Composting Bins

Blue Rock Station,
1190 Virginia Ridge Rd.
Philo Ohio 43771 USA
+1-740-674-4300 (phone)
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Composting Bins

Choosing a Compost Bin

You really don’t even need a bin, as compost can be made in a simple heap on the ground, covered with plastic or an old carpet to keep it moist. However, most people like to use some form of compost container. This looks neater and is easier to manage. Compost bins can be homemade or purchased – it’s up to you. We’re talking rotting garbage here, so no need to go overboard.

Compost bins can be made of wood, plastic or other materials (preferably recycled). There are various points, such as size and design, to consider when buying or making a compost container. Above all it should suit you and your garden.

Most bins on sale are plastic (often recycled), but wooden and metal bins can also be purchased. Whatever design you choose, it’s important that it keeps the rain out and moisture and heat in. It’s also essential that the container is sturdy and able to withstand a constant battering from spades or pitchforks as you fill and empty it.

Where to Put It?

Put your compost bin straight on the ground, rather than on concrete or another hard surface. This allows for drainage and lets worms move in easily. It should be accessible, with space around it for storing and mixing ingredients, and for turning the compost.

Compost Bin Design

Wire mesh with cardboard: Cheap and easy to make. Drive four posts into the ground, then staple wire to them. Make it easy to open on one side (for access). Line it with cardboard cartons, and top it with a square of carpet or a plastic sack.

Old Pallets: You can make a nice, cheap compost bin by taking 4 wooden pallets, set them on end and tie them together into a box using plastic ties. Pallets are often available free of charge from warehouses, or larger stores.

Sectional Wooden Bin: Sections are stacked up, or removed, as required. Individual sections can be made out of different widths of wood. The advantage of this design is that it is easily moved.

Cement Block: A sturdy bin can be built from cement blocks. Gaps should be left in the sides for air to circulate. A removeable wooden front can be added to contain the compost and it just makes it look a bit neater.

Straw Bale Bins: You can build your bin out of bales of straw, bearing in mind, of course, that the bin will decompose along with the material inside.

Double New Zealand Box: A strong, permanent wooden box with removeable slatted front. The second bin can be smaller, to take the composted material (which shrinks in size as it decomposes

Old Trash Can: Cut the bottom out of a large plastic trash can, turn it upside down and replace the lid (the bottom now being the top).

Purchased Bins: Any number of compost bins are available from garden shops or through the mail if you are not inclined to create your own.

- Ideas in this brochure “recycled” from Suffolk (UK) Wildlife Trust and various web sites

Purchased Bins

Double New Zealand

Straw Bale Bins

Sectional Wooden Bin

Old Pallets