Subsidised Recycled Plastic Composters

[Spruance]

There is an advert in my local paper this morning for subsidised compost bins ranging in size from 220litres to 330litres, and in price from £8.00 to £20.00.

I already have a wooden 2 cubic yard (twin) bin at the bottom of the garden, but could really do with an overflow bin mainly for the winter months when the composting process slows down.

I just wondered if anyone has any experience of these plastic bins, and if so, how effective are they? My 'research' so far suggests that it might be a better bet to buy/build another wooden one.

This is the link in question.

[Deleted]

I have a plastic bin, Spruance, and it seems to be doing ok. I don't have a huge garden, so it suits me ;D

[Deleted]

Hi Spruance - I got one off Dublin City Council a couple of years ago, very similar. Looking back, if I had the space I'd build a bin or buy something rather more expensive. Two problems: (1) the shape makes it very difficult to turn the compost; (2) the hatch at the bottoms is quite small, so it's difficult to get the compost out - you basically have to stick your hand in and wriggle ... hope this helps ... cheers ...

[4pygmies]

If you haven't got as problem with rats I would go for the wooden home made ones every time Spruance. I have had to get rid of my wooden ones and although I have 5 plastic composters on the go now I don't think they make such lovely crumbly compost as the wooden type without a lot more effort from me. As CC says the hatch is a pain and I find the compost gets much wetter despite me adding lots more paper etc than I would for a wooden bin. I suppose they just breathe more efficiently.

[Spruance]

Thanks for all the advice so far. I'm not sure what to do really, as I don't have the space for a wooden bin on the scale of the existing one. That was built to a Geoff Hamilton plan 13 years ago by a local fencing manufacturer, and it's still going strong.

Given that the new bin will be in plain sight in the back garden it has to be aesthetically pleasing as well as practical.

Of the three on the Recycle Now website, the third - albeit dearest @ £20.00 - one looks the part...



...then again I suppose it should be easy enough to make one for less than that, which would look equally as good.

[lottielady]

I have one of those Spruance - it makes GOOD compost!

LLx

[Deleted]

I have two plastic ones.

One of the round plastic ones i bought off the local council...it's ok and does compost down but i find it better for hot composting. I find it difficult to mix the compost properly and also there's no air vents and a silly little door.

The other one is one i bought and is much better and bigger, it is plastic, square and has air holes all around the side. I find this better for cold composting and also easier to fill, mix and empty. The door on this one is the front of the bin and makes emptying, mixing etc much easier.

Just noticed the second one is the same as the green plastic one you have posted pic of...much better in my opinion and as LL states makes great compost.