Investing in quality composters can help conserve the environment and save some bucks. In this guide, we look at some of the best compost bin choices of 2019.
You can never go wrong with composting as a homeowner looking for a healthier garden and a happier lawn. Composting creates healthy and fertile soil and helps to keep out yard waste out of landfills.
Whether you’re starting or you’ve been composting for sometimes, you may find it challenging to decide on the best compost bin choices for collecting any organic material. Fortunately, we’ve done all the homework for you in this detailed guide.
Below is everything you need to know about selecting composters. We also look at some frequently asked questions about compost bins.
Compost Bin FAQ’s
Some of the commonly asked questions on compost bins include:
What is Composting?
Composting involves speeding up a natural process. All you need is to take organic material like lawn waste, food scraps, and anything organic you can find, place it in a composter to allow decomposition to take place. You need organic material, a composter, and some time to ensure the content breaks down.
What are the Different Types of Composters?
Composters vary in size and styles. Some of the common types you’ll come across include the classic bin composters, tumbler composters, and worm tray composters.
Classic bin composters resemble an old compost pile. The composter allows you to add material to it, thus creating layers. The lower layers turn to compost first as they are older. You’ll have to access the bottom part of the container to get the compost. These composters need little involvement and are perfect for long-term compost projects. Unfortunately, it can take several months to get compost with this style of the bin.
Tumbler composters tumble the compost in a rotating bin. It rotates it at consistent intervals, which could be weekly or daily. As the composter turns, oxygen goes in, which speeds up composting. These composters quicken the process and are ideal for those who need to produce a considerable amount of compost in weeks. On the downside, you need to be involved in the process.
Earth knows no desolation. She smells regeneration in the moist breath of decay
– George Meredith
Worm tray composters’ uses worms to produce compost. The worms and worm casting to yard waste and kitchen scraps, something that leads to nutrient-rich organic material. These composters use stackable trays. With this style, you can add content and speed up the process. Also, the worms keep the odors away. However, you need to keep the worms alive for the process to be successful; this involves having the right material and correct temperatures.
How Do I Choose the Right Composter?
You can select the best compost bin by checking out your space. Composters come in different sizes; you need to choose one that fits your space. It’s also essential to decide on the processing time. For example, if you need to compost quickly, you may want to get a worm tray or tumbler composters.
Some composters require commitment in regards to effort and time. If you don’t have time to keep checking the composting process, a classic bin would be an excellent choice. Moreover, some composters need more time to assemble, while others come assembled. Decide on what you’re willing to invest in the start-up process before settling on a composter.
Where Should I Place my Compost Bin?
You can put your compost bin in a semi-shady area in your garden; this is because the microorganisms involved in composting require stable temperatures and not anything extreme. Ensure that the container is on the earth to allow worms and other organisms to get into the bin.
What Can I Put in the Compost Bin?
You can put raw food scraps like egg shells, fruit peels, vegetables, or coffee grounds. Garden weeds and grass clippings also help with composting. Avoid putting cooked items like meat in the pin as this may attract pests and create other unpleasant smells. Perennial weeds and diseased plants are a no go zone when composting.
How We Reviewed
Before picking the best compost bin choices, we went through days and hours of researching and testing different composters. We chose composters based on size, cost, and efficiency. Our research also considered ease of use of the bins.
Top Best Compost Bin Choices
Some of the top-rated compost bins include:
1) Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin
[amazon box=”B00AMNCYNQ”]
You should get the Epica Stainless Steel compost bin if you need an indoor container. While the idea of having an indoor bin may seem unpleasant, the Epica bin has the right features to ensure you have an odor-free kitchen.
It boasts of a charcoal filter and an airtight lid, which comes in handy if you live in a cold area that rains regularly.
Features
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Replaceable charcoal filters
- Simple Cleaning process
- Controls odors naturally
- 1.3 gallon sizee
PROS
- Requires water and soap to clean
- A small size that is ideal for a limited space
- The stainless steel material is durable and resists scratches and corrosion
CONS
- Only available for indoor use
- Small size
- May be challenging to remove compost when it’s full
Where to Buy
You can get this compost bin on Amazon or at Walmart
2) Yimby Tumbler Composter
[amazon box=”ASIN”]
The Yimby Tumbler comes with two chambers, which allow you to place different batches of compost and watch the progress. With the37-gallon capacity, you have enough space to put your compost in two months.
What’s more, you can quickly access the finished compost. Most users love how durable the bin is, thanks to its material which is resistant to corrosion and sturdy. Its reasonable cost also makes the container attractive.
Features
- Dual chamber tumbling composter
- Two composter chambers
- Durable construction
- Excellent aeration
- Easy to use
- 37 gallons capacity
PROS
- Composts more than a single batch at one time
- Quick composting ability
- Portable
- Durable stainless steel frame
CONS
- Difficult to remove large loads of compost
- It’s a challenge to tumble with cold weather
Where to Buy
You can get the Yimby Tumbler online at Amazon
3) Envirocycle Composting Tumbler Bin
[amazon box=”B0121G9ZJW”]
The Envirocycle composting bin has many positive reviews as it provides the ease of a rotating composter and occupies less space. It siphons compost quickly. The container has BPA-free plastics, something that keeps any raw foods used in composting safely.
The 35-gallon capacity bin is compact enough to fit into a smaller area. Something that makes this tumbler a winner is the fact that you can remove the actual compost container when full. It has a sturdy and circular design, which enables you to roll it to where you plan to use the compost.
Its large door makes it a breeze to add or remove material. All you need is to toll the bin from its base once the content inside is ready. You won’t have to handle the container at any time. The company’s excellent customer service and a five-year warranty is another reason why the bin is a favorite.
Features
- Unique design
- Made in the USA
- Made of BPA-free plastic
- Five-year warranty
PROS
- Made from BPA-free plastics
- Sturdy and heavy-duty design
- Produces compost in six to eight weeks
- Collects compost tea
CONS
- Requires a level surface
- Doesn’t have the flexibility of different compartments
Where to Buy
The composter is available on Amazon
4) Good Ideas Senior Wizard Dual Tumbler
[amazon box=”B00QVCZA6K”]
Nothing is as frustrating as trying to assemble a compost bin. Fortunately, you do not have to go through this process with the Good Ideas senior wizard dual tumbler compost bin. One outstanding feature is that the unit has dual chambers.
That means you can fill the raw foods and grass clippings in the first once, allow it to mature, and rotate it gradually. Add compost to the second one, and repeat the process. You can enjoy a steady supply of quality fertilizer for your garden.
The bin comes with a one-year warranty, and it has BPA-free 100% recycled plastic. All you need is to find a sunny spot to get the best results.
Features
- Fully assembled
- FDA-approved materials
- Made in the USA
- 11 cubic foot capacity
- Low maintenance
PROS
- Comes fully assembled
- Has a dual chamber design
- Made from BPA-free plastic
- Has an 80-gallon capacity
CONS
- Expensive
- Tumblers do not separate
Where to Buy
The senior wizard compost bin is available on Good Ideas Inc. or Amazon
5) Redmon Green Culture Compost Bin
[amazon box=”B003HOR8BK”]
The Redmon Green Culture compost bin has a 65-gallon capacity, which is massive than other compost bins. You’ll have to assemble the unit using a guide. The bin also comes with a beginner’s guide to composting.
It features weather-resistant plastic resin. You can place as much organic waste as you like in this bin by lifting off the lid or using the doors on each side. The ventilation holes offer air flow to quicken the composting process.
You can either get the compost bin or opt for the compost bin with an aerator. Most users love this bin due to its ease of assembly and unique design. Find small stakes on the bin to secure it to the surface.
On the downside, some users have had challenges securing the bin in windy climates. Also, a few users have had cracks in the plastic resin in cold temperatures. Nonetheless, it’s still a highly-rated product as it provides value for its reasonable price,
Features
- Four-door access
- Ventilation holes for composting
- UV protectant high impact plastic
- 65 gallons capacity
- Easy access lift-off lid
PROS
- Affordable
- Easy access points
- Ventilation holes for aeration
CONS
- It can be tricky removing compost from the doors
- Needs assembly which may take time
Where to Buy
You can get the 65-gallon capacity compost bin on Amazon
6) Algreen Products Soil Saver Compost Bin
[amazon box=”B003959G9Y”]
Product Overview
The Algreen compost bin is a must-have if you live on the edge of town or in the country. The bin features a sturdy design, which makes it challenging creatures to access the content inside. Also, the container has a full mouth opening with sliding doors; this makes it simpler to access fresh compost.
Its self-watering system permits air and moisture in through the lid, something that promotes composting. The bin has heat retention properties, something that helps with the process.
You will love the open bottom design that attracts worms to improve the quality of your compost. If you’re a beginner in the whole process, you can relax as the set comes with an easy-to-read instruction booklet on how to get started.
Features
- Sturdy construction and thickness to produce and insulate heat
- Self-watering lid
- Large opening for easy access
- Save 30% of household waste
- 94 gallons
PROS
- Has sliding doors and access openings for quick addition and removal of compost
- Features thick plastic construction
- Saves 30% of disposable household waste
- Affordable
- Impressive 95-gallon capacity
CONS
- Expensive
- May not blend with outdoor décor
- Heavy and bulky when full
Where to Buy
You can get the compost bin on Amazon at a reasonable price
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Assembly | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Product: Yimby Black composter | Simple | 37 gallons |
| Product: Envirocycle Composter | None | 35 gallons |
| Product: Good Ideas Compost Wizard Composter | Simple | 47 gallons |
Verdict
Composting is a beneficial process for the environment and can help reduce the amount of waste you may have at home. You can add compost to the soil to improve plant growth and enhance the soil’s health.
Finding the best compost bin for your composting needs doesn’t have to be complicated. The type of composter you settle for will depend on the labor you’re willing to invest, the amount of compost you need, your budget, and your personal preferences. Tumbling composters are excellent options as they offer extraction of compost tea, prevent contact with pests, and are more efficient compared to other types of composters.
Overall, the Envirocycle composter is an excellent composter thanks to its capacity and its unique design. It comes fully assembled, and has inbuilt drain plugs that make it easier to collect the nutrient-rich liquids to use on your lawn or plants. Moreover, its drains and vents allow worms in to speed up the process and add nutritious content to your compost.
Featured Image Source : Unsplash
