There are several composting barrels, bins and tumblers to choose from.
There are many different compost barrels and bins available. Most styles found on the shelves at stores can be easily copied and built with recycled materials. However there are innovative ways to build a compost using nothing but a shovel and some wire mesh. Here are 6 of the more popular ways to equip a compost:
1. The Tumbler
A compost tumbler is a barrel or plastic bin with aeration holes hooked up to a manual turning device. They can be purchased locally, online or plans can be downloaded for the do-it-yourselfer. These tumblers are easy to use, practically maintenance free and keep door and rodents at bay. They can be mobile as well depending on the design. Building your own tumbler may not be as expensive as a store bought design however the native soil foundation is lost with these off-ground composts.
2. The Stackable
A stackable compost bin is a four sided structure with an open bottom and top. It comes with layers to assemble as the compost grows. Stackables can easily be made of wood, however they can be bought commercially made from plastic or other material. Stackable structures keep compost well confined with easy access. Although there will be space required to store the stacks that are not in use. As the compost grows, accessibility decreases.
3. The Fixed
A fixed compost bin is a three sided immobile structure. They are usually built from wood, wire mesh or bricks with an open bottom, top and front for easy access to the compost. These stay in contact with the soil but will have to be churned for aeration.
4. The Multi
The Multi bin compost is a large rectangular structure with three separated compartment composts. It works in increments. When the first compost is filled, the second is started, then the third. This gives the first compost time to decompose and most likely be used to help start the third compost. The contained compartments allow to mix the compost a little easier than the fixed style. A built in hitched roof will help protect the compost from heavy rains and keep out rodents. This style will ensure there is always a large amount of compost to work with.
5. The Wired
The Wire Mesh compost is the easiest to construct and maintain. It is simply large wire mesh erected in a circle and fastened or clamped together. This type of structure will keep the compost well aerated and free of rodents. It stays in contact with the soil for native microorganisms and earthworm inhabitation. The only downfall to this system is that the wire mesh will start to rust over time. The good news is rusted metal is still recyclable and the wire mesh can be sold to the nearest recycle plant.
6. The Freestanding
The only equipment really needed if a freestanding compost heap is used is a garden shovel or large garden fork to churn the compost. This composting style is mobile and can be moved around the yard. There can also be more than one pile so they can be used in increments like the multi compost structure. It will not be safe from rodents although it will leave access for earthworms. Freestanding compost heaps can look unsightly to neighbours and can have a strong foul odour when churned.
With all composts, the more aeration and moisture it receives the speedier the decomposition process will be. Too much churning can dry out compost and rob the soil of microorganisms. If the compost is worked often, the moisture level must stay consistent. It can take anywhere from a few months to a year for a rich, dark compost to develop, depending on how it is cared for.