Composting How To’s

Whether you live in an urban area or you’re just limited on space for composting, you may have hesitated to get started because you can’t really use a general compost pile. Thankfully there are plenty of commercial composting bins available these days, and they’re made for almost any conceivable situation.

Commercial compost bins range from small buckets and crocks which sit on the kitchen counter, to large trash can sized barrels designed to be used on a patio, balcony, or in a backyard. Which one you choose to use will depend upon your own space limitations, and how much composting you intend to do.

If you simply want a small amount of organic compost to use for houseplants, then a general kitchen compost bucket will probably do the job just fine. This also applies if you don’t use a lot of organic material in your home.

A kitchen compost bucket can be small enough to hold one day’s worth of composting material, or it can be large enough to hold a full week’s worth. Usually kitchen compost buckets are temporary holding and collection containers though, and they’re routinely emptied into a larger, more permanent compost bin outdoors.

More medium sized containers can be used to create compost too, and these work well for indoor locations because they’re small enough to tuck away into a laundry room or closet. These smaller compost bins are excellent choices for anyone who only needs compost for houseplants or small garden plots.

The smaller a compost bin is, the harder it is to activate the compost however. So small bins should have an easy way to turn and mix the compost regularly to help it break down and decompose at an acceptable rate. When the bins are small enough of course you can simply turn them over, or pick them up and shake them a bit. Many commercial bins have an easy turning option built in however, and this is usually done with some sort of crank handle.

Outdoor compost bins are the best option for both keeping your compost pile active and keeping a continuous supply of compost on hand. These types of bins are usually about the size of a trash can or barrel, and they’re often mounted onto a stand of some sort so they can easily be turned over. The stand also allows for easier moving if needed, and it also provides easier access to add new materials and remove finished compost.

When choosing your commercial composting bin be sure to consider the size of the container, and all of it’s features. Less expensive bins will not usually have an easy way to turn and aerate your compost for example, but if the bin is small enough you may be able to turn or rotate it fairly easily yourself.

The size of your compost bin is important both for knowing how much compost you’ll be able to get on a regular basis, and knowing where in or around your home the bin will easily fit.

Also look closely at how the compost bin is loaded and unloaded, and try to imagine how that will work for you over many years. If you have to bend down low to the ground and shovel compost out of an exit port, will this be a chore you’ll end up avoiding because it’s too strenuous?