Best Compost Bins – 2024 Expert Buyers Guide

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Best Compost Bin

There are hundreds of reasons why you may be looking to purchase a compost bin. Whether you are sick of your bins constantly being full or are wanting to live more sustainably – the best compost bin is going to be there to help you on your mission. The best compost bins will be able to hold your grass cuttings, your food waste, garden debris and much more! It may be that you are wanting to do this so that you can use the compost later in your bedding areas, or maybe you just want space for all of your rubbish – the best compost bin you can find is the solution!

There are a whole host of compost bins to choose from but it is really important that you choose the right one for you! You need to consider the amount of waste that you are going to be dealing with, and also the space that you have available for a compost bin. So here are some of the best compost bins that we have found…

Best Pick – Deuba Black Garden Composter 1600L

DEUBA® 1600 Litre Garden Composter Bin | Composting Waste Box | Recycling | Dog Waste | Food Caddy | Worm Farm | Outdoor Compost Eco Storage Bins | Large
  • REDUCES WASTE: The Deuba thermo composter helps you reduce household waste. Suitable for organic kitchen remains like fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, coffee and tea grounds, as well as garden waste like grass cuttings, leaves and dog dirt.
  • ECO FRIENDLY: Converts organic household and garden waste into valuable fertiliser for all plants. The compost can be used as a fertiliser for flowers or kitchen gardens. Make your own compost rather than buying it!
  • FUNCTIONAL: The bin is equipped with a hinged lid that allows an easy filling from above. Your home made fertiliser can easily be taken out through the hatch door at the bottom. Light-resistant and weatherproof: Can be used during summer and winter.
  • WELL THOUGHT-OUT: Ventilation openings for adequate air flow speed up the bacterial action and the black colour optimises the heat development inside the bin during sunshine.
  • DIMENSIONS: Total dimensions (LxWxH) 380L = 28x28x33' | 800L = 53x28x33' | 1200L = 78x28x33' | 1600L = 103x28x33' | Toolless, fast and easy assembly with click system.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

In A Hurry?

Sick of making trips to the tip with your garden waste? Or fed up of spending money on fertilizers when you could just be making your own? Well then this is the part of the article that you need to be reading – we have included all the essential information you need to get buying quickly! 

Size 

Unfortunately, when it comes to a compost bin – size matters. The larger your compost bin, the more that you are going to be able to store in it and therefore the more compost that you are going to be able to create. We understand though that you might not have the space in your garden for a particularly large model – but thankfully there are a range of sizes available so that you will be able to find one that is going to be perfect for you. 

When looking at the size of compost bin that is going to be best you want to consider first the capacity that your compost bin has – this is going to be in litres. For most domestic models this is going to be between around 100L and 400L. There are larger models available but these are going to be more suited for much larger gardens as they are going to take up more space! 

You also want to look at the actual dimensions of the compost bin as this will determine where you can store your compost bin and whether you actually have the space for different models. Larger models are going to be around 60-70cm squared and around 80cm in height, whereas smaller models can be around 40cm squared. It is worth looking around at different dimensions though as compost bins have different designs and styles so there will always be one that will fit in the space you have in mind! 

Design

Compost bins are designed in a multitude of ways, which is great as it means that you will have a variety of compost bins to choose from but it can also make it different to choose one that is going to be right for you. 

  • Box Design – The most “basic” design that you can go for is the box compost bin. This is essentially a box or crate which you fill with your garden and food waste. It will usually then have a door/shelf at the bottom which you can open to get the best of the compost from the bottom of your bin when you need it. The main downside to this is that it can be difficult and messy to get the compost that is at the base of your compost bin…and this is the stuff that you need. 
  • Bottomless Compost Bin – Some compost bins will actually have no base, which might seem like a strange idea but it will allow worms to wiggle their way into your compost heap. These little critters are the best way to speed along the composting process and they will be more than happy to help! The main downside is that obviously they aren’t going to be suitable for a patio or path position, they will need to be placed somewhere where it doesn’t matter that the ground underneath is constantly covered with cuttings and waste. 
  • Rotating Compost Bin – If you are wanting to avoid the issue of only the bottom of your compost bin being regularly ready to use (and the hassle that comes with trying to access it) then look out for a rotating compost bin. Simply fill the bin and rotate every few days to ensure that all the waste in the bin has the same opportunity to biodegrade and turn into compost. 
  • Wormery Compost Bin – The best way to encourage your food or garden waste to biodegrade into usable compost is to use worms! These come as a variety within themselves, some will just be designed so that they are suitable for housing worms as well as your compost, whereas others will actually come with the worms, worm food and everything else that you need for your new helpful “pets”! These compost bins are going to be the most effective but can also provide a fantastic educational tool for any children. However, as you can imagine, they are going to be your most expensive options. 

Build Materials 

You will normally find that compost bins are made out of plastic, the main benefit to this is that the plastic will absorb and retain the heat that is necessary to speed the composting process along. Make sure that the plastic of your compost bin is going to be heavy duty and strong enough to last, particularly if you are planning on moving your compost bin to different places throughout the year. We would also recommend looking out for UV protected plastic – your compost bin is probably going to be in direct sunlight for at least some parts of the day, so a UV protected model is going to stop your plastic from aging and looking worn quickly! 

There are however, compost bins that are made out of metal as well. Although you will find that some of these don’t absorb the same heat as the plastic models and they tend to be more expensive, you have the massive benefit of them being much more long lasting thanks to metal being such a durable material. So if you are wanting better value for money in the long run then a metal compost bin might be a good option for you! 

Essential Compost Bin Features

There are going to be some smaller but still essential features that you need to check for before you purchase a compost bin…

  • Dark Colour – You should always opt for a compost bin that is dark in colour. This is because the colour will absorb and retain more heat which helps to speed up the composting process. 
  • Ventilation – It is also essential that you choose a compost bin with ventilation, without this your waste won’t be able to “breath” and will struggle to compost down properly! The more slits, gaps and vents the better as this will allow more air to flow through your bin. 
  • Weight – Don’t forget to check for the overall weight of your compost bin, particularly if you are needing to move it to different places in your garden depending on the time of year. Garden waste and compost can actually weigh quite a lot so look out for a compost bin that is less than 15kg as you are going to have the weight of the waste on top of this to consider! 

Best Budget – Camelliass Environmental Compost Bag

34 Gallons Environmental Compost Bag Garden Waste Bin Homemade Organic Ferment PE Compost Bag Planter Kitchen Organic Waste Disposal Compost Bag 45x80CM
  • Material: Compost bag is made of PE material, environmental-friendly and safe, it is also very easy to use with double handles, large side window for easy access to the compost.
  • Sturdy Handle and Zipper Design: There are handles on both sides of the compost bag, which is convenient for you to move and move the compost bag. There is a sealing cover with zipper on it, which is not only convenient to open, but also effectively prevents the emission of peculiar smell.
  • Waste utilization: The compost bag turns kitchen and garden waste into useful fertilizer for your plants growth; Improve the physical and chemical physiological state of soil; Mix with soil of some proportion, can be used for flowerbed, vegetable garden, lawn, boskage or etc.
  • Multifunction: The compost bag can be used to store yard waste and food waste, and after 2-3 months of fermentation it can be used as waste in gardens, vegetable gardens etc., effectively increasing the utilisation rate of the waste.
  • Service: Any problem, please feel free to contact us, we will take full responsibility for the quality of our products. Package content: 1 piece Compost Bag

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Additional Best Compost Bin Features 

Here are some of the extra features that you should be considering if you are wanting the best compost bin for your garden! There are so many to choose from, these features will help you spot the best from the rest! 

  • Easy filling – Look at the design of your compost bin and how you actually fill it with food or garden waste. You want to choose a model with a hatch door that is going to be able to stay open long enough for you to pour the waste in to avoid mess and hassle. The higher this door is the better – particularly for anyone with back problems! 
  • Assembly – You will often find that compost bins don’t come built and ready to go, which is fine but does mean that you need to look out for models that come with easy to read instructions and all the parts, fastenings and tools you need to put it together. Plastic models will literally just “click” into place, saving you a considerable amount of time. 
  • Dual chamber – One of the only frustrating things about using a compost bin is the amount of time that you have to wait for the waste to actually be ready to use. You then have the problem of adding fresh waste which can then get mixed in with the compost that IS ready! Some compost bins have taken this design flaw into consideration and come with dual chambers. That allows you to fill one chamber and use the compost in this (when it is ready) whilst using the second chamber to fill with new waste that has been produced. So you always have a cycle of compost and composting waste. 
  • Stand – If you are opting for a rotating compost bin then you are going to need a stand to go with it. There are raised stands which we quite like as they will allow you to keep your compost bin higher of the ground for easy filling and use, but if you are wanting your compost bin to be more discreet then look out for some of the more modern designs which are basically a curved block on the ground and that your bin will “sit” on. 
  • Breaker bars – As your waste is decomposing it can clump together, but the best way to speed along the process is to rotate and separate it regularly. The best compost bins will have “breakers” inside so that as you are moving your compost it will split and mix better. 
  • Rounded design – A lot of compost bins are square, which will look good and fit into spaces better, but they will have “cold corners” where the waste doesn’t rot as easily. Rounded designs on your compost bins will allow the whole pile to rot more consistently. 
  • Indoor – There are much smaller, indoor compost bins that you can choose from if you are short on space but still wanting to be able to generate your own compost.

Best of the Rest

Wooden Compost Bin 328L in BeeHive Style 337
  • This offer is for a new Wooden Composter.
  • Opening hinged roof
  • Removable panel at the base to assist compost removal
  • Spaced side slats to allowing excellent air circulation
  • Size: 740mm width x 740mm depth x 800mm height - Approx 328 litre capacity

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

4smile 300 Litre Garden Composter Bin Composting Waste Box Recycling Eco Storage, Plastic, Black
  • FUNCTIONAL & WELL THOUGHT-OUT: Our composter bin Kompo has a stable hinged lid that allows an easy filling from above. ǀ The valuable compost fertiliser can easily be taken out through a hatch door. ǀ There are ventilation openings for adequate air flow which speeds up the bacterial action. The dark colour of Kompo optimises the heat development inside the bin during sun shine.
  • ECO FRIENDLY: Thermo composter Kompo will help you to reduce your household waste. It is suitable for organic kitchen remains for example fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee and tea grounds and crushed egg shells as well as for garden waste for example grass cuttings, dried leaves or herbs, leaves and shrub cuttings.
  • A BIOLOGICAL SOLUTION: Garden composter Kompo converts organic household and garden waste into valuable fertiliser for all plants within about 6 months. The rich compost can be used in flower gardens or kitchen gardens for fertilising your vegetables, strawberries and so on. Make your own compost rather than buying it.
  • EASY ASSEMBLY: It is really simple to set up the biological composter Kompo within a very short time. You don’t need any tools because of the easy click system. ǀ Dimensions: 32.68 x 24.02 x 24.02 inches (height x width x depth). The item comes flat packed.
  • BEST QUALITY: Composter bin Kompo by 4smile.shop is made of 100 % recycled plastic material. The high quality of the used materials makes the box extremely stable and durable. It can be used during summer and winter because it is light-resistant and weatherproof. ǀ The specially constructed hinged lid keeps closed even with strong winds.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

300 Litre Compost Bin Garden Eco Composters Outdoor Recycling Soil Waste Grass Composting Box(Green)
  • Fast Compsoting Time - Only takes about 4-7 weeks to totally compost the materials to fertilizer which is directly useful in gardens, not only disposes trashes but also operate them to be useful for high efficiency of usage.
  • Circulatory System - In this composter, four air vents are designed on each of the side which allows the circulation of air for absorbing oxygen with high efficiency of fermentation.
  • Easy To Assemble - This composter is easy to assemble and operate, only six components included. After installing with the guidance, the composter is ready to use with convenient steps.
  • Large Compost Bin - Large capacity is up to 300 Litre.Easily add compost materials and take out the finish compost through the large top opening and bottom door.
  • BPA Free Materials - Manufactured by safe-grade BPA free material. It can be used during summer and winter because it is light-resistant and weatherproof.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

How To Use A Compost Bin?

New to composting? That’s a good thing – it shows you are taking the first step to living cleaner and more sustainably. This video will help to guide you through the process…

Frequently Asked Questions

Do compost bins come with a warranty? 

Yes, you will find that almost all compost bins are going to come with some level of warranty. This is normally between one and two years, however we did find some with warranties that lasted slightly longer. 

How long does it take for compost to be ready to use? 

This massively depends on the waste itself, the type of compost bin that you have and the position of your bin. It can be as little as 2 weeks or as much as 6 months. The sign that your compost is ready is when it is a rich, dark brown colour and it crumbles in your hands.

Will a compost bin attract flies? 

Providing you maintain your compost bin properly it should not attract flies. The best way to avoid this is to make sure that any food waste is covered by garden waste to reduce any enticing smell for any flies! It is also important to make sure the moisture level isn’t too high in your compost bin and there is a good level of ventilation!

What can I put in a compost bin?

You can put pretty much any fresh waste or garden waste in your compost bin. Some of the most popular things to include are fruit and vegetable cuttings, grass cuttings, tea bags and plant cuttings. The more that you start using your compost bin, the more that you will find you can add to the pile!

About Thomas Paxton 368 Articles
Hey there, I'm Thomas Paxton, your Tool Guru with a Twist! I've been knee-deep in the world of tools since I was a little tinkerer in my dad's shed. Now, I'm running my own website where I share my passion for tools and gardening products through buyers guides and insightful tips. I've got the knowledge and experience to break down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand language. I purchased Tools Review from Mike Jones at the start of 2023, he has done a sterling job of building the site and I hope I can continue in his success! When I'm not writing guides, you'll find me in my garden or garage, putting my skills to work and pushing the boundaries of creativity. So, whether you're a pro or just starting out, join me on this adventure, and let's conquer DIY projects together!

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