Article: What's the Difference Between Compost Tumblers and Bins?
What's the Difference Between Compost Tumblers and Bins?
Being green and lowering one's footprint has become a craze in the last few years with the rising global attention of global warming and climate change. Composting is one of the easiest ways to cut down on nitrogen from fertilizer. All you need are vegetables and fruits, coffee grounds and filters, newspaper, and garden cuttings.
There are two distinct types of composting containers out there: in a bin and in a tumbler. They each are great but in their own ways.
Frequently Asked Questions About Composting Bins vs. Tumblers
Bins are stationary; tumblers spin. Compost bins sit on the ground (often without a bottom) and require manual turning with a shovel. Tumblers are sealed units raised off the ground that spin to aerate the compost easily.
Tumblers are generally faster. Because tumblers are easy to spin, they allow for frequent aeration. This oxygen flow heats up the microbes and speeds up the decomposition process compared to stationary bins.
Tumblers are easier to unload. Tumblers can often be rotated to dump directly into a wheelbarrow. Bins usually have small doors near the ground, requiring you to shovel the finished compost out manually.
Bins are more accessible to bugs than tumblers. Since bins often lack a bottom and sit on the soil, bugs and pests can enter easily. Tumblers are fully sealed and elevated, which helps prevent pest infestations.
Yes, both can be DIY projects. Both bins and tumblers can be constructed at home using everyday items like old trash cans, pallets, or barrels, saving you money compared to store-bought versions.
Composting Bin
Composting bins load from the top, are usually made with thin plastic (unless you make your own), have no bottom, empty from doors near the ground, and allow minimal aeration. These bins can usually be made a little larger and therefore hold a little more compost as you do not have to rotate them as with tumblers.
However, they are usually made out of lightweight plastic as they don't have to hold the weight to allow for tumbling. This makes it harder to maneuver the compost within bins to allow for aeration as it must be done with a pick or shovel. Doing this you risk breaking the plastic by stabbing it with your tools. The lack of aeration causes the compost to take significantly longer to finish the process. It is also quite difficult to remove the compost from the bottom of these bins and you then have to move the compost shovel by shovel.
Composting Tumblers
Composting tumblers are crafted in a more heavy-duty manner. They load and empty from the top, are fully sealed, and aerate when spun. While compost tumblers are generally smaller than bins they are more durable. This spinning motion allows for aeration and a shorter time for compost completion.
Horizontally mounted tumblers are easier to turn with more weight. Tumblers are also more easily emptied as they can be flipped or rotated. With a wheelbarrow under the opening they can be directly emptied into a wheelbarrow for easy maneuverability around the garden. Often tumblers will have two compartments. When one is full there is another one to keep filling and to make sure that you always have some compost fermenting for later use. Since this type of composter is fully sealed it also prevents more bugs and pests from getting into your pile.
In general, I would recommend a compost tumbler. They allow for better aeration and emptying. However, a bin would be perfect for those of you who are super composters and have tons and tons of the stuff around or for those of you that don't really have a budget. Be advised, both types can be made at home with everyday items and can save an arm and a leg.
About the Author
Article written by Ashley. When she isn't writing blog posts she can be found reading at the beach or taking photographs.
