Best 10 Garden Compost Bins

Do you enjoy gardening? Are you looking for ways to grow plants and make your outdoor space flourish? If you’ve been wanting to get more serious with planting trees, bushes or any other plant type, then you know that soil fertilising is extremely important for the healthy growth of your garden. But, purchasing store-bought compost to use as a mix can add up the costs. What other method can you use to lower your spending while also reducing your waste? A garden compost bin! If you want to make the most out of your low-impact living, taking advantage of food waste and leftovers can be an excellent way to take on home composting. 

To make your life easier and quicken the composting process, the best garden compost bins make the chore of composting seem like a walk in the park. With our buying guide, you’ll be able to learn more about the types available, what to look for, how much these cost and more. Stay with us as we help you better understand this handy piece of equipment for your garden and get to landscaping like a pro gardener.  

What is a compost bin? 

A compost bin is a case that people use to place organic waste into it to convert it into compost. It takes some time for the waste to decompose, but the result is excellent compost that you can use to improve your soil’s health. If you’re a newbie and don’t know how to plant flowers the right way, you should know that a compost bin can make your garden look healthier and more vibrant. They are fantastic in reducing your kitchen scraps and garbage from ending up in landfills. So, not only are you making your backyard greener, but you’re also helping the environment.

How do compost bins work? 

Garden composters are large containers in which you can pile up organic materials to let them decompose over an extended period. Rather than letting rotting ingredients do so on their own, you can put them in the composter and turn them into rich and healthy usable soil. With natural microorganism growth and help from worms in the soil, the decomposition speeds up to give high-quality compost. You can place large compost piles within the bin, including leftover food, grass clippings from your lawn mower, or even paper from your shredder.

By adding various ingredients in the bin and letting them aerate, you can complete the composting faster. You can dispose of food scraps within the bin, but one thing to keep in mind is that the odours coming off the bin may attract unwanted insects and other animal visitors.

What to look for in a compost bin? 

Are you looking to learn a bit more about the features that the best compost bins should have? We've added a list of the most critical things to consider so that you can successfully decompose any waste you want. 

1.  Size & Shape

The first thing you need to think about is what size you want your compost bin to be so that it fits your backyard. There are many different shapes and sizes available that you can choose from. The most common is a square-shaped bin with a door at the bottom to remove the compost. But, there are other options in round shapes or tumbling composters with more compact and space-saving legs.

2. Compost Capacity

Depending on how much waste you want to get through, you can select either a small or large litre capacity. Small ones are starting from just 23L to larger ones that go over 300L. The choice is a matter of personal preference, and it also goes hand-in-hand with the amount you want to compost. However, one thing to remember is that the larger the capacity, the longer it will take for you to use the finished compost.

3. Ventilation

A composter should have sufficient ventilation to ensure that the airflow circulates in and out of the container comfortably. Bacteria that grow within the container and decompose waste require oxygen to work successfully. So, find a product that comes with venting holes and slits on the sides. 

4. Warranty

Considering gardening is a long-term hobby that requires affection and tender care, it’s best to purchase a product with an extended warranty that will last a few years. That way, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to repair or replace parts of your compost bin, the manufacturer will take care of the costs. Some products come with warranties from 1 year up to 5 years. Usually, the more sturdy models that are larger will have a longer warranty period too.

What types of compost bins are available? 

The three most popular types of composters are plastic, tumbler and hot composting bins. Many people prefer these because they are efficient, quick and bring convenience to your gardening efforts. For example, there are others such as wooden compost bins, but these don’t have as effective heat retention as the popular ones. Let’s have a look at each type and how its working mechanism differs from the other.

• Plastic Compost Bins 

Plastic compost bins work very well in weed growth prevention and maintain the heat and moisture for faster composting. If you have limited space, these are not too big, and you can place them anywhere without compromising the area. To get the best results, these are often put in direct contact with soil or grass. The plastic bins come with a locking lid that keeps the rain out and a handy hatch at the bottom to take the compost out effortlessly. Their one drawback is that they may not have air gates on the side for ventilation, but the more premium ones have built-in holes for improved airflow.

• Compost Tumblers

A compost tumbler is a garden bin that requires a bit more manual effort on your end. They are some of the quickest to turn waste into compost as they do so in only three weeks under perfect weather conditions. They are elevated on legs, making them ideal for gardens with rodent issues, and their tight-shut lid prevents murky smells from coming out. Some are even rollable and situated on the ground so that you can mix the ingredients by simply tumbling it over on the grass. Besides, that’s how they got their name; you tumble the container.

• Hot Composting Bins

Hot compost bins are a bit costlier than plastic ones, but their biggest benefit is that they make waiting for the compost to be ready from 6-12 months to just 1-3 months. They have a lid with a tight fit and high-quality insulation and can decompose waste in higher temperatures. These are larger, which makes them more suitable for large gardens to accommodate them without any issues. You can place them on grass, soil or hard surfaces as they are more robust. Their shape resembles a wheelie bin, and they work with higher precision to create finer compost.

What can you put inside a compost bin? 

You can put a wide variety of kitchen and garden waste objects in your compost bin. They are built in such a way that they can handle food leftovers, grass clippings, leaves and any fruit and vegetable you may have that’s rotting in the kitchen. Unless you’re going for a small worm composting bin, the rest of the bin types can take anything you can imagine. Some home gardeners even like to include paper waste, wood shavings, coffee grounds and other scraps in their compost.

How much do composters cost? 

Compost bins range in price depending on the type, material and size. You can find one to match any pocket so that you can create your own compost from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re just starting or are an experienced gardener, there’s an option out there fit for your budget.

Affordable 

The most inexpensive ones can start from just £15.99 to £70. These will most likely be plastic garden composters, suitable for smaller gardens. They are lightweight and have capacities between 23L to 300L but require a bit more time to decompose. 

High-End

The best compost bins cost over £100-200 as they are more heavy-duty pieces of garden equipment. You will find robust hot composting bins within this price range that give you healthy and moist soil in as little as 30 to 90 days. They are larger, a better fit for spacious gardens and are built to withstand the most severe weather conditions.

Closure

Produce compost at home with the best garden compost bins! Promote healthy garden plant growth by using any organic waste at your disposal to make fresh soil batches. We are optimistic that our buying guide has helped you better understand what a composter is so that you can select the best one to match your needs.

Take some time to review our recommendations and improve your gardening skills while also practising your eco-friendly lifestyle. Start collecting your food that’s about to go to waste and repurpose it to bring it back to its roots! Are you ready to save the planet?