Compost Tumblers

Compost tumblers are becoming very popular for several reasons

• less space required
• speeds up the decomposing process

I tried making a rotating composter like this several years ago with an old trash can and it was a miserable failure. So going with a retail unit is probably best. Unless you are very handy with making rotating things, which I am not.

This is what the manufacturers of the Tumbleweed tm (one of the most popular units )has to say about their bin:“The vertical tumbling action of the patented Tumbleweed 60 Gallon Compost Tumbler - Green creates an aerobic action that offers a quick and odorless form of composting. Designed with a stainless steel rod running through the middle, it also has sturdy galvanized tubular steel legs that won't rust as they provide a sturdy frame for the composter.

This tumbling composter comes with complete instructions on how to make compost, along with easy-to-follow assembly instructions (see PDF link for instructions). Two vented lids at each end allow for easy filling and emptying of the bin while producing maximum aeration. Animal-resistant twist locks keep critters out. Under optimal composting conditions outdoors, a daily spin of the tumbler should result in compost in as little as 21 days. “

Do rotating type bins work with worm composting? No. Red wiggler migrate up as they feed. And the rotating motion/crushing can literally kill them. But what you can do is use the rotating composter to “pre –compost” your scraps then feed the partially composted materials to the worms. I don’t use a tumbler but I do feed precomposted materials to my worms to speed up the vermicompost process.But I do use a composting barrel for my worms. Here is a video of my worm barrel:

I hope this article answers some of your questions, if not, please remember there are over 150 other articles on this site you can review. OR you can always submit a question to me.

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