My local council is advertising composting bins for £8, with a statement " suggested retail price £40" as these bins look a bit like plastic dustbins that cost £6 in a local shop, is there any reason for not using a plastic dustbin for composting purposes? Also the suggested retail of £40 must be a con!
2007-05-11 23:26:36 · 5 answers · asked by brian t 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Some dustbins are made from lower grade plastics. `Most` compost bins are made from materials that are more durable. Come on now, stump up the 8 quid and get composting !
2007-05-11 23:49:52 · answer #1 · answered by ED SNOW 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hello
Compost bins are made from a tougher and better quality plastic than regular bins. The way the composting process work uses heat and the bins are designed to ensure the contents get hot and so break down more quickly. The material of the bin is important for this.
Also, as another has mentioned they do not have a bottom to allow air to circulate and creep crawlies to get in and help with the composting process. This is very important and so you should not use a regular bin. For compost bins you can get bases that have holes to allow air in, moisture out and little helpful beasties in.
I got my bin through the local councl scheme for £8 and the base for a little extra...good move I think.
Visit the website below for some helpful hints and tips.
2007-05-12 02:07:31 · answer #2 · answered by Ms Eddy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could use a dustbin as long as you cut the bottom off. There are other ways of doing it though. Plastic chemical drums can be used as long as they have been well washed out and cleaned before you start to use them. Alternatively get some Cattle wire, the stuff that is about 3-4ft high and made up of 7" squares and form it into a cylinder of a size that suits you, approximately 2 1/2 to 3 ft in diameter, wire the ends together and line it with cardboard from cardboard boxes. These work well.
Now one thing to be aware of, rats just love compost bins and heaps. You may not think you have any near you, however I can assure you that you do and they would just love to come and build a nest in your nice warm rotting compost with a ready supply of rotting vegetable peelings and worms on hand.
So with that in mind, happy composting!
2007-05-11 23:57:32 · answer #3 · answered by Chariotmender 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you need a way to turn your compost......and it needs to be able to filter out as it becomes smaller in size.
Check out how they are made and then maybe you can modify it. I don't think £ 8 is all that much if the actual retail price is £ 40....That is about $60 in US money, or $12 US. That is about the usual cost of a trash bin, in the US.
You will only be saving about £2.
2007-05-12 02:42:27 · answer #4 · answered by LucySD 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Composters dont have bases. If you use a dustbin then it wont drain the moisture and your compost wont be good. I got one from an offer lke yours and have great compost - and some fab veg growing. I'd get one if i were you and good luck with it!
2007-05-11 23:37:00 · answer #5 · answered by Susan H 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋