Testing Home Compost Units: Part 2

[DamiettadCarnivalle]

My problem with this so-called "TEST" is that:

A] They did not show us the mixture of materials that they put into each of the bins

B] They did not give us any periodic reports, say, 2 wks, 1 month, or 2, 3, or 4 months.

C] They did not show us the actual compost!

D] Worst of all, they did not give us any prices, or figures on the volume of the bins, AND NO RECOMMENDATIONS ON WHICH THEY FOUND TO BE THE BEST VALUE.

For cryin' out loud! That's why I watched the stupid videos!

[ElveeKaye]

Thanks for reviewing all these different composters. I like the Tumbleweed design best. Couldn't you place a large, shallow pan underneath it to collect dripping moisture? Then pour it onto your garden or potted house plants. I also like the very last one, with three sections that are separate so you can pull stuff from the bottom.

[Luvanicebum]

I just a whole lot of injection molded plastic shit that'll warp out in the sun and not work anymore.

Build your own.

[ElveeKaye]

@Luvanicebum I have to agree with you on this. As nifty as these devices are, most of them are made of PLASTIC and will eventually crack and be thrown away. Isn't the whole idea to keep plastic out of the landfills? Recycling them requires energy, which is also largely wasted. Better not to use plastic at all and just build something out of scrap lumber and chicken wire.

[Illisil]

It would have been nice to hear the prices on these units, how long it take for the material to compost, and the capacity of the units. Some of the simpler units looked like they might cost less that $100, and have quite large capacities. But I've read that the tumbler units are much faster and more thorough at comporting. The tumbler units are quite expensive though because of their moving parts. Some as much as $5-600.

[WoundedEgo]

The capacity on all of these systems is miniscule. I dumped about 10 huge bags of leaves in with my chickens and the scratched around in it and quickly turned it all into gold. I think it would have taken 10 years to process it in these "systems."

[edlo1965]

The idea for this test comes from the fact that not to much is known about these systems and how to get the best results from them. These tests are not directed at someone like yourself that has room for 10 huge bags of leaves to throw in with their chickens. The results will aid the average homeowner with an average size yard that wants to be more responsible and recycle.I have a Large tumbler and collect and store my leaves( at least 10 bags) and compost them using the tumbler in 1 season .

[gaiatechnician]

Actually, I used to let the chickens in to my compost piles when I rented a larger lot. They certainly helped the compost rot quicker as they dug through it!

[BrotherMalcolmW]

Not everyone has chickens! Nor can everyone even raise them (zoning laws). Many people now live in these McMansions that are built on postage stamps...thus they need to make use of what little land they are leasing from the gov't.

[WoundedEgo]

Actually, I've learned a bit since my last post. I'm building one from a 55 gallon drum that should turn compost around in 14 days. A small quantity, every 14 days adds up.

The simplest idea I've seen is just to dump stuff into a trashcan with holes drilled in it, that has a lid that holds on well. Then just roll it around.

[ghelton55]

Thanks so much for posting. Extremely helpful to see these different units in action before buying, or not now. Helpful also to see the finished compost.

Suggestion, how about a series on what to compost and in what quantities. I have the hardest time getting my heap to heat up without grass clippings.

[OrganicTexas]

Informative & helpful review. Thanks!