With the best compost bin, you can quickly compost food and garden waste to make effective organic mulch and fertiliser. But there are plenty around in Australia that suit different setups.
Composting is an effective way to recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, but the effectiveness largely depends on the type of compost bin you choose.
This guide will break down what to look for in the best compost bins, from size to features such as aeration systems. To narrow your search, we've compiled a list of the best compost bins AU.
What to consider when buying a compost bin
Here are several key factors to consider before picking the right compost bin for your home:
- Budget: Compost bins can vary significantly in price, ranging from $50 to nearly $1,000. Basic models are more affordable but may lack advanced features. Higher-priced bins often have enhanced efficiency features like aeration systems or dual chambers.
- Capacity: Choose a bin size based on the amount of organic waste you generate. You can find small 3-litre bin capacities and ones with over 300 litres. The standard size is generally 60 to 180 litres. Capacities are usually measured in litres, and the right size ensures you don’t end up with an overflowing bin or unused space.
- Material: The material of the compost bin affects its durability and efficiency. Options include plastic, metal, and wood, each with its pros and cons regarding durability, insulation, and ease of maintenance.
- Aeration: Good aeration speeds up the composting process. Look for bins with built-in aeration systems or designs that allow for easy turning of the compost.
- Ease of Use: Features like removable lids, doors for easy access, and a design that simplifies turning the compost can make the process more convenient.
- Pest Resistance: Especially important if you live in an area with a lot of wildlife. A sturdy, well-sealed bin can prevent pests from accessing your compost.
- Efficiency Features: Some compost bins offer enhanced efficiency, like dual chambers for continuous composting or insulated designs for faster decomposition.
- Location and Space: Consider the space where you’ll place the bin. Some bins are designed for indoor use, while others are better suited for outdoor spaces.
- Environmental Impact: If eco-friendliness is a priority, look for bins made from recycled materials or designed to have a minimal environmental impact.
While some of the best compost bins may have larger capacities or unique features, if it doesn't suit your home and garden setup, it's best to keep searching until a bin pops up that matches your budget.
The 5 Best Compost Bins AU
1. Aerobin 200 Litre Compost Bin
Price: $355
Key Features
- 200 litres, suitable for both kitchen and garden waste.
- Features an aeration lung and insulated walls for efficient aerobic composting.
- Dual access doors for easy compost retrieval and a leachate reservoir for liquid fertiliser collection.
- Aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, supporting eco-friendly composting.
- 51 cm x 51 cm x 117.5 cm
The Aerobin 200 Litre Compost Bin represents a significant advancement in home composting technology. Its design is centred around an aeration lung, eliminating the need to turn the compost manually.
The insulated walls and lid not only facilitate year-round composting but also create a hot environment that efficiently breaks down organic waste while neutralising pathogens and weeds. This process results in high-quality compost and liquid fertiliser, both highly beneficial for garden soil. Moreover, the bin's capacity of 200 litres is ample for most household needs.
The Aerobin Compost Bin's ease of use, coupled with its environmental benefits, makes it a top choice for those seeking a practical and sustainable composting solution.
2. Maze 245 Litre Compost Tumbler
Price: $299
Key Features
- 245 litres with two compartments for continuous composting and an option to use as one large compartment.
- UV-protected, rodent-proof reinforced barrel with multiple air vents for aerobic decomposition.
- Large opening, sliding doors for easy waste addition and compost collection, and a gear and handle mechanism for effortless turning.
- Compatible with Bokashi Composter; designed for easy compost extraction with minimal effort.
- 105 cm x 71 cm x 113 cm.
The Maze 245 Litre Compost Tumbler is designed to make composting convenient and efficient. This tumbler addresses the common challenge of compost aeration with its innovative two-compartment system, allowing for continual composting without interruption.
The sturdy, UV-protected barrel ensures durability and pest resistance, while the air vents promote effective aerobic decomposition. Its ease of use is enhanced by the geared handle, making turning the drum effortless.
The Maze 245 Litre Compost Tumbler’s large capacity and practical design make it an excellent choice for those seeking a hassle-free way to recycle garden and food waste into rich compost.
3. Green Johanna Hot Composter
Price: $379
Key Features
- 330 litres, accommodating all types of waste, including cooked food, meat, fish, dairy, garden waste, cardboard, and paper.
- Features airflow and ventilation systems for optimal composting conditions, promoting microorganism activity.
- Simple to operate with no pre-mixing required and adjustable air circulation to maintain temperature and aerobic conditions.
- Constructed from robust, moulded, 100% recycled plastic, designed to keep vermin out.
- 94 cm x 82 cm x 82 cm.
The Green Johanna Hot Composter, priced at an expensive $899, stands out for its large 330-litre capacity and ability to process a wide range of waste, including cooked foods and dairy, making it an ideal choice for families.
Its airflow and ventilation systems create the perfect environment for microorganisms to thrive, ensuring efficient composting. The composter is user-friendly, with features like adjustable air circulation to maintain ideal composting conditions. Additionally, its vermin-proof design and construction from recycled materials make it both a sustainable and practical choice for home composting.
The Green Johanna's combination of capacity, versatility, and environmental consideration earns it high marks as a top option in home composting solutions.
4. Composter Caddy - 3L
Price: $168
Key Features
- 3 litres, suitable for collecting kitchen scraps like vegetable peels and other organic waste.
- Features a handle for easy transport and a lid that can be hung on the side of the bucket during use.
- Sleek, minimal, and compact design, making it a stylish addition to any kitchen.
- Made from durable ABS plastic.
- 16 cm x 19.5 cm.
The Composter Caddy is an affordable and well-designed solution for collecting organic waste in the kitchen. Its 3-litre capacity is ideal for collecting daily kitchen scraps like vegetable peels and fruit rinds, which can then be transferred to a larger compost system.
Its sleek and compact design allows it to blend seamlessly into modern kitchen decor, while its practical features, like the easy-to-carry handle and convenient lid design, enhance user-friendliness.
The Composter Caddy is particularly suited for those who have a composting system like a bokashi bin, compost heap, or worm farm and need a convenient way to collect kitchen waste before transferring it.
5. Maze 70 Litre Compost Tumbler
Price: $139
Key Features
- 70 litres, suitable for smaller spaces or lower waste production needs.
- UV-protected build for durability, with a slide access door and sturdy stand for easy placement.
- Features internal metal mixing bars and an aeration system to speed up the composting process.
- Heavy-duty construction suitable for all-season composting.
- 47 cm x 65 cm x 85 cm.
The Maze 70 Litre Compost Tumbler is a compact and efficient solution for those with more average spaces or more minor composting needs. Its 70-litre capacity and elevated rotating barrel design make it ideal for easy composting and emptying.
The tumbler's UV-protected construction ensures year-round durability, while the internal mixing bars and aeration system facilitate quicker composting.
The Maze Compost Tumbler is particularly suitable for those who want the benefits of a tumbler composter but don't have the space for larger models, offering a balance between size, efficiency, and price.
The 5 Best Compost Bins AU: FAQs
1. What size compost bin do I need?
The size of your compost bin should match the amount of organic waste you produce. A standard size for a household bin is around 80 to 160 litres (about 21 to 42 gallons), suitable for average family use. Consider a smaller bin if you have limited space or produce less waste.
2. How much should I spend on a compost bin?
Compost bins can range from affordable basic models to more expensive, feature-rich options. Basic models can start from as little as $50, while higher-end models with advanced features like dual chambers or aeration systems can cost upwards of $900. Balance your budget with the features you need.
3. Are plastic compost bins better than wooden ones?
Each material has its advantages. Plastic bins are lightweight, often cheaper, and resistant to rot. Wooden bins can be more aesthetically pleasing and offer better insulation, speeding up the composting process. Your choice depends on your preference for durability, appearance, and price.
4. How do I keep pests out of my compost bin?
Choose a compost bin with a secure lid and a design that prevents animals from entering. Some bins come with pest-resistant features like a base that sits flush with the ground or tightly sealed lids and doors.
5. Can I compost during winter?
Yes, composting can continue in winter, although the process slows down as temperatures drop. Insulated compost bins can help maintain the necessary heat levels for composting during colder months.
6. Do I need a bin with aeration features?
Aeration speeds up the composting process by providing oxygen to the decomposing material. Bins with built-in aeration or ones that allow for easy turning can produce compost more efficiently.
7. What should I not put in my compost bin?
Avoid composting meat, dairy products, diseased plants, and pet wastes, as these can attract pests and cause odours. Stick to fruit and vegetable scraps, yard waste, and appropriate organic materials.
