Connie's Bin

Based on my yard and the critters that visit, I narrowed down my selection to the Earth Machine. I talked to some folks in town and decided on the Earth Machine, because I don’t think we will fill it in one season. The lid comes off the top so I can dump the goods into it and there is a door on the front if I need to get into the gold at the bottom.  I can also push the bin over to separate the bottom of the bin from the top so I can get at the compost much easier. I could be wrong about how long it will take to fill it, but if I fill it faster than I predict, I can always get another one.

Earth Machine vs. New Age Composter

The Earth Machine holds 10.5 cubic feet, is round, 33” deep and 34” wide. It has a locking cover that can also be adjusted to let more air into the bin. There is a sliding door for removal of compost AND it is made from recycled plastic!! The New Age Composter holds about 30 cubic feet, is round and adjustable, comes in a 42” long cylindrical roll, and is between 30-34” high. This one is self-aerating and has a cone shaped base and cover. It is also made from recycled plastic!!!

I spoke to a couple of families about these bins. One family has both bins and alternates using the compost from one bin or the other each year. Another resident uses the New Age Composter and said she used zip ties to assemble it, because the ties that came with the composter kept breaking. A zip tie is a type of fastener that is typically made of plastic. Good to know!

Now it’s time to make my own decision.  Which type of bin would work for me?

Standing or Stationary Bin?

There are also standing or stationary bins that just sit in one spot. I’ve heard these are really good to use if you plan on making a lot of compost, because they are generally well-aerated. However, I also read that it might take a little longer for the compost to break down. There are lots of different types of standing bins, but I narrowed it down to the Earth Machine or the New Age Composter. They both have lids and can be tipped over to reveal the black gold in the Spring.

Tumbling Bins?

I've looked at several different styles of composting bins. Did you know that there are also tumbling styles? These are typically on some sort of stand that you turn. Some have handles that I suppose you use to turn them, while others look like they roll within their own bases. However, wear your raincoat.  Liquid tends to seep out of the bin when you spin it.  I can’t see how animals could get into this type of bin, but some of those critters can be very determined.  I hope none are the types who get queasy on carnival rides.

Another fact about tumbling bins is that they tend to be much more expensive than the standing or stationary bins. I found several different styles on the web that ranged from $160 to $324. If you add up how much we pay for commercial fertilizers, this cost really isn’t that much.

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling

I was still thinking about rolling compost and found one that you can make yourself. It looks like a trash barrel with some holes drilled in the sides. My guess is that you also need some type of a screen to cover the holes so all that black gold won’t fall out when you roll it. Now how does one go about rolling a trash barrel with handles? I picture myself driving down a ramp laden with speed bumps.  My compost would have a very bumpy ride, as would any critters that find their way into the bin, if they can get into it.

Rolling Compost?

One of my neighbors uses a rolling compost bin.  I’ll call her Millie.  Millie says rolling compost bins are great. You roll the bin to mix up the compost, and then roll the bin to where you want to use the compost. One thing to consider though, Millie said, is that the bin can be quite heavy and if you have a hilly yard, it can be a workout rolling it around. That’s ok. I work out. I am woman. Watch me roll! 

But then, just when I thought I had found my compost calling, Millie told me that because compost can be moist, it tends to seep out of the bin as you roll. That might be a deal breaker, depending on the amount and disgust factor of the seepage. Maybe I’ll offer to help Millie when it’s time to harvest her gold and see where this experience falls on my yucky meter.

Compost-oid: Kitchen Scraps in Landfills?

This is a compost-oid - trivia about composting.

I've heard people say that they don't mind putting kitchen scraps in their trash because, after all, they decompose in the landfill, right? Wrong!

Kitchen scraps that end up in landfills don't decompose, they kind of fossilize!  Did you know that modern landfills are designed to seal and trap waste, not to let it decompose? Some towns send their trash to an incinerator and wet food waste makes lousy fuel!

Another good reason to start composting!