Thanks to an ever expanding line of compost bins for composting and other green products, now you can turn much of your own organic waste into a valuable soil supplement that benefits gardens and plants. You'll also be helping to reduce your personal impact on our environment. Composting is a simple process that preserves and renews your soil. By doing so, you're creating an oxygen-rich, humus enriching "feedstock" that will enhance all forms of plant life. The resulting compost will improve the fertility of all plant life by providing beneficial nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, all of which are vital to plant health.
According to one reviewer, "Soil improvement starts with proper preparation. Compost Bins help by making the job of aeration easy and removing moisture, salts, and organic matter. This can be accomplished without having to spend a fortune. For instance, a small square bio compost bin works great in a corner or on a countertop." Another reviewer agrees, "I have a 10-gallon wet basement compost bin in my laundry room. It was a necessary item at the time, but it's just one of many resources I utilize."
Most reviewers agree that most compost bins are designed specifically for either an outdoor or indoor application. There are some outstanding designs, like the tilting compost bins with adjustable shelves, which makes it possible to shift the bin to a different location if needed. The reviewers agree that an indoor/outdoor compost bin works excellent for an apartment or residential setting.
Most compost bins were not designed with house rats in mind, which is surprising, considering the rat population has been exploding nationwide. One reviewer notes, "I live in an apartment, and a friend asked me if we could get a rat trap – I told her no, but she still got one for her apartment. I've gotten a few rat traps from stores, but they didn't work because house rats are savvy enough to turn them off before setting them free." They also recommend not using newspaper for bait. "Rats hate paper and will eat anything, including things we put in the compost."
Many of the compost bins tested did not fare well in extreme heat, either. A small ceramic bowl that holds a week's worth of organic matter became cracked and bubbled out all the water during the testing period. Bins with a plastic lid that seals the top well also experienced problems with overheating and leaking. When the lid was removed, the plastic melted and water pooled in the bottom.
Compost bins with airtight lids also experienced problems with moisture buildup. When a bin with a plastic cover becomes damp, the plastic beads can expand to several times their original volume and the bin will warp. When a bin with an airtight lid comes into contact with high temperatures, the lid simply cannot seal properly. The contents of the bin can become humid and the pile can easily develop mold and mildew if it is not kept at controlled temperatures.
The best compost tumbler manufacturers make use of a process called thermal insulation. High quality bins make use of tiny holes which are sealed so that heat or moisture cannot escape. The finished compost tumbler does not burn. Compost tumblers made by this company contain 25% more nitrogen than the average size bin.
Thermal insulation allows your compost pile to finish naturally and slowly releasing its nutrients slowly over time. The bin can be turned on its side and the warm sides will collect the waste without heating the pile up. The most important part of building a compost pile is to make sure that the temperature inside the bin is right. If you are using an old tumbler that has been sitting for many years, it is best to let it go and build a new one. You should consider the climate where you live and purchase compost bins that are made for that weather. Some bins will be more efficient to use during certain seasons or in climates that are more extreme.