Compost Bins
We have composted in dozens of bins over the years. We recommend 'rodent-resistant' bins to all Vancouver gardeners because rats are a common pest in our City. The following are some examples of bins that we use and like.
And for all your compost questions, Call our Hotline: 604-736-2250
FreeGarden Earth
FreeGarden Earth Bin
The City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver offer this plastic bin for sale at a subsidized rate of $35. It is one piece, injection molded construction — no seams to come apart or assembly required. Has a twist locking lid. Made of 100% recycled materials. 10 year warranty. Size: 33” high x 31” wide (83.8cm high x 78.7cm wide).
Note: The City currently sells the FreeGarden bin at the Vancouver Compost Demonstration Garden at 2150 Maple Street by appointment. 604-736-2250
Cedar Creek Bin – [No longer available]
All bins are lined with 19 gauge galvanized wire mesh to aid rodent resistance. Western Red Cedar is used to build the wood bins. Features such as hinged lids, back supports for opened lids and star-shaped knobs on the removable fronts instead of standard through-bolts provide ergonomic ease accessing compost. It is available as a single, double or triple cedar wood bin.
Plans for a similar bin are available here. And for a three-bin version here.
Cedar Creek
Speedibin
Speedibin
Its 405 litres (107 US gallons) is ideal for most home owners, small enough to fit unobtrusively into a corner, yet large enough to heat up and work efficiently. It keeps moisture in, rain out, and is well ventilated.
24 gauge galvalume pre-painted sheet metal. Other typical uses include roofing (40 year warranty), ducting and culvert products. Silicon Modified Polyester (SMP) paint. Handle is zinc alloy with powder coat finish. Screen is 1/4" galvanized steel hardward cloth. Bolts and wing nuts are stainless steel.
Critter-Proof Composting Bin (Bear-proof)
This composter is made using concrete formwork, faced with stone, with recessed bolts holding aluminum lid, front door and back vent in place.
Inside, there’s a screen angled across the bottom of the bin that allows air from the ventilation hole at the bottom of the back of the bin to move up through the compost and out through a vent at the top. Because hot air rises, the heat of the compost constantly flows out through the top vent and pulls cooler air in from the bottom.
Critter-proof Composting
Jora
Jora
This tumbler composter has two chambers, each with its own lid. The unique insulation is the key to its success, not only enabling the composter to be used throughout all seasons, but to maintain heat and create higher temperatures, which allows home gardeners to compost harder materials like fish and small chicken bones, avocado and peach pits. Volume of up to 106 gallons and capacity up to 21 gallons a week.
Compost Aerating Tool
This aerator is used to mix and aerate compost. It has wings that fold flat against the shaft for easy insertion, but unfold when it is pulled out again, providing a lifting and stirring action.
The resultant mixing in of air and exposure of material to the surface assists oxidation, speeds decomposition, and helps to eliminate odors caused by anaerobic micro-organisms.
Note: Various aerators are available online.
Compost Aerator
Composting Secrets
Learn to compost in Mandarin, Punjabi and Cantonese.
Learn to build a Home-built Rodent Resistant Single Bin Compost Box.
Worm Composting
For over 30 years, City Farmer has held 'wormshops' at the Compost Garden. Worm bins are small composters that use red wiggler worms to break down kitchen scraps. They are appropriate systems for use on balconies of multi-family buildings.
We sell homemade, plastic Rubbermaid bins for $25. We also provide a regularly updated worm seller list. Our staff will teach you the basics of worm composting when you visit. Call 604-736-2250.
Our new worm bin, with vents and feet, sits on a tray that collects worm 'tea', which is good for feeding your plants.
Lauren demonstrates two methods of harvesting worms and compost from a worm bin. She also shows us how to make a worm bin from a plastic Rubbermaid bin. Staff teach worm composting to both children and adults at the Vancouver Compost Garden in Vancouver, BC, Canada.