While any container can be used to hold kitchen scraps, kitchen compost pails sold specifically for this purpose may include features such as an easy-open lid, a carrying handle, and a filter to control odors. In addition, many compost pails are attractive enough to be conveniently stored on the kitchen counter.