Compost bins are containers designed to make and house composts, which can be used as a valuable and low-cost fertilizer for plants. Compost bins are readily available or can be made at home. The idea is to provide ideal conditions, such as sufficient aeration, heat and moisture retention, for aerobic organisms to decompose recyclable organic wastes. The recyclable waste can be from the yard and garden such as grass clippings, shrubs, wood chips, sawdust and livestock manure, as well as leftover scraps from the kitchen like tea bags, coffee grounds, and fruit and vegetable scraps.
There are several advantages of making compost in a bin as opposed to an open heap. A compost bin allows the retention of heat and moisture to speed up the composting process. It keeps pests and rodents away from the pile, keeps your garden tidy by preventing the compost from spreading around, hides the compost from view and contains the emanating foul odours.
Compost bins are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. They can be as simple as a barrel, a square or a rectangular box, or as complex as a mechanical drum or tumbler.
Compost bins that can be constructed at home include a wire mesh bin, a worm compost bin, a wood and wire double and triple bin and a wood slatted bin. Large, unused rubbish bins make the easiest and simplest compost bins. By drilling a few holes of 1.5 cm, with a distance of about 15 cm between the holes, a simple compost bin can be made. A consistent compost mixture can be obtained by filling up the bin with the organic wastes and stirring it occasionally. If the bin has a secure lid then it can be rolled over for better mixing or can be stirred with a stick.
A sturdy and low-cost compost bin can also be made using wooden slats, wire, heavy gauge plastic, galvanized screws, wooden or metal posts, metal or plastic clips and door hinges. Such compost bins can generate compost on a smaller scale.
Commonly used compost units in residential areas are the semi-enclosed compost bins or compost digesters. Such bins are smaller and enclosed from all the sides except for the bottom. These are inexpensive and discourage pests. The commercially available drum or tumbler system is another option. This type of compost bin maintains relatively high temperatures and the required moisture content. It has an internal paddle for stirring the organic material, thereby speeding up the composting process. It also eliminates odour and is pest proof. The dual chamber compost bins go a step further and allow separation of “fresh” food and recyclable waste from the finished product making finished compost readily available.
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