Compost Bins – A Useful Resource For Recycling Organic Materials

Organic gardening

With the recent emphasis on the importance of recycling, composting has become more and more popular as a way to deal with organic waste items. And, on top of being a good way to recycle, composting also produces a wonderful soil additive that can be used for potting soil and organic garden plantings as well. Compost bins provide the best way for people to get started in managing and containing the composting process.

There are a number of different types of composters on the market to meet a variety of needs and situations. Bins for composting can be built from materials that you already have around the backyard, or they can be purchased from garden supply stores, especially those that specialize in organic gardening. In some municipalities, the recycling centers provide bins free or at a reduced cost to encourage people to recycle their organic materials themselves.

Of the different compost bins available, some are known as holding units. These low maintenance bins are a very good option when space for a home composting project is limited, such as those who live in apartments or homeowners who simply don’t have much room. Holding units do not require turning of the compost pile, but the resulting lack of aeration means the composting process will take longer, usually from six months to two years.

Portable bins are another common type of bins and they are very similar to the holding units but they are able to be taken apart, moved and rebuilt. Different types of materials can by used and mixed with this kind of bin. Many types of plastic portable units are available on the market to purchase or they can be constructed out of wood and wire fencing.

One of the best types of bins is the variety called turning unit composters. These are specifically designed to facilitate easy turning of the compost pile which helps to aerate the heap. Turning units will produce fully decomposed material in a shorter amount of time because the composting process is accelerated by the improved aeration, allowing the bacteria to better do its job in the decomposition process. In addition, people like turning units because there are less odor problems because of the improved ventilation.

Turning unit composting bins can either be a set of bins or they can be a device that easily rotates or tumbles such as a barrel or a ball-type of unit. The drawback is that turning units generally cost most, are harder to build and require more space. The organic materials to be composted also need to be collected separately until enough has been gathered to fill the unit to the correct level and once it is full and the composting process begins, new materials cannot be added.

Simple heaps are an alternative for people who do not want o purchase or build composter bins. Turning a compost heap is always optional, but it should be kept in mind that the process of composting is accelerated when the waste material is turned at least a couple times a month.

The placement of compost bins in your backyard will depend on both aesthetic considerations and functional needs. It is best to place it in an area with good air circulation and in partial shade if available. It is also helpful to locate it near the garden area and a watering source. You can screen your compost pile with shrubs or simple fencing and you will want to position it away from your outdoor entertaining spaces.

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