Compost Bins & Garden Composters – Make Your Own Compost

Compost Bins for Making Your Own Garden Compost

A compost bin provides a dedicated place for suitable organic waste to break down naturally and eventually form compost. Suitable garden waste and organic kitchen waste can be collected in the composter rather than simply being discarded.

Once sufficiently composted, the resulting material can be used in the garden, for example when preparing soil and planting. This allows organic material from the home and garden to be reused within the garden.

What Is a Compost Bin?

A compost bin is a container designed to hold suitable organic material while it breaks down through the natural composting process. Unlike an open compost heap, the material is contained within a defined structure.

Terms such as compost bin, garden composter, composter and compost container are commonly used for products designed for this purpose. The Intergard range includes collapsible polypropylene compost bins in different sizes.

Compost Bin or Composter – What Is the Difference?

In everyday UK English, compost bin and composter are often used for the same type of garden product. “Compost bin” is the more familiar general term for a container used to make compost, while “composter” is also widely understood.

When choosing between different models, the capacity, construction, material and available space in your garden are more important than the terminology used.

Polypropylene Garden Compost Bins

Intergard compost bins are manufactured from durable black polypropylene. The construction allows the individual sections to form a practical container for composting suitable organic material.

Thermolen is added during the manufacturing process of the walls to support the thermal conditions inside the compost bin. The actual rate at which material decomposes, however, also depends on the material being composted and the conditions within the bin.

Collapsible Compost Bins

The compost bins feature a recessed hinge system that allows them to be assembled easily and folded down completely. The collapsible construction makes them convenient to store when they are temporarily not required.

This can be particularly useful if you want to move or store your composter without permanently allocating the same garden space to it.

How Does a Garden Composter Work?

A garden composter holds suitable organic materials while natural biological processes gradually break them down. Several factors influence how the composting process develops.

These include the mixture of materials, moisture, airflow and temperature. The composting process therefore depends on more than the compost bin itself.

What Can You Put in a Compost Bin?

A garden compost bin is intended for suitable biodegradable garden and kitchen waste. This can include appropriate plant material from the garden and suitable uncooked plant-based kitchen waste.

Not every type of household or garden waste is suitable for home composting. Only add materials that are appropriate for the composting method being used.

Where Should You Put a Compost Bin?

Position your compost bin in a suitable and easily accessible part of the garden. Remember that you will need regular access both to add organic material and to remove compost when it is ready to use.

The exact position and base should also be suitable for the construction of the particular compost bin. Follow the instructions supplied with the selected model.

How to Set Up a Compost Bin

Intergard compost bins use a recessed hinge system designed to make assembly straightforward. Always follow the assembly instructions supplied with the particular model.

1. Choose a suitable position in the garden.
2. Prepare the area where the compost bin will stand.
3. Unfold the compost bin construction.
4. Position and connect the sections using the hinge system.
5. Check that the compost bin is correctly and securely positioned.
6. Begin filling it with suitable organic material.

How to Make Your Own Compost

To make your own compost, collect suitable organic materials in the compost bin and allow the natural decomposition process to take place. Using an appropriate mixture of different organic materials can help create suitable composting conditions.

Moisture, airflow, temperature and the composition of the material all affect the process. The time required to produce finished compost can therefore vary.

What Can Garden Compost Be Used For?

Finished compost can be used for purposes such as improving garden soil and preparing areas for planting. Composting therefore allows suitable organic material to be returned to the garden rather than simply being treated as waste.

Before use, the compost should be sufficiently decomposed and mature. How it is used will depend on the condition of the compost and the plants or areas of the garden where it is required.

What Size Compost Bin Do I Need?

The right compost bin size depends mainly on the amount of compostable material you regularly produce and the space available in your garden. A smaller garden may only require a compact compost bin, while a larger garden producing more organic waste may benefit from greater capacity.

Consider both capacity and available space when making your choice. Intergard compost bins are available in different sizes.

Buy Compost Bins and Garden Composters

A garden compost bin allows you to collect suitable organic waste and turn it into natural compost for use in your garden. Intergard composters are manufactured from black polypropylene, are available in different sizes and feature a recessed hinge construction that allows them to be folded down for storage.

For larger quantities or questions about the range, please contact Intergard.

Frequently Asked Questions About Compost Bins

What is a compost bin?

A compost bin is a container in which suitable organic waste can naturally decompose to form compost. The resulting compost can subsequently be used in the garden.

What is a garden composter?

A garden composter is a container designed for composting suitable organic garden and kitchen waste. In UK English, the terms garden composter and compost bin are often used for similar products.

What is the difference between a compost bin and a composter?

There is generally little practical difference between these terms when referring to garden composting products. “Compost bin” is particularly common in everyday UK English, while “composter” is also widely used.

What are Intergard compost bins made from?

The compost bins described in this range are made from durable polypropylene. They have a black finish.

Are these compost bins collapsible?

Yes, the compost bins are fully collapsible. This makes them easier to store when they are not being used.

Are the compost bins easy to assemble?

The compost bins feature a recessed hinge system designed for straightforward assembly. Follow the assembly instructions for the individual model when setting it up.

What is Thermolen in the compost bin?

According to the product information, Thermolen is added during manufacture of the walls to support the thermal conditions inside the composter. The actual temperature and rate of decomposition also depend on the material and composting conditions.

Does a compost bin make compost faster?

The time required to produce compost depends on several factors and cannot be guaranteed by the compost bin alone. The mixture of materials, moisture, airflow and temperature all influence decomposition.

What can I put in a garden compost bin?

A garden compost bin can be used for suitable biodegradable garden and kitchen waste. Only add materials that are appropriate for home composting.

Can I put garden waste in a compost bin?

Yes, suitable organic garden waste can be composted in a garden compost bin. A suitable mixture of different materials can help support the composting process.

Can kitchen waste go in a compost bin?

Suitable organic kitchen waste can be added to a garden composter. Not all kitchen waste is suitable for home composting, so only use appropriate compostable materials.

Where should I position my compost bin?

Choose a suitable and accessible position in the garden. You will need convenient access for adding material and removing compost when it is ready.

What size compost bin should I buy?

The appropriate size depends on how much compostable material you produce and the amount of garden space available. Intergard compost bins are available in different sizes.

How long does compost take to make?

There is no single fixed composting time. The process is influenced by the materials used, moisture, airflow, temperature and other composting conditions.

How do I know when compost is ready?

Mature compost typically has a largely decomposed and crumbly appearance. Most of the original materials should no longer be clearly recognisable.

What can I use homemade compost for?

Homemade compost can be used for purposes such as improving garden soil and preparing areas for planting. Its use should be appropriate for the maturity of the compost and the plants concerned.

Can I store the compost bin when I am not using it?

Yes, the described compost bins can be completely folded down. This allows them to take up less storage space when not in use.

Are the compost bins available in different sizes?

Yes, the compost bins are available in different sizes according to the supplied product information. This allows you to select a size according to available space and expected compost volume.

Can I make my own compost with a garden composter?

Yes, a garden composter is designed to hold suitable organic materials while they naturally decompose into compost. Once sufficiently mature, the compost can be used in the garden.