Compost Bins

[Vics128]

I wondered if anyone could help me please. Would a dustbin with a bin liner in, and a lid constitute as a compost bin? What would I have to do to it (mixing wise) Also, what can I put in it.. Meat? Cat doodoos? Teabags? Cheese? Also, should rain water be able to get in..and should there be a hole at the bottom for drainage? Sorry theres a lot of questions, but I really would like to recycle my kitchen waste, but have no idea how to start!!

[Whickerman]

You'll need a way for the moisture to seep out into the ground (ie holes in the bottom)

[gen2]

Air has to get in too. I think you'll need more than just a few holes at the bottom. It also helps if worms and insects have free access. If it is airtight and waterlogged, it will just go stagnant and really really stink instead of making good compost.

[Polotoo]

Hi Vics

Don't know much about this composting lark, but I've just brought a composter - so watch this space!

I got mine through our local county council on a special offer, and I think the cheapest ones were �5-�7 including delivery, they're subsidised to encourage composting/recycling. I got it through an advert in a local paper, but why not try and ring your council? They should be able to point you in the right direction. Its probably easier than messing about putting holes in and things!

I'll have a look for the leaflet 'cos I'm sure they had a website - but I can't find it right now!

Good Luck. :-)

[allotment10]

www.backyardgardener.com (go to compost) should help, i never put cheese or meat in mine! vegetable leftovers are fine as with teabags, eggshells,paper shreddings, weeds from the garden, (don't think i'd put cat stuff in either!) yes, you do need to make sure there is breathing room at the bottom, and sufficient room in the bin to turn over at regular intervals, ideally the compost at the bottom should be the first used,so it's best to make a tray or hole where you can get at it easily! our's has got an old dustbin lid on top & we don't let rainwater get in, hope this helps.

[valerieb1254]

Hi Vics128.

Where I live the Council provide them Free.

Val.

[Thunderbird+]

I thoroughly agree with gen2 and others, purpose built ones have no bottoms at all and need to be in contact with the earth.

[nickmo]

And as its Compost Awareness Week 7 -13th May.....

Have a look at : http://vegweb.com/composting/ for a bunch of useful info

[Garforthdave]

NEVER EVER EVER put meat of animal crap in the compost! Attracts rats and stinks! Don't put too much grass in though a little every so often isn't too bad. I would recomend you cut the bottom out of the bin and store in on soil, not on a solid base, , dig a little soil from your garden and also try and gather a few worms to go in. They speed up the process greatly. Keep the lid on (it doesn't need water becuase the moisture in you veg cuttings and waste will sweat out and create enough moisture too. Don't expect too much from it this year but also when it gets full, put your wellies on and tread it down to compact it.

Enjoy, Dave

[Polotoo]

Hi Vics,

I found that leaflet if you go to the following weebsite and follow the links about buying a low cost compost bin, it'll prompt you to enter your postcode and fingers crossed will come up with the relevant offers.

http://www.recyclenow.com/home_composting

My local council's offers start at �4 for a 220ltr convertabin, �6 for a 330ltr Compost Converter or �20 for a 700ltr Komp and all include free delivery! Which I thought was pretty darn good. Good luck!