Best Compost Bins For Your Garden
Which Type Compost Bin Is Best?
Making compost from kitchen scraps, garden, and organic waste is not only beneficial for your garden’s health, but it’s also beneficial to the environment and to wildlife.
Composting is the process by which food waste and garden waste break down over the course of a few months to a year to reveal fresh, organic compost. Compost provides plants with many of the essential nutrients they need, which makes it a good fertilizer. You can use compost around shrub bases and trees as an organic mulch or dig it into the soil to improve the soil.
Compost can be used to create humus for your garden and lawn. This improves the health of your plants and helps retain soil moistness. They don’t call it black gold for nothing. It’s simply an excellent soil conditioner, and your flowers will love you for it.
Compost is one of the most important supplements you can give to your garden.
Compost bins should be used to manage the composting process.
Biodegradation is aided by providing good ventilation and maintaining a high temperature. Ideally, the top would be lockable, and the bottom would have a door that is accessible. In addition to its dark colour, it needs to be durable against the wind. Having researched and tested a number of garden compost bins, We’ve discovered the best garden compost bin available on the market.
What are the different types of compost bins available?
A variety of compost bins are available in various shapes and sizes, and they are made of different materials for you to get your compost heap started. The following section explains the different types of composting bins as well as what they are each intended for.
1- DIY Compost Bin – You can make your own garden composter
Wooden pallets or corrugated iron can be used to build your own compost bin. By enclosing the sides, the heat will be retained, accelerating the rotting process. More heat is created when the pile is larger; therefore, ideally, you should have at least one 1m x 1m bin and more if possible – it will make turning the compost much easier.
2- Plastic compost bin
The plastic compost bin is perfect for small spaces. Moisture and heat are retained by the plastic sides and lid, promoting rapid decomposition. In addition, they prevent weeds from regrowing by blocking out light. An ideal location for a bin is on grass or earth, as this will allow worms and other insects to crawl up into the compost and help the whole process of composting.
3- Hot composting bin
The lid and sides of a hot compost bin are usually insulated. The process of decomposition takes place at a much faster pace (30-90 days, as opposed to around six months for ordinary compost) and results in a finer compost. Their size is comparable to a wheelie bin, and they can stand on a hard surface.
4 – Wormery Compost Bin
A Wormery is a small composting unit designed for small quantities of kitchen waste. The worms mix and break down the compost quickly; they also produce a liquid fertiliser that is rich in nutrients, which is referred to as liquid gold. Adding compost worms to larger bins is also an option. A compost bin is still needed because not all waste can be composted by worms.
5 – Compost Tumbler Bin
These are almost the same as the plastic composters mentioned above, apart from the fact it’s a large plastic drum with a sliding opening mounted on feet that can be spun. This allows you to turn your compost easily and regularly with minimal effort. You’ll end up with compost faster than a normal plastic compost bin.
The type of compost bin that you choose will depend on your needs, from the ones you can make yourself to the wormeries that you can set up at home in order to let wildlife handle the hard work for you. Which one of the above you choose is a matter of personal preference based on your needs and situation, they all have their benefits, some are cheaper than others, whilst others require more work and effort.
Below is a list of our recommendations of the best compost bins available, which cover a wide range of types and prices.
• Insulated Compost Bin
• Produces Fastest Compost
• Easy To Set Up
• 160L
• No Need To Turn (Just Spin It)
• Choice of 1 or 2 Sections
• Traditional Wooden Design
• Pressure Treated Wood 15 Years
• Easy To Assemble
Recommended Accessory:
• Dual Filter Technology
• Vented Odourless Lid
• Stainless Steel
• Best way to store food scraps until adding them to your compost bin
Lets move onto the best compost bin reviews of the above listed products.
Perhaps you have always struggled to remove the lid from round composting bins, or they do not fit neatly in the corner of your garden. A square design, on the other hand, could be perfect for you. With its square design, you can easily add more units side by side, increasing the amount of compost that you can produce.
4Smile has created a composter with a lid that stays open without any support, making it straightforward to dump waste inside. Moreover, the bin opening is in a great location at a reasonable height, eliminating accidents where grass cuttings, garbage, and food waste end up on the floor.
Dark bins have a number of benefits, like helping the contents warm up as the sun shines on them, speeding up the rate at which the waste turns into compost. Despite the fact that it has no base, it is an intentional choice. Those who place them on barren earth will see worms and other beneficial invertebrates moving into the compost, bringing down the time it takes for the process to become finished.
It has a decent 300 L capacity to ensure you will not have to worry about it filling up too fast; as such, it is suitable for a family of two or three. This compost bin also features a variety of ventilation holes, allowing your compost to breathe so that it does not become slimy and unusable over time.
The finished compost can be removed very easily and quickly using the hatch at the bottom. With this compost bin, it’s also easier to conveniently turn the compost through the square opening with a tool or fork.
There are very few assemblies that are as easy as this one. All the pieces simply slot together after they arrive flat packed in an attractive box. Composting units with lids are generally considered unreliable because they tend to break easily. It is advisable to take care when fitting the lid into place. There is also the possibility that it may open if it is not secured down, which can be prevented by covering it with a brick.
Using expanded polypropylene for the Hotbin enables a higher level of insulation and a faster-composting process. This is a great innovation as it raises the temperature for a faster-composting process. There are several features in the design of this hot composter, such as a temperature gauge on top, a carbon filter to fend off odours, and a container in the bottom to collect the liquid that is produced during the composting process. You should note that the Hotbin composter must be placed on a stable level hard surface. As well as the compost thermometer, a stirring stick, and a 2-litre plastic container that can be filled with hot water to kick-start the composting process at low temperatures are provided.
Besides being the fastest and most convenient way to create compost, it is also ideal for small spaces. In this compost system, compost leachate liquid is collected in an easy-to-empty tank that has been constructed along with an integrated carbon filter that absorbs odours. This allows the system to work smoothly and without creating a mess. Upon delivery of the product, it is almost fully assembled.
This Compost Bin has one drawback and that is the price. It’s the most expensive compost bin on our list.
Designed for those with large gardens and a lot of waste, this 330-L container is perfect for them. In addition to the compost bin, there is a handy leaflet with helpful tips for novice gardeners on what to compost and what you shouldn’t.
Unlike many previous composters, this one is “dalek” shaped, and it offers great heating and easy access to compost. You need never worry about scrambling in the underbrush to retrieve this lid if you have ever experienced the frustration of having the lid blow off your compost bins. It is firmly held in place thanks to its twist-lock design, even in windy conditions.
Make sure you need this large of a capacity when purchasing a composting unit as too large a bin cannot reach a suitable temperature if it isn’t full enough.
Lastly, if your garden is very exposed, this may not be the best compost bin to choose. Since it’s lightweight, it’s best to keep it out of the wind when it’s empty, as it can blow around due to its lightweight construction.
If this 330L composting unit is too big, Blackwall also does a smaller 220L version.
Composting has never been easier or more convenient than with this tumbler.
Rotating the barrel is easy with deep, sunken handholds. They also serve as fins that aid in breaking up clumps inside the chamber, aid in preventing compost from sticking to the walls, and ensure it gets plenty of oxygen. Adding material and monitoring the process of each batch is easy, thanks to the large sliding doors.
There are two large chambers in the tumbler, each with a capacity of 80 litres. Using this method, one side can be filled while the other cures. Compost is ready for use when it has become dark, crumbly, and crumbly.
Under direct sunlight, Delivered flat packed with clear and easy-to-follow instructions, the compost tumbler is an excellent product. You should be able to assemble it in about 45 minutes. The sides and doors are first attached to the walls with self-tapping screws. Each panel is then screwed into place one at a time as you go. This barrel is fixed to a corrosion-resistant nut and bolt frame, all of which is powder-coated steel.
It is made of 50 percent recycled plastic.
Composting worms can be done indoors or outdoors. However, they do need to be protected from rain since the stacking design allows water to get in and make the compost too wet. The worms will die if the wormery is placed in direct sunlight, as with all wormeries.
With no tools needed, assembling the Tiger Wormery is simple, and following the comprehensive instructions written and illustrated is very straightforward. Although the trays are not very large, they provide adequate gripping power when full, and the lid features a lever for lifting the lid, which is useful when adding waste. Despite its good compost production, it turned out we had to empty the sump where liquid collected from worms more frequently than others because it was so small, and because worms that fell through the smooth sides might drown. In spite of its square base ensuring its stability in use, the wormery can still be entered by slugs due to its close proximity to the ground. Even with all this said, its so easy to use, and sprinkling some crushed up egg shells around the feet solves the issue of the slugs.
Each tray can hold 15.5 Litres of finished compost, and the wormery is made from recycled material. Check out our detailed guide on worm composting.
Lacewing Small Compost Bin 373 Litres
This wooden compost bin has a volume of 373 litres and simple construction. A combination of slats allows air to circulate around the compost, and the front slats can be removed, which makes filling the bin easier and provides plenty of room for getting to the compost when it’s ready. This traditional styled compost bin is made from pressure-treated pine, with a smooth surface and a planned finish. It comes with a 15-year guarantee against rot.
Taking advantage of the open-top design of this unit, this composter displays slow composting or cold composting at its best. You won’t get as fast results as with a hot composter, but you will have no worries about overfilling and can continue adding to the heap continuously.
This bin also has an open bottom allowing worms up and excess liquid to drain away just like other bins featured here.
Knowing What To Look For When Buying A Compost Bin
Gardeners who are serious about gardening should invest in a compost bin, as it converts their waste into nutrient-rich soil improver. By purchasing the right compost bin for your needs, within 6 months, you’ll be able to make nutrient-rich compost, never purchasing compost from the garden centre again!
A compost bin can be used for weeds and grass cuttings, which are part of the garden waste. Who wouldn’t love that?
For information on how to make the right decision when purchasing a compost bin, read on.
What Size Is The Right Size Garden Composter For Me?
Make sure you have space for whatever you buy for your garden before purchasing it. Measure the dimensions of your future compost bin and compare them to the available garden space. Some of them take up a surprising amount of space! Compact designs may also be an option to help you really make the most out of the available space.
What do you plan to compost?
We have listed bins with various capacities. It isn’t necessary to have a huge bin if you are only throwing away food waste and weeds, but if you are trying to compost large cuttings and grass clippings, you will want to consider a bigger bin.
Your bin will retain heat more effectively if it is filled to the brim, which will aid in the composting process.
Choosing the Best Material
Various materials are used to make compost bins. Below, I’ve put together a comparison of the most common choices.
Wood
The natural look of wooden compost bins blends seamlessly into your garden. Unlike plastic bins, they are more aesthetically pleasing, so they are great if you cannot hide the bin from view. The slatted designs provide good aeration as well.
Most wood bins require assembly after purchase and are typically heavier than plastic ones. Keeping the wood free from rot requires regular treatment. Some are pressure treated and will be fine for several years without needing to be treated again. It is common for wooden compost bins to lack lids, which leads to a cold composting pile.
Plastic
Bins made of plastic are lightweight and often come assembled (no assembly required). A common feature of many designs is plastic drawer hatches that make compost removal easy. Plastic designs are dark and trap heat for a faster composting process.
Wooden bins are more aesthetically pleasing than plastic ones. The air can’t circulate properly in some designs. Screw-top lids are often included in designs, but they are not always practical.
Recycled Materials
They usually make bins that are constructed with recycled materials from plastic or wood. Therefore, compost bins made from these materials will possess the same benefits, but will be environmental.
How to Choose the Right Style
You can choose from a variety of styles, from wooden ‘beehive’ bins to upright ‘daleks’. Regarding a garden’s aesthetic style, it really only depends on what it will look like to you.
Bins with different lid styles are available, as well as bins with no lid at all. When you don’t have enough hands to put stuff in the bin and the screw lid is not practical, screw lids are useful for keeping heat in. It would be more practical in such cases to use a hinged lid. With no lid compost bins, you’ll have an easier time emptying the waste, but you’ll have a slower compost process because the heat won’t be retained as well.
The Importance Of Compost Bin Shape
If there is a limited amount of space, you need to choose a compost bin that will fit the space.
In addition to tessellation, square compost bins don’t waste space in the same way that round ones do, especially if you have more than one. Square bins have a wider opening and can be loaded more conveniently as well. A tall round bin may look more attractive aesthetically than a chunky square one.
Where should I put my compost bin?
If you want your compost bin to function properly, you must place it in a shady or semi-shady spot in your garden. Composting works best under steady conditions than under conditions of extreme temperature.
It is best to place your bin directly on the ground in order to allow worms and other beneficial invertebrates to enter. Whenever your bin must be placed on hard surfaces, remember to add a couple of spades of earth before you add any waste to start.
What waste can you compost into a compost bin?
Compost bins are ideal for many organic materials, including the composting of food scraps (such as peelings of fruits and vegetables), eggshells and the composting of coffee grounds.
It is also possible to compost grass clippings and weeds.
Compostable household wastes such as shredded paper and fireplace ash are also acceptable.
Cooked food, meat and fish should not be placed in your compost bin since these ingredients may cause unpleasant odors and attract pests.
Do not include diseased plants and perennial weeds in the compost – this may spread the problem. The heat produced by most garden compost units does not kill these diseases, instead burn them in a garden incinerator.
For a more detailed guide, we have created a detailed article on what to put into your garden compost bin.
