Whether you are a beginner at composting or a seasoned veteran, you will need to have an efficient place to store your composting matter. This could be as simple as a pile in the back corner of your yard or, more likely, a compost bin. Bins are much better for keeping odors at bay and containing your compost to a confined space. It is important that you choose the best composting bin to suit your needs and these helpful tips will assist you in making that selection. Because you know that throwing out eggshells and banana peels doesn’t work for us thrifty gardeners….right!
Size/Capacity
In order to ensure you have the proper size of compost bin you should consider how many people are in your household and how many meals per day are made at home. The more fresh ingredients you use, the more compostable materials you will output. Standard size for an average four person household would be about 3 square feet. If you anticipate large amounts of yard waste from your property, you may need a larger bin or multiple bins.
Durability
When shopping for the right compost bin, you should look at what the bin is made of and the thickness of its walls. Most commonly you will find compost bins made from plastic, which is an affordable option and great for starting out. Once you feel that composting is a long-term option for your household, you may want to upgrade to a more durable bin such as one made from heavy resin or even stainless steel. The thicker the walls, the more durable the bin will be against breakage, animals trying to get in and against the elements.
Odor Control
Often the primary concern of those new to the world of composting is how to keep the smell of your compost to a minimum. Since most of what you put in your bin will be table scraps or some type of organic material, odors can get strong, so you should find a bin which has taken this into account and promises to keep that smell at bay. Check the enclosure and how tightly it fits since this is the primary control of smells. You could also consider a compost bin with a built-in filter to block out unpleasant and unwanted scents.
Animal Control
Most households will have their compost bin located outdoors, so keeping animals out of the bin is important. The lid should be secure and ideally have animal-proof locking mechanisms. As mentioned under durability, if the bin is plastic, ensure the walls are thick enough to prevent sharp claws or teeth digging their way through. Don’t underestimate the power of a raccoon who is hungry! Animals can make a mess of your bin and steal away nutrient rich organic matter from your compost pile.
Accessibility
This is a helpful point to mention in the shopping stage since most people don’t realize how important accessibility is until they’ve already got their bin home. When it comes time to access the rich soil you have made, you will want to get to it easily. Look for a compost bin with an access door on the side or at the bottom. This allows you to take out soil without digging in from the top.
Overall, the more durable and secure the bin, the better off you will be in terms of maintenance and replacement costs. Choosing a larger bin in the beginning may also save you dollars down the road should you have more compostable matter than you realize. Regardless of the choice you make, you will be extremely happy with the amazingly rich and nutrient soil you create for your gardens all while reducing your carbon footprint.
Composting is my hobby – and it’s fun!