Types of Compost Bins

Plain and fancy composters

There are several varieties of composters on the market today. Traditional bin-style models, also known as stationary or static composters, are most often constructed of plastic, wood, wire or some combination of materials. The primary function of a static composter is typically containment and/or camouflage; prospective buyers often cite a desire to keep compost out of sight and free of unwanted pests. Plastic compost bins, particularly dark-colored ones, can also expedite decomposition because they capture the sun's heat and use it to help "cook" the material. This can be especially useful in cooler climates, where an unenclosed pile will often break down very slowly. One potential drawback of a compost bin or static composter, however, is that -- unlike a compost tumbler -- its design usually necessitates hand-turning the compost to facilitate decomposition. Some consumers may enjoy mixing and aerating the compost manually, but for others, factors such as extreme outdoor temperatures, limited mobility or the need for additional tools to turn the material may make stationary compost bins a less practical choice.

On the other hand, most stationary compost bins are relatively inexpensive. Static composters also tend to have a much greater capacity, anywhere from two to 10 times that of the average compost tumbler, discussed below.

Compost tumblers replace potentially laborious hand turning with mechanical mixing. Most tumbling composters have a cylindrical or drum-shaped holding container that's mounted on a base or a stand. Some tumbler compost bins allow the user to flip or turn the container itself to mix the compost, while others utilize a crank handle and a system of gears. (We did run across at least one spherical model that could be rolled along the ground, however.) Another distinct advantage to most compost tumblers is that they're generally less vulnerable than many static composters to infiltration by rodents, particularly in those models that are mounted on stands. Some types of tumbler compost bins provide a bit of mobility when spreading finished compost; they're made to be light and flexible enough for rolling or carrying a short distance. Tumblers do tend to be pricier than even the most expensive stationary compost bins, but since they essentially eliminate the need for manual turning or additional tools to aerate the material, some consumers may find that they're worth the investment. However, most tumbler compost bins have a smaller capacity than stationary bins, which often makes them less than ideal for composting large amounts of yard waste.

Digesters facilitate a form of decomposition that's ideal for kitchen scraps, particularly those that would cause unpleasant smells or infestations in a traditional compost pile. Many digester models are known as vermicomposters, meaning they utilize colonies of red worms to break down organic waste. These digesters are surprisingly advantageous -- they're usable indoors, which eliminates weather-related obstacles to composting -- and the waste produced by the worms is very rich in plant nutrients. Both the liquid "worm tea" and the solid waste (or castings) make excellent fertilizer. For those who have reservations about vermicomposting, at least one type of solar-powered digester is available as well as composters that use fermented organic matter to break down food waste. A handful of backyard composters, both with and without worms, are also marketed for use as pet waste digesters.

Kitchen compost pails are small containers designed to hold compostable kitchen waste until it can be transferred outdoors to a larger compost bin or pile.