Composters

Looking to buy composters and composting bins online? Here at UK Gardening Supplies we are always on the lookout for discount and cheap composter bins and composting boxes from reputable online home and garden retailers. Simply click on any of the following products for further information on how to buy online...

See Also: Vermiculture and Composting Worms

AL-KO K390Ltr COMPOST BIN     The functional, pyramid shape design of the Aero-Therm Composter, promotes air circulation, facilitates isolation of the compost & heightens stability. They allow biological contact between micriofaunas & other garden microbes thanks to the open base. The lid on the upper part of the housing can be adjusted to suit both winter & summer conditions. Seasonal variations in temperature & humidity are balanced accordingly. * Volume 390 Litre * 1 Filling hatch * 2 Removal hatches * 30 Air vents ( Flat packed for assembly)...more From: £85.00 Source: Mower Warehouse

Modular Wooden Compost Bins - Gardening Equipment Compost Bins and Composters     We were impressed by the design of these modular compost bins; they incorporate a host of features for keen composters!Can be assembled in minutes - no nails, screws or holes to dig.Slide-out panels on all sides for easy access.573 litres (20 cu.ft.) capacity per module.Wood provides good insulation, while allowing the compost to 'breathe'.Timber is from managed forests, and treated with non-toxic preservative.8 page guide booklet included.You can start with one, but we'd recommend two (Bin and Module) to get the benefit of being able to easily turn the heap from one bin to the other. And when you've seen how well they work, you can add extra modules in the future. Size 91cm (3') square x 68cm (27") high. (Comprises 4 posts & 20 panels.). . . . . ....more From: £86.95 Source: Suttons Seeds

Thermo-King Composter (capacity 600 litres) - Gardening Equipment Compost Bins and Composters     Thanks to its innovative Thermolen® walls (a high quality and long lasting recycled polyethylene) the Thermo-King provides outstanding insulation, so heat remains inside and the composting process is accelerated. Other features included:Easy-lock system for speedy assembly without tools.Large twin flap lid for easy filling, and two large base flaps for quick and easy removal of finished compost.The lid clamp can be fixed in two different positions, to regulate the circulation of air for optimum composting in both summer and winter.Capacity 600 litres. 80cm (31½") square x 104cm (41") high.. . . . . ....more From: £79.95 Source: Suttons Seeds

Beehive Compost Bin     This beehive-shaped compost bin is a more decorative option for home composting than some others you may see. The lid is held open with a handy prop and there is a bottom-opening flap for easy compost retrieval. Built from FSC certified, pressure treated soft wood, it will never need treating, and comes with manufacturer's 15 year guarantee against rot. Flat packed for home assembly. 74cm (29") x 74cm (29") x 86cm (39") high. Capacity 272 litres. Please allow up to 14 days for delivery....more From: £99.95 Source: Dobies

Wooden Compost Module - Gardening Equipment Compost Bins and Composters     We were impressed by the design of these modular compost bins; they incorporate a host of features for keen composters!Can be assembled in minutes - no nails, screws or holes to dig.Slide-out panels on all sides for easy access.573 litres (20 cu.ft.) capacity per module. Wood provides good insulation, while allowing the compost to 'breathe'.Timber is from managed forests, and treated with non-toxic preservative.8 page guide booklet included.Size 91cm (3') square x 68cm (27") high. (Wooden Compost Module comprises 2 posts & 15 panels.). . . . . ....more From: £69.95 Source: Suttons Seeds

Budget Composter   by Rowlinson   This budget composter is pressure treated with a natural timber finish. This composter requires self assembly and has a warranty period of 12 months against rotting....more From: £39.99 Source: Tesco.com

Compostable Bin Liners (9 litre) - Gardening Equipment Compost Bins and Composters     20 fully biodegradable liners for your 9 litre Compost Caddy. In normal composting conditions, bags degrade within 60 days.. . . . . ....more From: £3.95 Source: Suttons Seeds

Odour-free Compost Caddy (30 litres) - Gardening Equipment Compost Bins and Composters     An invaluable accessory for anyone with a compost bin, it stores kitchen waste and containing any unpleasant odours with the activated carbon filter housed in the lid. Needs only be emptied when full, thus reducing trips to the compost bin! Available in two sizes: This 30 litre capacity caddy measures 37cm (15") x 28cm (11") x 36cm (14") high. Also available as a 9 litre capacity caddy.Replacement filters and liners available.. . . . . ....more From: £14.95 Source: Suttons Seeds

Apollo Composter Liner 5m   by Non-Branded   5m. Prevents weeds from entering compost. Cut to required size then staple to composter....more From: £3.99 Source: Screwfix

Lid for Modular Wooden Compost Bin - Gardening Equipment Compost Bins and Composters     Hinged in the middle to give easy access to the modules, these handy wooden compost bin lids are designed to prevent access to the bins by vermin.. . . . . ....more From: £29.95 Source: Suttons Seeds

Showing results 1 to 10 of 64

Compost Bins and Composting Basics

Getting Started

To get started with composting you need a wooden composting box, or plastic compost bin or if you prefer, you can skip the expense an opt for an open compost heap although these are harder to maintain and somewhat unsightly. Plastic composting bins are the cheaper option but less attractive of the two enclosed compost pile options, whilst wooden compost boxes come in a variety of designs including those shaped like beehives and other attractive designs which add, rather than take away from the appeal of your garden.

You can of course create your own composting enclosure by hammering together a couple of wooden crates if aesthetics is not an important issue. There are a number of plans and detailed instructions on how to build your own compost bins and boxes online. Simply search for "compost bin plans" or "create your own composter instructions" or words to that effect to find loads of information. Raw materials for building your own composters may run to as little as £20.

Locating A Composter

Once you have chosen the style of composter bin you want the next step is to decide on a location. The potential for unpleasant smells leads most to locate their composting piles at the foot of their garden but if you compost correctly smells shouldn't be a huge issue. Wherever you decide upon, you must ensure you place your composter on flat, level ground with good drainage. Patio and concrete areas are to be avoided as these do not allow for good drainage and prevent your composting buddies i.e. composting worms and all the other microorganisms which live in the soil from gaining the kind of easy access which will speed up the rate of composting.

It is also a good idea to pick a location which matches your country's weather. Cool climates should look for a sunny location sheltered from the wind as the sun's rays will warm up the compost heap and increase the rate of decomposition, whilst hotter climates should opt for a sheltered area to prevent the sun from drying out the compost pile which composts faster if moist.

What Material Are Suitable For Composting

Theoretically anything can be composted but there are some things you will want to avoid. Meat, fish, fats, oils and dairy products are not recommended as these will smell as they decompose and you run the risk of attracting rodents and other unwanted animals to your neighbourhood. Equally anial dropping, especially dog and cat faeces should be disposed of in some other way as these carry microorganisms and diseases you do not want hanging around. In addition, whilst paper and cardboard products can be added it is best to avoid the glossy magazine styles and to shread these up small if you want them to rot down in any good time period. Basically, if you have doubts then leave it out.

Things which are fine to add are brown and green waste from your garden, vegetable peelings, teabags, coffee grinds, eggshells (crushed small), hair, fruit and peels and other organic kitchen waste.

How Long Until It Composts?

The rate of decomposition and composting depends on how well managed your compost heap is. If you want to produce a lot of compost, quickly, for garden uses then a properly maintained and well managed compost heap can start producing usable compost in as little as three months. This type of compost heap is known as a 'hot rot' with internal temperatures reaching as high as 70 degrees celsius but it does take a lot of nurturing in terms of achieving the right balance of materials, frequently turning the mix and maintaining the moisture balance.

For simple disposal of kitchen and garden waste you need not be concerned with such a hands on approach. A 'cool rot' will compost materials to a usable level in around 6 months to a year and all you have to do is throw on your materials for composting and give it a turn once in a while with a fork.

There are things you can do to speed up the composting process, for example, by adding composting worms to your composter or by throwing in a composting activator whcih can be bought from garden centers. The latter is basically a bunch of micro-organisms which speed things up. For a cheaper organic composting activator, simply add a handful of earth from your garden occassionally as this contains microoganisms which will do the same job.

Happy Composting!