Composting Types and Styles

There are many factors to consider before purchasing a composter.  The three biggest ones are time, space, and effort.  Keep these factors in mind when shopping for a composter.

Closed Compost Bins

Closed bins are one of the simplest composter designs.  They are the most traditional and usually the least expensive of purchased composters.  Many modern bins are made of recycled plastic which is safe and secure.  They rely on gravity and a pitchfork or aeration tool as the main driver.  Unfortunately this means that they tend to take more time to compost than some other methods.

Pros-Inexpensive.  Compost piles are more discrete.  Safe and Secure. Continuously compost.

Cons-Have to manually aerate.  Much slower process.

Worm Bin Composters and Kitchen Composters

Worm Bins (vermiculture or vermicomposting) and kitchen composters are generally smaller composters used indoors.  In the case of worm bins, the worms (usually red wrigglers)are the primary source for decomposition.  They reproduce in accordance to the size of their container (not too many or too little) and will happily break down material.  The kitchen composters without worms are more or less a shrunken down version of the larger outdoor variety.  Either way because of the small space, you’ll tend to see compost more quickly and you can compost all year because of your home’s controlled climate.  The biggest issue is with pets accessing the compost or with insects like ants or flies.  Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on care and use to avoid most problems in this category.

Pros-Compost year round.  Tidy materials. Good for small spaces.

Cons-Fine control over environment (for worm), potential for fruit flies/ants, can cause unpleasant odors indoors. Limited space

Compost Tumblers

Tumbling composters tend to yield the fastest results of all composting methods.  This is because of their advanced aeration methods.  Though designs vary greatly, the concept is the same: By rolling the compost batch around, you evenly distribute bacteria and oxygen within the batch.  This gives all the microbial life plenty of room and opportunity to breakdown the material and thrive.  If conditions are perfect, you can expect compost in as little as 2 weeks or less.  The most convenient part of tumblers is that they require very little effort and are generally easy to rotate.  However, tumblers can only be so large before special devices are required to aid in tumbling.  The other downside is that you can’t add more material to a batch during the composting process although this is usually offset by the quick turn around rates.

Pros-Great for backyard and urban composting. Fast compost turn around. Minimal effort. Attractive.

Cons-Size is limited. Can only compost one batch at a time.

Open bins

Open bins are a great way to compost if you have a lot of space to work and have a ton of material to use.  Start with fresh organic matter in the first bin and then move it to the second as it begins to break down.  When it’s close to ready, cycle it to the third bin.  This open system allows lots of air into the mix, especially if you are rotating the piles regularly.  The biggest drawbacks are cost and effort.  Depending on construction materials, it can be several hundred to a few thousand dollars to make the bins.  And one will need to make sure that the piles are turned if the desired compost is to turn out in a reasonable time period.  But if you have a big need for compost, this is a great method for you.

Pros-Perfect for large amounts of compost processing. Great for hot composting. Materials are partially contained.

Cons-Can be expensive. Compost is partially exposed to elements and nature. Requires quite a bit of space.

Piling or Two-Pile Method

This is the simplest form of composting and doesn’t require much effort or expense.  All you need is a large enough area and a tool to turn the compost.  In a two pile method, you simply turn the contents from one pile into another.  This action aerates the pile but can be laborious.  Also, you have to be careful not to stack the piles too high or they will collapse on their own weight, squeezing out crucial air pockets.  Great for larger properties and casual composters.  Not so good for urban and suburban areas.

Pros-Minimal effort and expense

Cons-Very unattractive unless camouflaged. Requires a large amount of space. Open to elements and nature.

Pit Composting

Another cheap, composting alternative.  A pit or trench is dug and the composting ingredients are placed in the cavity.  This keeps compost material out of sight but will take 6-12 months for turn around.  Harvesting the compost is also difficult which is why it’s better to pit compost where you’ll be planting.  This isn’t always an option if you plan to use compost on established plants.  The only real labor needed is that to dig the trench.

Pros-Zero visibility, cost, and effort (as far as aeration and care). Can use weed seeds if buried deep enough. Great for any area you have to dig.

Cons-6-12 month turn over. Difficult to harvest compost. May require a lot of digging if large amounts of compost are required.