On test: compost bins
With a compost bin, garden and food waste can be easily transformed into a nutrient-rich food source for your plants. Sue Fisher tested 11 to reveal our best buys
Of all the jobs to do this month, composting is one of the most important. Recycling our garden waste is the powerhouse behind a successful garden or allotment, returning valuable nutrients and organic matter back to the soil and boosting biodiversity. Having the right bin (or bins) can make a huge difference to the quality and speed of your compost. While a simple pile of garden waste will eventually rot down, it takes a long time, occupies lots of space and looks unsightly. Composting in bins keeps your waste neatly contained and sited discreetly, and rots it down much faster by retaining warmth and moisture.
There is an extensive range of compost bins, with price tags to suit every budget – some are designed to compost cooked food, meat and fish, so you can make every scrap of waste work for you.
How we tested
The bins were set up last summer, assembled and sited according to instructions, and assessed over every stage of the process. They were given the required type of waste and similar bins were given the same mix of waste at the same time. We used the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each:
Design & setup. Ease and clarity of instructions, siting restrictions, how well the design worked and extra features.
Ease of use. Simplicity of adding waste and then removing compost from the bin.
Compost quality & speed. Speed the waste rotted (including checking the temperature using a compost thermometer) and the quality of finished compost
Value for money & eco credentials. Value relative to the above, plus warranty and RRP. Eco credentials includes type of material and, if plastic, whether virgin or recycled.
Sides & lid. Made from expanded polypropylene, which is highly insulated and raises waste temperature for high-speed composting.
Hatch panel.
To remove the finished compost.
Cam strap. To secure the removeable panel.
Wooden compost bin
Wooden planks. With slot plates on the ends to slide smoothly in and out of the grooves.
Corner posts. With vertical grooves on three sides to hold the planks. Enables additional modules to be added.
Hinged lid. Incorporates a temperature gauge, an aeration valve and a built-in carbon filter to combat odours.
Base. Must be sited on a hard, level surface.
Liquid collection tank and outlet. The liquid (leachate) can be diluted 1:20 and used as fertiliser.
Duvet. An insulated cover to retain heat and keep out rain. Eyelets at corners enable the duvet to be tied on.
Access. Planks can be removed on any side for the easy addition of waste/removal of compost.