Different styles of compost bins.

While a large portion of gardeners still prefer the traditional simple heap on the ground, a growing number of us now prefer to use some kind of an enclosure for making our compost.

With so many types of container on the market, which one is best?

Well, the answer differs for every gardener, depending upon how much space you have in your garden and how much material you will be composting from your garden and kitchen.

Plastic Bin:

Commercially made plastic compost bins tend to be better for those who are not devoted gardeners but want to compost their small amount of garden and kitchen waste. Most plastic bins on the market are now made from 100% recycled plastic.

Advantages of Plastic Compost Bins:

Inexpensive and readily available
Locking lid keeps out vermin

Disadvantages of Plastic Compost Bins:

High temperatures needed to kill pathogens and weed seeds not often reached - plastic compost bins are often too narrow to enable the compost to fully heat up
Lack of air circulation due to solid plastic sides and top
Challenging to turn the compost through the top opening with a shovel or garden fork -consider using a compost aeration tool for best results
Removing finished product from flap at bottom can be a challenge.

Wooden compost bin:

Wooden bins now come in a whole variety of styles to blend into your garden surroundings. Styles range from the standard square box, to beehive shaped bins. You can build these at home, or buy from the many outlets available.

Advantages of a wooden compost bin:

Larger capacities of some wooden bins will give much better core temperatures
Gaps between the side slats will allow better airflow through the pile
Usually simple to fill and empty, and many can be built and taken apart in stages to easily turn the compost
Attractive and efficient at housing decomposing material, the composter can be positioned adjacent to your beds or borders without aesthetically compromising your garden

Disadvantages of wooden bins:

Will be more expensive than the plastic variety
In areas where rodents or other unwanted creatures are a problem it can be challenging to keep them out of the bin.

Compost Tumbler:

Using a compost tumblercan be a good way to ensure finished compost in a reasonable amount of time with minimal effort. Although most gardeners will not be able to make finished compost in two to three weeks as some manufacturers claim, there are some good advantages in using a tumbler.

Advantages of Compost Tumblers:

Ease of turning the pile. The significance of turning your compost should not be underestimated

Shorter time to obtain finished compost than most other methods

Disadvantages of Compost Tumblers:

More expensive than plastic bins
Some varieties can be quite difficult to turn when full
Generally have quite a small holding capacity

Vermi (Worm) Compost Bins:

Worm composting, is a process that uses a specific type of worm to break down organic materials. The  worms consume the material and produce castings that are full of nutrients and organic matter. Although worm bins can also be used outside they do need to be moved indoors in areas where winter temperatures fall below 5°C. If you follow the directions, the bin will be largely odour free and can be used year round.
Advantages of Worm Compost Bins:

Great for homes with little outdoor space
The "vermi-compost" produced is rich in nutrients and organic matter

Disadvantages of Worm Compost Bins:

Keeping household pets away from the bin (and the worms)
Some people just can't get comfortable with the idea of having worms at their home in vast numbers