There are generally three different types of compost bins. The stationary compost bin, the portable compost bin and compost tumblers.
Stationary Compost Bins
Also known as compost holding units, stationary compost bins are meant to be placed in a permanent location. They can hold upwards of 200
gallons of compost. They can be moved around the garden or yard for initial placement if need be, but once they are loaded with compost
moving them may prove to be quite a challenge. Most stationary compost bins will come with a locking door or hatch on top to help keep
pests out of your compost. You may or may not wish to turn your compost in your stationary bin. If you do not, be advised that your
compost will take much longer to mature than hot compost that is turned. If you do desire to turn your compost to help introduce oxygen
into the center of the bin, make sure that the design of the compost bin allows for easy turning. Stationary compost bins can either be
purchased or you can make a homemade compost bin. Make sure that the compost bin you choose to purchase allows for collecting compost
from the bottom of the bin through use of a lower hatch. Most compost bins on the market today have this feature incorporated into their design.
Portable Compost Bins
Portable compost bins are much smaller in size than stationary compost bins. Even fully loaded you should be able to move these small compost bins
without a whole lot of effort. A perfect example of a portable compost bin is the kitchen compost bin. Most portable compost bins are small enough
that they are usually shipped requiring no additional assembly. A plug-and-play compost bin, if you will. The way in which most portable
compost bins are designed will require you to slow compost. Most portable compost bins also feature the pest-resistant door cover and
lower hatch for easy collection of matured compost.
Compost Tumblers
Compost tumblers are designed to be easy to fill and make compost easy to turn. There are two types of compost tumblers. Those which
revolve horizontally and those which revolve vertically. Both do an excellent job at mixing your compost materials. Most compost
tumblers feature a wide door for filling and collection of compost. You may also find compost tumblers with two compartments. One is
for holding maturing compost and the other for filling with material you are getting ready to compost. Compost tumblers will require
assembly before use.
