Container composting

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Container composting is an approach to composting in a container.

There is debate as to whether slatted or closed sided bins are preferable, for this affects air circulation in the compost pile. There is also debate about the potential for heat loss. The Indore method developed by Sir Albert Howard and the Shewell Cooper method favour slats, while the New Zealand Box method advocates the use of closed sides.

Mike Morrison's (Australia) approach has been a departure from traditional methods with the Compost Oven comprised of patented bubble film with an embedded self aerating and heating device to keep the compost warm, damp and insulated against heat loss. Morrison earlier patented self-aerating composting technology, subsequently commercialised (and trademarked as Aerobin), a design which incorporates a separate leachate collection chamber, an integral thermal insulation layer, and a central aeration core.

There are also differences between these techniques in terms of activators (that is, high nitrogen content organic substances to stimulate high bacterial activity within the heap, e.g., urine, grass mowings, comfrey leaves, etc.) and materials used. However, most agree that a good mixture of carbon and nitrogenous materials, usually created in layers and on a base consisting of rougher, stemmy material (to encourage air circulation) that is in contact with the soil are essential to all successful composting processes.

When space is limited, composting can be done with good results by using cylindrical bins, paying attention to the all-important issues of aeration and Carbon to nitrogen ratios. Such bins are available proprietarily, and are often supplied by local authorities at low cost to encourage recycling.

Photos of compost bins

The following is an assortment of commercially available compost bins:

See also

• German mound
• Leaf mold
• High fibre composting
• Worm compost
• Spent mushroom compost
• Sheet composting
• Windrow composting