Compost Bins

Types of compost bins

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 2 to 10 times that of the average compost tumbler, discussed below. (Not covered in this review are compost pails, which are small containers designed to hold compostable kitchen waste until it can be transferred outdoors to a larger compost bin.)

"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. A handful of backyard composters, both with and without worms, are also marketed for use as pet-waste digesters.

Static compost bins

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. Static compost bins take about one month to create compost, whereas tumblers can do the job in about two weeks.

The Smith & Hawken Biostack (*est. $130) is highly rated in one professional comparison review of four compost bins. The 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 Biostack is made from 60% 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 Biostack measures 28" square, and the completely assembled bin stands 38" high.

Though user reviews of the Biostack are limited, the ones that can be found are overwhelmingly positive. One reviewer did caution that this system may backfire for those with less outdoor space: When the 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 Biostack provides. Participants at GardenWeb.com's forums also like the Biostack compost bin, again praising it for 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 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.

Another comparably-sized static compost bin, the 12-cubic-foot-capacity Gardener's Supply Company Deluxe Pyramid Composter (*est. $140), merits a mention at The Organic Gardener and is also well-liked by the few owners who rated it at Epinions. The Deluxe Pyramid -- not to be confused with its predecessor, the Home and Garden Innovations CMP02 Pyramid Composter (no longer available) -- 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, as opposed to the original model's single door. These doors are used to access the finished compost at the bottom of the bin. The Deluxe Pyramid's walls and lid are made from black 3/16"-thick 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 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 on both the Deluxe and the original CMP02 compost bins. Regardless, the Deluxe Pyramid and original Pyramid gets good comments in the few owner-written reviews we read. An optional rodent screen is available (*est. $20).

While the Biostack and Deluxe Pyramid appear to be reliable performers, they might not be large enough. In that case, reviewers point to the 36" version of the Cascadia Compost Bin (*est. $130) which holds up to 21-cubic-feet of organic material. This compost bin is cylindrical in shape, is composed entirely of post-consumer plastic and is labeled "virtually rodent-proof" by the manufacturer. The Cascadia's lid allows some rainwater to enter the bin in order to help prevent the compost from drying out, while diamond-shaped holes in the composter's walls provide aeration. We didn't find many reviews of the Cascadia compost bin, but it does get a brief nod from The Organic Gardener for its easy, no-tools assembly, and writers at The Compost Bin find it worthy of mention as well. The Cascadia Compost Bin is inexpensive in terms of its capacity, and comes with a one-year warranty, so some prospective buyers may wish to consider this model in spite of its lack of in-depth reviews.

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-environmentally 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.

Two non-plastic compost bins warrant some attention from a couple of review sources. Both the Bamboo Composter by NatureMill (*est. $40) and the Gardener's Supply Company Wire Bin Composter (*est. $35) are certainly budget-friendly, and the few owner reviews of both are very positive. Additionally, the writer and editor of The Compost Bin includes the Bamboo Composter as an "attractive" option noting that it's manufactured from 100% sustainably-harvested bamboo. The Bamboo Composter is also adjustable, accommodating up to 27-cubic-feet of compost material. 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). These issues aren't unique to the Bamboo Composter, however. The Gardener's Supply Company Wire Bin is likely to present the same challenges, but the Wire Bin does offer accessories to resolve these issues. Theres 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 Wire Bin Composter, while not as large as the Bamboo 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 thats rust-resistant. The Wire Bin does get a bit more owner feedback than the Bamboo Composter, and it offers the benefit of a discounted price for customers who purchase a three-bin system (*est. $85), if more space is required. However, the Wire Bin also requires some assembly. The deciding factor here is availability -- the Bamboo Composter has been officially discontinued (though you might happen to find it in a store).

Tumbling compost bins

Compost tumblers make turning your compost pile easier. Instead of manually turning the pile with a pitchfork or shovel (or by restacking a unit like the Biostack), tumbling compost bins use a crank or gears. However, these types of compost bins don't usually hold as much organic waste, and are more expensive per cubic-foot of capacity. In addition, it can still be hard to turn the crank.

The Envirocycle Composter (*est. $140) is popular in several reviews. This is a drum-shaped plastic tumbler with a lockable lid and a capacity of 7-cubic-feet. The Envirocycle comes in black or green, which is noteworthy primarily because it allows for temperature considerations: A green Envirocycle will retain less heat than a black unit, and may therefore be more suitable for warmer climates. Conversely, black will retain more heat for owners in cooler areas. Perhaps the most useful feature for gardening enthusiasts is this model's ability to collect "compost tea," the nutrient-rich liquid runoff that drains away during composting. The base of the Envirocycle can hold up to five gallons of this compost tea, which makes excellent fertilizer for indoor or landscape plants, but owners have the option to let the runoff flow directly into the ground if they choose. The Envirocycle's compact dimensions (30.5" tall by 25.5" wide) can be an asset or a liability; it holds less than most tumblers and is best suited for those with limited outdoor space and little yard waste.

Those who say they've used the Envirocycle tumbling compost bin praise its ease of operation and its portability in comparison to other composters. Some do caution, however, that it can take considerably longer than the Envirocycle's advertised timeframe of approximately 4 to 6 weeks to produce high-quality compost, particularly if the unit is exposed to temperature extremes. Many users should be able to avoid this complication by storing the Envirocycle in the garage or under the eaves in inclement weather.

In spite of a low score in one comparison review, the Tumbleweed Composter (*est. $190) is well liked by most users. One professional reviewer criticizes the Tumbleweed for design issues and slow, low-quality compost production, but many other expert and non-expert reviewers seem to disagree. The Tumbleweed was featured in a product test by the National Home Gardening Club, wherein 27 club members evaluated the compost tumbler for ease of use, design, durability, appearance and other aspects of its performance. According to the results, published in late 2006, the Tumbleweed received no less than 8 out of 10 points in any category, and it earned an overall average of 8.9 out of 10 across all categories. A few testers commented that they found turning the full Tumbleweed more strenuous than they expected and expressed concern that it might be too unwieldy for older gardeners, but all were pleased with the Tumbleweed's compost production and many were able to obtain quality compost more quickly than in that one professional review.

The Tumbleweed also made the cut at People Powered Machines, where the proprietors claim that they conduct their own product testing before deciding which models to offer. The Tumbleweed has a similar width (26") and capacity (7- to 8-cubic-feet) as those of the Envirocycle tumbler, but stands 46" high. The compost container is plastic, has a lid on each end and sits on galvanized, tubular steel legs, which makes it virtually critter-proof. The unit requires assembly, but the manufacturer claims that the Tumbleweed can be put together in 10 to 15 minutes with the aid of a screwdriver.

Rounding out another avid gardener's blog list of the top three tumbling composters is the Urban Composter Tumbler UCT-9 (*est. $230) . This tumbling compost bin is similar in operation to the Tumbleweed, but it has a larger capacity of 9.5-cubic-feet. It's also made of 100% recycled food-grade plastic and is suitable for composting both yard waste and kitchen scraps. Another advantage of the Urban Composter Tumbler over the Tumbleweed is its available 6-quart compost tea catcher. The UCT-9's tea catcher is smaller than the Envirocycle's, though, and costs around $35 extra. The Urban Compost Tumbler UCT-9 has only three customer reviews at Amazon, with two users giving it a 5-star rating. One owner gives it one-star, stating that in using the composter for over a year, it never did a good job. The other two owners praise the unit for its sturdiness; one specifically notes that the all-plastic construction eliminates concerns about rusting. One of the few drawbacks to the design mentioned by the Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas' blogger is the possibility that the central aeration system (essentially a hollow, perforated rod running through the center of the drum) could impede the removal of the finished compost. On the other hand, this appears to be a hypothetical issue, not mentioned in any other evaluations. While the Urban Composter Tumbler is not nearly as well represented in reviews as the Envirocycle or Tumbleweed, its increased compost capacity as well as the consistently enthusiastic quality of the reviews merit consideration.

If you need even more capacity and still want a tumbling compost bin, the Mantis ComposT-Twin (*est. $500) features two internal chambers that together hold up to 25-cubic-feet of material. This dual-chambered design allows owners to "cook" one batch of compost while using the other side as a holding bin, or to maintain two compost batches at differing stages. A handle at the side of the unit can be cranked to rotate the barrel and mix the contents. AskToolTalk.com's reviewer notes a number of advantages to the ComposT-Twin, including ease of assembly and turning. Several potential improvements are outlined, however, which highlight some of this model's drawbacks. The reviewer reports difficulty rinsing the interior of the ComposT-Twin's barrel completely, as well as problems with paint flaking off the housing and door design flaws that make the container's opening a bit too small to easily dump in lawn clippings.

Reviewers at Amazon.com for the ComposT-Twin also note problems with the doors, though these are related to issues of durability and cumbersome operation rather than their size. Still, almost all say they appreciate the fact that the ComposT-Twin is mounted high enough on its tubular frame to make emptying the finished compost exceptionally easy, since most wheelbarrows can simply be rolled directly under the barrel's doors. This tumbling compost bin is certainly more expensive than most, and its price, along with its dimensions (well over five feet in height and width), render it less suitable for those with limited space, less material to compost and stricter budgets. Mantis does advertise a one-year, risk-free trial of the ComposT-Twin for customers who order this compost bin direct from the manufacturer, however.

Digesters

Vermicomposting has some vocal proponents, but not everyone is enthusiastic about adding worms to their compost. You'll need to buy a certain type of worm (a type of earthworm commonly called red wigglers) to get started. One advantage is that vermicomposting can be done indoors to compost food scraps. You can make your own vermicomposting container with instructions found online, but you can also buy a pre-made vermicomposting kit that will come with instructions.

Of the vermicomposters we've found, the Triformis CAN-O-WORMS (*est. $110) is by far the most reviewed and has the most consistently favorable reviews. The CAN-O-WORMS is a multi-level bin composed of 100% recycled material. The bin itself stands on five plastic legs and has a tap in the bottom for use in draining the liquid compost. According to the manufacturer, the CAN-O-WORMS can be placed either indoors or outdoors, as long as the worms aren't subjected to freezing temperatures or summer heat over 85 degrees F, but some vermicomposting experts recommend keeping the bin indoors regardless.

There's some extra cost involved with purchasing the red wiggler worms (*est. $20 for 500 worms), but since the worms will reproduce and multiply their population considerably, this is likely only a one-time expense. Bedding for the worms can be obtained at little or no cost; these worms thrive in materials such as peat moss or shredded newspaper. They subsist on kitchen waste, much of which isn't suitable for an outdoor compost pile. (One exception is fruit, particularly citrus. Experts don't recommend putting fruit in a vermicomposter because the peels take longer to break down, which may cause the bin to stink.) Out of nine reviews for the CAN-O-WORMS featured at Amazon.com, all give the product either a 4- or 5-star rating. Most owners say that they're very happy with the performance and value offered by the CAN-O-WORMS, stressing that when the worms are properly fed and their bin maintained, there are no unpleasant odors or pest problems. The few issues that did arise were minor: one customer wishes that the CAN-O-WORMS had a larger capacity, while another indicates that the tap for draining the compost tea from the bottom of the bin had to be replaced after seven years of use. The CAN-O-WORMS takes up about as much space as a kitchen trash bin.

If you're squeamish about vermicomposting, some experts point to the Green Cone System (*est. $160), which utilizes a completely different resource to break down otherwise uncompostable kitchen scraps: the heat of the sun. This outdoors-only device doesn't produce actual compost, which may prove a disadvantage for some users, but it's an option for those who want to reduce kitchen waste. The bottom of the unit is intended to be buried about 18" below the surface of the ground. Sunlight warms the exposed segment, composed of an inner and outer cone, to power the aerobic digestion process. Digested material then drains away via the underground part of the unit. The above-ground portion is sealed to keep pests out and to contain odors.

The Green Cone System is designed to eliminate turning or monitoring of the decomposing material, and it only needs emptying once every year or two, according to the manufacturer's specifications. This digester also requires less space than many other composters, as it only stands 27" high and measures 24" in diameter at the base. Proper depth of the soil and good drainage are a must, however, as is adequate exposure to the sun's rays. This digester may not be a good choice for cold or especially arid regions, or where the water table is high. People Powered Machines chose the Green Cone System as part of its self-designated "exclusive" five-product line, but it lacks much representation in other reviews. It may also be a bit small for some homeowners. It's intended for use by "an average family of four," who need to compost less than 15-20 lbs. of kitchen scraps per week.

If outdoor composting isn't a viable option, there are other alternatives to vermicomposting. Some indoor products, such as the Happy Farmer Kitchen Composter (*est. $65) , utilize a fermentation process to break down kitchen waste inside a plastic bucket. However, these types of products typically incite more complaints about unpleasant smells than other composters, including worm bins.

NatureMill has developed an indoor electric composter that does not use fermentation, and available reviews are somewhat favorable. There are two versions. The NatureMill PLUS (*est. $300) can handle up to 120 pounds of food waste per month and is available in black. The NatureMill PRO (*est. $400) has all the features of the PLUS model, but its made with stainless steel components and foot pedal operation. Its available in designer colors including white, red, green and stainless. At up to $400 per unit, however, the NatureMill is costly, and some sources find the idea of an electric composter a bit oxymoronic. Generally speaking, products such as the NatureMill or the Happy Farmer are suitable primarily for those who have very limited space and no means of composting outdoors. For users who don't fall into this category, there are usually more practical options than an electric or fermentation composter.

Important Features: Compost bins

Reviewers say the following about shopping for a composter:

• The climate in your region may have a considerable impact on which type of composter will work best for you. Be sure to evaluate how elements such as each model's function, color and primary material will respond to typical weather conditions in your area -- and whether they'll promote or impede the composting process.

• Listing the type and volume of materials you expect to compost will help you figure out what type and capacity you need. If your compost is primarily kitchen waste, a digester might be a good option. Static composters may be most useful for users with large amounts of yard waste, while those who don't produce as much compostable material and want composting to be less labor-intensive can consider tumblers as an option.

• Consider available storage. Some compost bins take up a lot of space; others can't be placed on concrete. Most tumblers work fine on any level surface, but most static compost bins can only sit on grassy areas.

• Enclosed bins and tumblers deter pests. These composters tend to look nicer than open bins. Your community may also have certain property or homeowner's regulations regarding composting.

• Digesters are a good option if you mainly want to compost kitchen scraps. Vermicomposters can be used indoors or in a garage (as long as you avoid extremes in temperature).

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Envirocycle Composter (*est. $140)	details
3	Tumbleweed Composter (*est. $190)	details
3	Triformis CAN-O-WORMS (*est. $110)	details
2	Smith & Hawken Biostack (*est. $130)	-
2	Gardener's Supply Company Deluxe Pyramid Composter (*est. $140)	-
2	Urban Composter Tumbler UCT-9 (*est. $230)	details
2	Mantis ComposT-Twin (*est. $500)	-
2	Norseman Earth Machine (*est. $90)	-
2	Original ComposTumbler (*est. $460)	details
1 each	Covered Bridge Hot Composter, SoilSaver Classic, Cascadia Compost Bin (large), Blue Planet Smart 9 Composter, Achla Tumbling Compost Mixer , Sunmar Composting Line (3 sizes), RolyPig Composter , NatureMill Bamboo Composter, Shepherd Wire Compost Bin, Gardener's Supply Company Wire Bin Composter, Tumbleweed Worm Farm, Sunleaves Wormtopia, the Green Cone System, Nylex Ezyroll, Big Round Compost Bin, Happy Farmer Kitchen Composter, Ceramic Compost Keeper , KC1000 Kitchen Compost Carrier

The Envirocycle Composter has a good number of recommendations in reviews, although most of these are proffered by owners rather than experts. The Tumbleweed and the Triformis CAN-O-WORMS also get a similar number of reviews. In spite of the relatively unflattering rating the Tumbleweed receives from one professional reviewer, owner reviews of both of these models are typically positive. The Biostack and Deluxe Pyramid are both popular with owners, but the Biostack also earns a top rating in a comparison test. The Mantis ComposT-Twin was the pick of two expert reviewers, and the Urban Composter Tumbler UCT-9 was recommended by one gardening enthusiast, as well as by owners at Amazon.

An inconsistent performer, the Norseman Earth Machine was popular with two expert reviewers, but had too many bottom-of-the-barrel owner ratings at Epinions to ignore. We selected the larger Cascadia Compost Bin as worthy of consideration for those looking for a high-capacity static compost bin, even though it was mentioned by only one expert, and reliable feedback from owners was thin. This model is still likely to be a good value when viewed in terms of the amount of compost that comparably priced bins can hold, and the lack of readily available complaints or criticisms regarding this unit is somewhat reassuring. A similar thought process guided our choice of the Gardener's Supply Wire Bin Composter as a leading low-priced compost bin.

Sponsored links