If you're looking for a way to reduce your household waste while improving your garden, a backyard compost bin might just be the solution you need. Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials to create nutrient-rich soil, known as compost, which can be used to fertilize plants and improve soil quality. By composting at home, you can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills while also improving the health of your garden.
Before buying a backyard compost bin, there are a few factors to consider. First, decide on the size of the bin based on the amount of waste you will be composting. If you have a smaller garden or produce less waste, a smaller bin may suffice. Make sure the bin is also easy to use and maintain, with features such as a secure lid and easy access for adding and removing compost. Lastly, consider the material the bin is made of. Plastic bins are the most common and affordable option, but if you want a more eco-friendly option, consider a bin made of recycled materials or even a wooden bin.
Some questions to ask yourself before choosing the best backyard compost bin for your needs include: How much waste do I produce and how much space do I have for a bin? Do I want a bin that is easy to move or do I want a stationary bin? How much time and effort do I want to put into maintaining the bin? Answering these questions will help you choose the perfect compost bin for your backyard and help you take the first step towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
10 Best Backyard Compost Bins
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The composter is ideal for outdoor composting in a small space, with heavy-duty materials and a tumbling feature.
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The compost bin is ideal for outdoor composting and features a dual rotating design for efficient decomposition.
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The product is ideal for creating fertile soil through easy assembly, aerating outdoor compost boxes made from recycled plastic.
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The product is ideal for outdoor composting and turning garden or yard waste into nutrient-rich soil.
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This product is ideal for composting garden, kitchen, and yard waste in an outdoor rotating tumbler bin made from recycled resin.
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This product is ideal for composting in gardens and outdoor settings, providing an 18.5 gallon high volume bin with sliding door.
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Ideal for composting in large quantities, expandable and easy to assemble, made in the USA.
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The product is ideal for creating fertile soil through fast composting in an outdoor garden with its large capacity and easy assembly.
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The product is ideal for composting and storing organic waste.
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The product is ideal for making compost quickly with high volume, all-season, and heavy-duty features, using two sliding doors.
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1. Small Miracle-Gro Tumbler Composter – Heavy Duty & Compact
Looking for a compost bin that fits even the smallest outdoor spaces? Look no further than Miracle-Gro's outdoor compost bin tumbler! With a volume of either 18.5 gallons (70L) or 27.7 gallons (105L), this compost bin is perfect for balconies, porches, patios, and even rooftop gardens.
Transform your kitchen and garden waste into rich, fertile compost with Miracle-Gro's unique aeration system. Thanks to internal mixing bars that speed up decomposition, you can have ready-to-use compost in just 4-6 weeks. Plus, with composting, you can reduce your carbon footprint by helping to reduce the amount of food waste that goes to landfills.
Don't let seasonal changes stop you from composting. Miracle-Gro's heavy-duty design allows you to keep your compost going all year round. The sturdy side-locking mechanism ensures easy loading and unloading, while the durable construction maintains a tight seal. Plus, the compost bin is made from BPA-free, food grade, UV-protected plastic, so you don't have to worry about harmful toxins.
But that's not all! To help you achieve your garden goals, Miracle-Gro is also offering a pair of multi-purpose gardening gloves. These latex-free gloves are water-resistant and feature a no-slip grip, perfect for both indoor and outdoor gardening projects. So, grow your green thumb with Scotts and Miracle-Gro!
2. Bpa-Free Dual Rotating Composting Bin (43 Gallon)
Introducing the Dual Chamber Compost Bin – the perfect solution for those looking for continuous composting without the hassle of traditional methods. With two separate chambers, you can fill up one while the other nears the end of the composting process. Once the first chamber is emptied, simply switch the chambers and continue the cycle. This allows for a constant supply of rich, black compost ready to use in your garden.
One of the key features of this compost bin is its innovative aeration system. An aerated internal bar mixes the compost and allows for necessary airflow. The double-wall panels are black, which helps to absorb and retain heat. This system is ideal for those who do not want to mix their organic waste in a traditional compost bin, making it a great option for gardeners of all levels.
The ingenious tumbler design of this compost bin allows for easy and balanced rotation on its axis. The easy slide doors make it simple to keep track of each batch of compost. The door's length is 10.23 inches, and the width is 6.1 inches, making it easy to load and unload the compost.
Another great feature of this compost bin is its convenient loading height. The height is sufficient to put a cart under the bin, and the easy-to-turn barrel ensures that waste is mixed easily and quickly. This feature is perfect for gardeners who want to save time and effort while still producing high-quality compost.
The sturdy powder-coated steel frame of this compost bin provides a strong base for the large bin. The galvanized steel feet also prevent rusting and deterioration. This compost bin is built to last and can withstand the elements, making it a great investment for any gardener.
3. Recyclesmart Compost Bin: Fertile Soil Easily Made.
Transforming your backyard into a thriving oasis can be a challenging task, but with D.F. Omer's composters, even novice gardeners can easily cultivate nutrient-rich soil. This composting bin is an excellent solution for anyone looking to limit waste and save money by repurposing their organic scraps.
Manufactured using premium, BPA-free, recycled plastic, this composting bin provides a safe and toxin-free environment for your scraps to break down. The black PP plastic material helps regulate moisture and maintain heat, resulting in shorter composting times.
The convenient aeration station eliminates the need for hand mixing, digging, or shoveling, making it simple to assemble and easy to use. The secure lid ensures that pesky critters stay away from your food scraps, preserving your compost's quality.
D.F. Omer stands behind the quality of their product and offers a two-year warranty on their composting kit. If you encounter any issues, their dedicated customer support team will be there to assist you in all of your horticultural endeavors.
Add this composting bin to your backyard and resurrect your leftovers while reducing waste. You'll be rewarded with delicious, home-grown produce, and a flourishing garden.
4. Yardmate 43 Gal. Dual Chamber Composter
Introducing the Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter, a revolutionary product that can help you create rich and healthy compost with ease. With a capacity of 43 gallons, this compost bin features two separate sides that allow for uninterrupted flow of composting process. While one side is finishing, the other side can still continue to add fresh scraps and clippings.
This compost bin is equipped with an excellent aeration system that includes aeration holes and deep fins. These features allow for the needed airflow and oxygen to mix into the compost, breaking up clumps quickly. The black appearance of the product is also effective in absorbing UV light, which in turn accelerates the composting process.
The rotatable design of this composter makes mixing efficient, and the frame stays solid even when it's full. The large openings and removable door make it easy to add scraps and waste and remove finished compost. To make the process even more convenient, the product comes with a pair of gloves to protect your hands and keep them clean.
The Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter is made with durable PP, which is weather resistant and won’t degrade under sunlight. The strong metal frame with high-grade coating is also corrosion resistant, ensuring that the product will last for a long time.
This compost bin is incredibly easy to use, making it perfect for beginners. All you need to do is close the door and turn it 5-6 times every 2-3 days. In hot summer conditions, the compost can finish in as little as 2 weeks! Assembly is required, but it's a simple process that won't take up too much of your time.
5. Ecobin: Dual-Chamber Compost Tumbler For Outdoor Waste.
This 8-sided dual chamber tumbling composter is an excellent addition to any gardener’s toolkit. Made in Canada from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and featuring a galvanized steel frame, this composter is both durable and environmentally friendly.
The tumbling design makes mixing compost easy and efficient, eliminating the need for manual mixing. Simply close the door and turn it 5-6 times every 2-3 days to ensure that the compost is properly aerated and mixed. In hot, sunny conditions and with a proper balance of ingredients, the compost can finish in as little as 2 weeks.
This composter is also incredibly easy to use, making it perfect for beginners. The large openings and removable door make it easy to add scraps and remove finished compost, while the deep fins on the body provide great ergonomic handholds.
With two separate chambers, this composter allows for a continuous flow of rich, healthy compost. The first side can finish while fresh scraps and clippings are added to the second side, and continuously swapping sides after finishing will create an uninterrupted flow of compost. The total capacity of this composter is 37 gallons (5 cu ft).
Aeration is key to creating high-quality compost, and this composter features excellent aeration. Aeration holes and deep fins work together to break up clumps inside the chamber and mix lots of oxygen into the compost. Tumbling composters allow for far greater aeration than standard models.
6. Outdoor Black Composter With Sliding Door
Looking for an effective and easy-to-use compost bin for your garden? Look no further than this sturdy and stable composter! With a sliding door that provides easy loading and unloading of waste, this composter is designed to lock in heat and moisture for optimal composting conditions. The sturdy construction and weather-resistant materials ensure durability in harsh outdoor conditions, while the perfect ventilation system with multiple vents allows the air needed to break down kitchen waste to enter, making composting faster and more efficient.
With an 18.5-gallon capacity, this composter is perfect for processing a variety of organic waste and is easy to rotate. The simple assembly and low-maintenance design make it a great option for gardeners of all skill levels. Additionally, the composter is equipped with aeration holes, which allow the air to circulate fully without causing an explosion due to excessive internal pressure. The surface is also equipped with deep fins, which can better crush the organic waste without making it lumpy, thus promoting the full fermentation of oxygen.
The black compost containers help absorb sunlight, warm up the temperature, and speed up composting, making composting in urban areas super easy! The overall dimensions of this composter are 23.6”L x 19.3”W x 29.1”H, and it weighs 11.2 lbs. The door size measures 9.25"L x 7.48" W, making it easy to empty waste into the compost bin.
7. Compost Bin By Geobin – 246 Gallon, Expandable, Easy Assembly, Made In The Usa
The Genuine GEOBIN Composter by Yardfully is an exceptional product that is proudly made in the USA. This compost bin has a large capacity that can be expanded up to 4 feet, providing an impressive 246-gallon size. With maximum ventilation, it promotes accelerated decomposition, making it perfect for anyone who wants to recycle valuable organic resources.
The GEOBIN Composter is crafted from premium high-density polyethylene that has been formulated for long-term outdoor use. The material is inert, which means it will not degrade or leach into the compost or environment. This compost bin is perfect for those who want to ensure that their compost is safe for the environment and for their gardens.
One of the best features of the GEOBIN Composter is its maximum ventilation, which promotes accelerated decomposition. This means that you can create compost faster than with other compost bins. The ventilation also prevents unpleasant odors from building up, making it ideal for use in any backyard.
The GEOBIN Composter is easy to use, and it comes with connection keys that make assembly a breeze. With its large capacity and sturdy construction, it is the perfect choice for anyone who loves to compost and wants to make a positive impact on the environment.
8. Homgarden Eco Compost Box – 80 Gal Capacity
Looking for an efficient and eco-friendly way to dispose of your organic waste while also improving the health of your garden? Look no further than the HomGarden Garden Compost Bin.
One of the standout features of this compost bin is its short processing time. With only 6-8 weeks needed to fully compost and ferment your organic material, you'll have nutrient-rich soil for your garden in no time. And with an 80-gallon (300 L) capacity, larger households or avid gardeners who generate a lot of organic waste will find this compost bin to be the perfect size for their needs.
Not only is the HomGarden Garden Compost Bin efficient, it's also incredibly easy to assemble. No special tools or equipment are needed – simply snap the panels together and you'll have a sturdy, long-lasting compost bin ready to use.
The compost bin is made from high-quality, BPA-free plastic, ensuring that your compost stays healthy and chemical-free. By composting your organic waste, you're not only reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, but also reducing your carbon footprint.
The large access door on the bin makes it easy to add or remove compost material, and also allows for easy turning and mixing of the compost, promoting faster decomposition. And with an overall dimension of 31.9" H x 23.2"W x 22.4"L and a sleek black color, this compost bin is both functional and stylish.
9. Cedar Composter From Greenes Fence – Made In Usa
This compost bin is a top-of-the-line product that you can rely on for years to come. Constructed with rustic untreated 11/16"-thick cedar boards, this compost bin is built to last. The open-bottom frame is designed for maximum airflow, making it easy to rotate waste regularly.
The corner posts are routed on all four sides, so you can easily assemble and expand the compost bin to suit your needs. Thanks to the separate composter add-on kits, increasing the capacity of your compost bin has never been simpler. You can connect the composters together to create the design you need.
One of the best things about this compost bin is that it is sustainably sourced. The cedar used in its construction is harvested from managed forests, ensuring that it is safe and earth-friendly. You can feel good about using this compost bin to help reduce your environmental impact.
This compost bin is proudly built in the USA by Greenes, a trusted brand that is known for its premium quality. The company has a reputation for producing high-quality products that are designed to last. When you purchase this compost bin, you can be confident that you are getting a product that is built to withstand the test of time.
10. Double Barrel Composter: Efficient, Heavy-Duty, All-Season
The Miracle-Gro 2x – 27.7gal (105L) dual chamber rolling compost tumbler is the perfect solution for anyone who dreams of having a flourishing garden or vibrant flower beds. With this handy tool, you can produce a constant supply of nutrient-dense compost that will help your plants thrive like never before.
This turning garden composter is designed to provide an endless supply of compost with its dual chamber design and high volume capacity. You can add compost ingredients to one side while the other side cures, ensuring you never run out of compost again. The tumbler system is efficient and straightforward to use, allowing you to load and unload compost with ease. Plus, it creates perfectly cooked compost without the need for manual mixing, turning, or digging.
Miracle-Gro's rotating compost bin is built to last, with sturdy side-locking mechanisms, a strong galvanized steel base, and tight seals that keep unwanted pests out. The BPA-free, food-grade, UV-protected plastic ensures faster and more efficient composting all year round without leaching harmful toxins.
With this compost tumbler, you can expect long-lasting dependability and top-quality performance. Miracle-Gro is a name you can trust for all your gardening needs.
As a bonus, you'll receive a free pair of Scotts multi-purpose gardening gloves, perfect for both indoor and outdoor projects. These latex-free, water-resistant gloves feature a no-slip grip, helping you achieve your garden goals with ease.
Best Backyard Compost Bins FAQs
Are there any specific maintenance requirements for backyard compost bins?
Yes, there are specific maintenance requirements for backyard compost bins. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your compost bin:
1. Keep the compost moist: The compost should be moist, but not too wet. If it's too dry, the decomposition process will slow down. If it's too wet, it can become smelly and attract pests. To maintain the right level of moisture, sprinkle water on the compost pile occasionally.
2. Turn the compost: Turning the compost regularly helps to aerate it, which speeds up the decomposition process. Use a pitchfork or a composting tool to turn the pile every couple of weeks.
3. Add brown and green materials: Brown materials like dried leaves, sawdust, and shredded paper provide carbon, while green materials like food scraps, grass clippings, and coffee grounds provide nitrogen. Adding a mix of both types of materials helps to maintain a healthy balance in the compost pile.
4. Keep the compost bin covered: Covering the compost bin helps to retain moisture and heat, which speeds up the decomposition process. It also helps to prevent pests and unwanted animals from getting into the compost pile.
By following these maintenance requirements, you can ensure that your backyard compost bin produces nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
Can I compost in a backyard bin year-round?
Yes, you can compost in a backyard bin year-round. Composting is a natural process that can occur in any season. However, the rate of composting may slow down during the winter months due to the colder temperatures. To keep the composting process going during the colder months, you can add insulating materials such as leaves, straw, or shredded paper to the bin to help retain heat. You can also add food waste that is high in nitrogen, such as coffee grounds or vegetable scraps, to help maintain a healthy balance of carbon and nitrogen in the compost. It's important to regularly turn the compost to allow for oxygen flow and to prevent it from getting too wet or too dry. By composting year-round, you can reduce your household waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Can I use any kind of waste in a backyard compost bin?
No, not all kinds of waste can be used in a backyard compost bin. Composting is a natural process of breaking down organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Therefore, only organic waste should be added to a compost bin. Organic waste includes fruit and vegetable scraps, yard waste, eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags and shredded paper. Meat, dairy, and oily foods should not be added as they attract pests and can create unpleasant odors. Pet waste such as dog and cat feces should also be avoided as they can contain harmful pathogens. It's important to maintain a balance of "green" and "brown" materials in the compost bin to ensure proper decomposition. "Green" materials include food scraps and grass clippings while "brown" materials include dry leaves, twigs, and shredded paper. By following these guidelines, you can create a healthy and productive compost bin to improve your soil health and reduce waste.
How do I choose the best backyard compost bin for my needs?
Choosing the best backyard compost bin for your needs depends on several factors, including the amount of space you have available, the materials you want to compost, and your budget.
First, consider the size of your yard and how much space you have to dedicate to a compost bin. If you have a small yard or live in an apartment, a compact compost bin or tumbler may be the best option. If you have a larger yard, you may want to consider a larger bin or even a compost pile.
Next, think about the materials you want to compost. If you plan on composting food scraps, you'll want a bin with a tight-fitting lid to keep out pests and rodents. You may also want to consider a bin with a built-in filter to control odors. If you plan on composting yard waste, such as leaves and grass clippings, you may want a bin with a larger capacity.
Finally, consider your budget. Compost bins can range from less than $50 to several hundred dollars. While a more expensive bin may have more features, a simple bin can still be effective and do the job just as well.
Overall, the best backyard compost bin for your needs will depend on your unique situation and preferences. Research your options and consider your specific needs before making a decision.
How long does it take for compost to be ready in a backyard bin?
The amount of time it takes to turn yard waste and kitchen scraps into compost largely depends on the conditions inside the compost bin. Generally, it takes about 2 to 6 months for compost to be ready in a backyard bin. However, it may take longer or shorter depending on factors such as the type and amount of organic matter being composted, the size of the bin, the temperature, moisture levels, and how often the compost is turned.
To speed up the process of composting, it is recommended to add a balance of green and brown materials, maintain a moisture level of around 50%, and turn the compost regularly to aerate and mix the materials. Adding compost activators, such as garden soil, can also help to speed up the decomposition process.
It's important to note that compost is ready when it looks and smells like dark, crumbly soil. It should no longer have a recognizable appearance of the original materials.
How much compost can I expect to produce in a backyard bin?
The amount of compost that can be produced in a backyard bin depends on various factors such as the size and type of the bin, the materials being composted, and the environmental conditions. In general, a well-maintained backyard compost bin can produce around 10-20 gallons of compost per year. However, this can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned above.
To produce compost efficiently, it is important to maintain a proper balance of green and brown materials, keep the compost moist but not waterlogged, and turn the compost regularly to ensure proper aeration. It is also important to avoid adding materials that do not break down easily, such as meat, dairy, and oily foods.
Overall, with proper care and attention, a backyard compost bin can produce a significant amount of nutrient-rich compost that can be used to improve soil health and support plant growth.
What are the benefits of composting in a backyard bin?
Composting in a backyard bin has numerous benefits. Firstly, it provides an easy and effective way to dispose of food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. This, in turn, reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills, which helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Secondly, composting in a backyard bin produces nutrient-rich soil that can be used to nourish plants and gardens. The compost can improve soil structure, increase water retention, and provide essential nutrients for plants, which can lead to healthier and more productive gardens.
Thirdly, composting can also save money by reducing the need for expensive chemical fertilizers. Instead of buying fertilizers, gardeners can use the compost they create in their backyard bins to enrich their soil and promote plant growth.
Finally, composting in a backyard bin is a great way to teach children about the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship. By involving children in the composting process, they can learn about the natural cycles of life and gain an appreciation for the environment.
What are the key features to look for in a high-quality backyard compost bin?
When it comes to selecting a compost bin for your backyard, there are several key features to consider. The first is size – make sure the bin is large enough to accommodate your household's waste, but not so large that it becomes unwieldy. Another important feature is ventilation – a good compost bin should have proper air circulation to prevent odors and promote decomposition. Look for a bin with multiple access points to make it easy to add and remove materials, and consider one with a secure lid to keep out pests. Durability is also important – choose a bin made from sturdy materials that can withstand the elements and regular use. Finally, think about the overall design – some bins are designed to be more aesthetically pleasing than others, so choose one that fits in with your backyard's style. By considering these key features, you can select a high-quality backyard compost bin that will help you turn your household waste into nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
What are the top-rated backyard compost bins?
There are several backyard compost bins available in the market, but the top-rated ones are:
1. The Envirocycle Composting Tumbler Bin: It is a durable and easy-to-use compost bin that can hold up to 35 gallons of compost. It is made of BPA-free, food-safe plastic and has a unique design that allows for easy rotation.
2. The FCMP Outdoor IM4000 Tumbling Composter: This compost bin has a large capacity of 37 gallons and is designed to make composting easy and efficient. It is made of durable plastic and has two chambers that allow you to add new materials to one side while the other side is composting.
3. The Algreen Products Soil Saver Classic Compost bin: This compost bin is made of 100% recycled material and can hold up to 12 cubic feet of compost. It has a unique design that allows for adequate aeration and drainage, making composting quick and easy.
4. The Good Ideas CW-2X Compost Wizard Dueling Tumbler: This compost bin has a unique design that features two chambers that allow you to compost in one while the other is curing. It has a total capacity of 7 cubic feet and is made of durable plastic.
Overall, these compost bins are highly rated by users for their durability, efficiency, and ease of use.
What is the ideal location for a backyard compost bin?
The ideal location for a backyard compost bin is in a spot that is easily accessible and has good drainage. It should be placed on level ground that is not too sunny or too shady. A compost bin should not be placed directly on grass or soil, as this can impede drainage and make it difficult to turn the compost. Instead, it should be placed on a bed of twigs, leaves, or straw to allow for proper airflow and drainage.
It is also important to choose a location that is away from any structures or areas where people congregate, as composting can sometimes produce odors that are unpleasant. Additionally, it is important to choose a location that is not too far from the kitchen, so that it is easy to deposit food scraps and other organic waste into the bin.
Overall, the ideal location for a backyard compost bin is one that is convenient, well-drained, and not too close to living areas. By choosing the right location, you can help ensure that your compost bin is effective and easy to use.