Static Compost Bins

Static bins have the largest capacity for big yards

If you don't mind turning your compost pile manually, a stationary compost bin is the simplest solution, and static bins cost less than compost tumblers. In most cases, they can also hold more organic waste than other types. However, both types are likely to produce compost in about the same amount of time: experienced composters don't expect to see quality compost for a few months with either a static or tumbling composter.

The Smith and Hawken Biostack (*est. $130) is highly rated in one professional comparison review of four compost bins. The Smith and Hawken Biostack has a unique interlocking-plank design that divides the unit into three separate tiers. This feature allows the user to disassemble the bin layer by layer, which makes adding, turning and removing compost easier (though most owners still say it takes some work). The Smith and Hawken Biostack is made from 60 percent recycled polyethylene, so it's intended to be environmentally friendly as well as sturdy. Its hinged lid keeps animals and excess rainwater out of the interior of the bin, which has a capacity of 13-cubic-feet. The base of the Smith and Hawken Biostack measures 28 inches square, and the completely assembled bin stands 34 inches high.

Though user reviews of the Smith and Hawken Biostack are somewhat limited, the ones that can be found are overwhelmingly positive. And the Biostack has gained a loyal following among counties and cities offering residents free or reduced price compost bins. One reviewer did caution that this system may backfire for those with less outdoor space: when the Smith and Hawken Biostack is full, the user may need to disassemble the entire unit and reassemble it adjacent to its original location in order to completely mix the contents. Overall, though, owners really appreciate the access to the compost, both finished and unfinished, that the Smith and Hawken Biostack provides.

The Budget Ecoist recommends the Smith and Hawken Biostack compost bin and participants at GardenWeb.com's forums also like it, again praising its durability and ease of use. Flexibility is also a frequently mentioned plus, with one owner going so far as to purchase three separate Biostack units, using them to create composters of varying sizes. There are isolated complaints of slight warping of the bottom of the Biostack compost bin over time (as is the case with many plastic bins), but even these didn't deter owners from giving the Biostack a high general rating. Like most static composters, the Smith and Hawken Biostack is open at the bottom, so many owners suggest either purchasing a specialized rodent screen for the base or placing the bin on a large square of landscape cloth or similar material to keep out burrowing animals. This compost bin is available mainly through Smith and Hawken; we didn't have much success finding it for sale elsewhere.

Another comparably sized static compost bin, the 12-cubic-foot-capacity Gardener's Supply Company Deluxe Pyramid Composter (*Est. $170), merits a mention at The Organic Gardener and receives an average of four out of five stars in more than 85 ratings by users at the Gardener's Supply website. Most of the negative reviews involve difficulty in assembly and not in the actual functionality of the compost bin. The Gardener's Supply Company Pyramid Composter is also well-liked by the few owners who rated it at Epinions.com. The Gardener's Supply Company Deluxe Pyramid takes its name from the peaked shape of its lid, which is designed to allow just enough rainwater in to keep the compost from drying out. It has two sliding doors on each side of the container, which are used to access the finished compost at the bottom of the bin. The Gardener's Supply Company Deluxe Pyramid's walls and lid are made from black or brown recycled polyethylene, and small vents on each side wall of the compost bin provide the oxygen necessary for decomposition. A hinge has also been added to the Deluxe model's lid to allow the user to open the composter with one hand and to prevent the lid from blowing away.

Owners say the Gardener's Supply Company Deluxe Pyramid compost bin is very sturdy, and they highlight the self-watering aspect of the composter as a significant asset. However, some users do indicate minor difficulties opening and closing the sliding doors. Regardless, the Gardener's Supply Company Deluxe Pyramid generally gets good comments in the owner-written reviews we read. An optional rodent screen is available (*est. $25).

While the Smith and Hawken Biostack and Gardener's Supply Company Deluxe Pyramid appear to be reliable performers, they might not be large enough. In that case, the Big Round Compost Bin (*est. $100), which holds up to 18 cubic feet of organic material may be worthy of consideration. However, although the Big Round is the largest static compost bin we found, we couldn't find many owner-written reviews for it. The editors at Clean Air Gardening praise the Big Round Compost Bin's large capacity, easy assembly, wide-open top for easy mixing and bottom access gate for removing the richest compost. Yet, the Big Round Compost Bin gets only one review from an unhappy owner who states the lid did not stay on and the compost was difficult to shovel out of the bin.

Although most commercial compost bins are made of plastic, there are a number of non-plastic models currently on the market. While experts say plastic bins generate the most heat to help "cook" the compost, some object to using non-eco-friendly plastic bins. (Many are made of post-consumer recycled plastic, however.) Compost bins made of wire or wood can sometimes be significantly less expensive than plastic composters. These open bins may have a potential advantage in warmer climates, as enclosed plastic bins can occasionally retain too much heat for proper composting. Unfortunately, reviews of non-plastic bins are few and far between, and there's not a great deal of agreement as to which ones are best overall.

One non-plastic compost bin warrants some attention from reviewers. The Gardener's Supply Company Wire Bin Composter (*Est. $40) is certainly budget-friendly, and the roughly 100 owner reviews at the company's website are very positive. Potential drawbacks include its lack of a cover or lid. This makes it hard to keep out animals, as well as making it more difficult to keep your pile warm enough in cooler months (or wet enough in drier months). However, Gardener's Supply Company does offer accessories to resolve these issues. There's an optional wire bin lid (*est. $12) and a thermal compost cover (*est. $40) that fits around the wire composter to keep the animals out and the heat in.

The Gardener's Supply Company Wire Bin Composter can expand to hold up to 16 cubic feet of material when fully extended. This composter is constructed of heavy-gauge steel with a plastic coating that's rust-resistant. The Gardener's Supply Company Wire Bin offers the benefit of a discounted price for customers who purchase a three-bin system (*Est. $100), if more space is required. However, it also requires some assembly. Several other manufacturers have also produced versions of wire bins that are similar in price and style to the Gardener's Supply Company Wire Bin. However, those bins suffer from a complete absence of reviews or recommendations.