Different Composting Containers

Composting containers are used to isolate decomposing material. There are a number of composting containers that you can choose from, you just need to do a little research to find the one that suits your needs best. You have already made the best decision of all by deciding to compost and give back to the earth.

Creating compost is a safe way to return all the used organic waste back to the soil as rich healthy humus and by using the proper container will help maintain it. There are a few requirements that need to be in place so the organic material decomposes properly. The requirements needed for this to occur are: air, moisture, compost size, fragment size, green matter, dry matter, and of course heat. A structure that is very small will not generate enough heat for decomposition. There is a minimum volume of material necessary in order to generate the proper heat to compost efficiently that is basically three feet by three feet by three feet. There is a possibility that a smaller insulated wood or plastic bin will be able to hold the proper amount of heat.

Continuous composters are enclosed bins that handle a variety of materials that range from yard waste to kitchen scraps. The reason these containers are classified as “continuous” is waste materials can be added to it all the time and compost is generated slowly. The completed compost filters down to the bottom of the container and you can remove compost several times a year. A composting bin of this style is generally made of wood slats or even solid plastic and it is box shaped with a lid. You will need to turn the compost with a pitchfork or shovel periodically. Because these containers have a lid rodents and unwanted critters can be kept at bay.

Batch composters are turned into very efficient composting bins by a tumbling action. Each balanced batch of waste will cook until it is ready anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. A batch compost container is the fastest way to create compost, but it needs to be mixed or turned daily and checked to see if it has the proper amount of moisture. While one batch is cooking, you can have a stockpile of organics waiting in an open pile or in a kitchen composter waiting to be processed.

Indoor composters and worm bins can be used inside your house but generally on a small scale. The kitchen composter on your kitchen counter allows you to deposit food scraps and the odors will be eliminted by the use of an air-tight lid. The worm bin is designed for composting food scraps also but is performed by the talented redworm. You can use the worm composting bin indoors or also outdoors depending on your weather conditions. 

Compost tumblers are generally cylindrical in shape and resemble a horizontal drum that is supported by a base and can be on wheels or axles. The drum of the compost tumbler rotates in order to circulate air through the compost materials. They are easy to rotate by using a crank on the containers side. There is a bio orb bin on the market that is similar to a tumbler that is a framework supported ball that can be easily rolled to different areas of the garden. By using this ball tumbler you may be able to involve your children in becoming compost makers.

Once you have chosen your compost containers you need to find the proper place to put them. You need a spot that receives sunlight but not full sun all day. You want this area to drain well, it needs to be away from family outdoor activities, and it needs to be shielded from heavy winds. Once your composting containers start producing just think of all the nutrients you will be adding to the garden.

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