Compost bins come in all shapes and sizes, including:
• One huge, elongated composted heap
• Rows of pallet composters. City Farm steward Rich Pederson prefers these because pallets are free and provide good structure for a composting pile. They are easily aerated and one can take a wheel barrow to transport compost to a garden bed. See video below to build your own.
• Plastic composter bins . These are convenient, but plastic can break and get warped. Make sure you do your research!
• Compost tumblers (elevated from the ground, with a handle to turn and aerate your pile easily). These can be expensive, get really heavy and difficult to turn and not as easily aerated.
• Chicken wire cage. Another cheap and effective DIY composting bin. Instructions found at urbanfoodgarden.org
• A bucket with holes in the bottom
Whether you choose a to purchase a fancier compost tumbler, bin or indoor instant-composting system, we always recommend you use the correct 3-1 ratio and aerate.
If you're interested in learning how to build your own compost bin, take a look at the following video:
Pallet from Southside Community Land Trust on Vimeo.
