polystyrene sheet for compost box?

Question

Or any other semi-rigid insulation

Answer 1

Actually i have two compost boxes, built with brick with holes on the sides to allow air to circulate,(and allow the mice in and out) and i use polystyrene to insulate the top of it and then the water proof lid on top, and i have done for about 16 years with great success. But you can use old carpet or polythene or better still thick carpet underlay, try and keep the rain out it makes better compost. I only turn once yearly.
Professional Gardner for 30 odd yrs.

Answer 2

Are you trying to insulate the compost to prevent winter slow down?

You can help the process along by insulating your compost with an old carpet or black polyethylene sheeting. This will help to maintain the high temperature. A flexible close cover will minimize the drying. While the outside of you bin may freeze, the inside can still “cook” as long as it isn't dried out by winter winds.

The rigid sheet might be good if you need a slope to run off excess water that would make the pile anaerobic.
If you find yourself with an overabundance of leaves, pile them on top to insulate. As you produce greens (kitchen scraps) over the winter, tuck them in under the insulating layer this will keep the nitrogen sources near the active bacteria and fungi. However, be sure to layer them with adequate browns to prevent smells. This will help keep the pile active if that is what you want.

Answer 3

What you need is a compost bin, something like a dust bin with no bottom most councils here in the UK will let you have a couple or they can put you in touch with someone who can sell you a couple.

In my 17 ft X 20 ft garden i have four which all kitchen waist, weeds and any rubbish from the garden is put in.

Each bin is only left for 6 months before being added to the garden as a mulch, there is no turning of the compost if you do it right and there is no need to feed your garden, personally i have not used man made fertiliser in over 40 years.

First put a four inch layer of twigs in the bottom ... this make sure you have plenty of drainage ... second put a layer of grass cuttings or any other vegetable matter ... then put a layer of straw or other dry matter ...

Answer 4

Compost is a pile not a box. It requires constant turning of materials, addition of minerals, to be successful. Try this instead. Contact your County Recycle Agent. They will have both a usable compost pile and a place to deliver new materials for composting. Starting and maintaing a compost pile is something you may wish to do a large amount of research on. Good Luck.

Answer 5

I wouldn't use this for a compost box.when you are turning the compost you will introduce bits of the sheeting that will just not break down. Make one out of wood or better still contact your local council and they should sell you a new recycled plastic one for under a tenner if they have one of their many schemes going.

Answer 6

Have you tried your local recycling centre.. they probably have this lying around or do you know anyone who has bought a new washing machine or white appliance lately.. sometimes the packaging from that is similar or perhaps try using giant bubble bubble wrap available on big rolls at Garden centres