Compost systems come in all shapes and sizes
There are a few basic styles of composting systems that can be customized to the space available.
- Bins
- Tumblers
- Chimney/Stack
- Piles
- Trenches
- Mechanical stuffs
All composting systems have some attributes in common: airflow, space for compost to sit, exterior edges that help prevent scavengers from digging in it, and usually access to the ground to allow microbes and invertebrates easy entry.
Let’s talk about the pros and cons of each of these to help you pick the right setup for your situation.
Bins
Compost bins are common and come in all sorts of styles. Like the name implies, a bin is a 6-sided box that can hold the organic waste. Cedar is a common wood used because of its ability to withstand the outdoor conditions of composting. However, any material can be used as long as it does not leach toxic compounds into the compost as it itself decomposes eventually. Materials to avoid would be treated or painted woods.
There is some disagreement about using plastic materials, like a plastic tub, for composting. It is possible that the plastic will break down over time and leach micro plastics into the compost bin. But I am on the team that if that is all you have, then use it!
When choosing a bin design ensure that it has a way to open one side to make digging out the compost more convenient.
The slats on the sides should have spacing to allow air flow around the compost.
A lid on the top helps prevent larger scavengers from getting into the composting material. If scavengers are a big nuisance in your neighborhood, lining the interior of the bin with chicken wire can help deter them.
Flies are a huge player in decomposition of your compost, but they can become quite annoying. A quick fix is to place wet cardboard or an old piece of carpet over the top of the pile to deter them from landing.
If space permits, use a multiple bin system. Check out our home compost system here. We use a 3-bin system. This allows one bin to be filled with new waste. The second bin will have finishing compost, with no new waste being added. The third bin is empty. Having an empty bin allows for easier movement of the compost into the empty bin when it is time to stir/water.
Ingimar Erl, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bin Pros
- Can be inexpensive
- Long lasting with little maintenance
- Access to ground allows for microbes and invertebrates to move in
- very common, with many DIYs, tutorials, and even people selling old ones.
Bin Cons
- Require manual digging of compost or garden auger to mix.
- Increased space is needed for larger setups
Tumblers
Tumblers, like bins, come in all sorts of variations.
The main theme with a tumbler is that the owner will be able to mix and aerate the compost just by spinning the barrel.
Look for one that has a screen attachment so you don’t have to empty the entire device to get your finished compost.
Also, make sure it has a large lid/opening. Otherwise emptying it becomes quite the hassle.
Because of the enclosed nature of a tumbler, I’ve had trouble in the past with hornets setting up shop inside if it is not being used often.
Tumblers are the only compost system that don’t have direct access to the soil for microbes and invertebrates to enter. Because of this, users may need to add soil, finished compost, or compost starters to the organic waste to get the process rockin’ and rollin’.
In places of high wildlife scavenging, tumblers can be a lifesaver because they are self contained units. In certain situations, combining a tumbler with a bin for finishing can give great results. By starting the compost in a tumbler, the early rotting stages that attract many animals is contained. Then the compost can be moved into a bin for finishing without the threat of scavenging.
Doc James, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tumbler Pros
- Mixing is just a tumble away!
- Can add new organic waste without the need for additional space (if internal screen is present)
- Deterrent for scavengers or wildlife
Tumbler Cons
- Compost starters or amendments may be needed
- Higher fire risk (more likely to dry out)
- Often more expensive to purchase or a little more DIY time needed
- Larger hole or ability to tip on end is required for easy emptying. See the picture to the left… those small, sliding tops are not fun to deal with.
Chimney or stack
This style can be a time and space saver, but it may take a little getting used to for a novice.
The gist of a chimney or stack is that new organic waste is added to the top and the finished compost is removed from the bottom. Pretty sweet, right? The catch is that if the right-ish ratio of browns and greens (C:N ratio of 30:1) is not added, then a stinky or non-decomposing mess is made in a very hard to clean container.
Maybe not the first choice for a novice? But never shy away from a challenge if this feels like a great option for you! Once the system is figured out, this is an amazing way to compost in small spaces.
To explain maybe a little better… or maybe not… This method is like making a compost lasagna.
Over time you will add layer upon layer of new organic waste. In between those additions, though, the magic of decomposition will be taking place inside! Usually there is a drawer or door on the bottom to access the finished compost. In really amazing models there is a screen just above where this door opens in order to catch larger pieces of compost that are still in need of some decomposing love.
Lameiro, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chimney Pros
Chimney Cons
Piles
This is the simplest, most cost effective method for composting! You literally just dump your organic matter ina pile and let nature do its thing. Will there be wildlife digging around? Probably, but hey now you are feeding animals instead of just composting! Everynow and then you may want to give it a little water to help the process along, but if you have little time to mess with compost and lots of space. This is an easy way to go.
Trenches
to be continued….