Choosing A Compost Bin For Your Community - CalRecycle

CHOOSING A COMPOST BIN
FOR YOUR COMMUNITY
State of California
California Integrated Waste

Management Board
February, 1995
Printed on Recycled Paper

Pub. # 442-95-008
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................................... 2
Composting Bins........................................................................................................................................... 3
Bio-Orb ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Biostack....................................................................................................................................... 3
City Gardener.............................................................................................................................. 4
Compost Cage............................................................................................................................. 4
Compost Sift ............................................................................................................................... 5
Composta .................................................................................................................................... 5
Compostumbler........................................................................................................................... 6
Covered Bridge Composter......................................................................................................... 6
Dejay ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Easy Composter #5301 ............................................................................................................... 7
Ecobin & Ecobin II ..................................................................................................................... 8
Enviro-Cycle ............................................................................................................................... 8
E-Z Compost Bin ........................................................................................................................ 9
Geyde Bin ................................................................................................................................... 9
Green Cone ............................................................................................................................... 10
Green Genie .............................................................................................................................. 10
Green Cone ............................................................................................................................... 11
Green Genie .............................................................................................................................. 11
NovaWood Composter.............................................................................................................. 12
Presto......................................................................................................................................... 12
Seattle Composter ..................................................................................................................... 13
Seiler ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Swisher...................................................................................................................................... 14
Tumble Bug (140 gal) ........................................................................................................ 14
Junior Big (85 gal) .............................................................................................................. 14
Boy (193 gal) ...................................................................................................................... 14
1
Introduction
This publication is designed to assist local governments and the general public in choosing home
composting bins for their communities. It includes information on bins known to be available in
California, both retail and wholesale, at the time of printing. While backyard composting can be
done successfully without a bin or with a homemade bin, some communities offer free or
discounted bins to residents as an incentive to compost at home.
A successful home composting program can reduce a community’s cost of solid waste collection
and disposal. In addition to bins, communities can offer technical assistance programs, such as
workshops and a hotline service that will help their residents get started and continue using their
bins correctly. For more information about setting up a local composting program, call (916)
255-1398.
Bins vary in terms of cost, ease of use, and rodent resistance, all of which may be considered in
selecting a bin. There are several broad categories of composters:
Cones/Boxes: These bins are typically of a solid construction with lids and bottoms.
Some have doors at the bottom for harvesting finished compost. Cone/Box-type
bins tend to be more expensive than hoops.
Hoops: This is usually the least expensive type of bin. Because hoops can be
rolled, they are also easier to ship. Some hoops have tops and lids which help in
making them more rodent-resistant.
Square wire bins: These are like hoops except that they usually have supports in
four corners making them a square rather than round shape.
Stacking units: These are box shaped with sections that come apart.
Tumblers: These are self-contained barrels, drums, or balls that rotate for mixing the
composting materials.
Worm composters have not been included in this guide. For more information on
worm composting call the CIWMB’s Waste Information Service at (800) 553-2962.
This publication is for informational purposes only. Bin descriptions were supplied by the manufacturers and were
not reviewed for accuracy. The California Integrated Waste Management Board does not support nor endorse any
of the manufacturers represented within the publication. Please direct bin questions to manufacturers. If you have
questions or would like to include a bin in future listings, please call (916) 341-6306.
2
Composting Bins
Bio-Orb
Retail: $120-$160
Wholesale: Volume discount available, call for additional information.
Type: Tumbler
This is a rolling backyard bin. It comes with two diameters: 34 inch, and 36 inch.
The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and
no tools are needed for assembly. Estimated bin life is ten years, with a ten year warranty.
Special offerings such as co-operative advertising, training, etc., need to be negotiated when
ordering or calling for quotations.
Ordering Information:
Bio-Orb
Shape Plastics Corp.
206 New Factory Road // P.O. Box 538
Sharon, Wisconsin 53585
(414) 736-8888 // (414) 736-4283 (fax)
Biostack
Retail: $99.00
Type: Stackable
The Biostack composter consists of three bottomless tiers and a hinged lid. This unique
stackable and expandable design allows the user to easily turn and aerate the compost pile, which
results in rapid decomposition, maximum waste diversion, and odor elimination. The bin
incorporates double-walled construction. It is easily assembled in minutes without tools.
The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 25-30 percent post-consumer recycled plastic,

with a total of 60 percent recycled plastic. No tools are needed for assembly. Estimated bin life
is ten years, with a ten year warranty.
The manufacturer provides, upon request, promotional materials and expertise in con-ducting bin
distribution programs. Discount coupons for Smith & Hawken retail merchandise are also
available.
Smith & Hawken
117 East Strawberry Drive
Mill Valley, California 94941
(415) 383-4415
3
City Gardener
Retail: Not available in California
Wholesale: Call for additional information.
Type: Cone
The City Gardener can handle all yard debris and kitchen wastes. The bin is virtually odor free
when the manufacturer’s instructions are followed. The bin comes in two capacities: 12 or 16
cubic feet.
The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 100 percent recycled plastic, and no tools are
needed for assembly. Estimated bin life exceeds ten years based on manufacturer’s experience.
A-1 Products
19-342 Bronte Street South
Milton, Ontario I9T 5B7
Canada
(800) 777-0979
Compost Cage
Retail: $10.00
Type: Hoop
The Compost Cage is constructed of black wire mesh plastic with reusable locking ties.
The bin is not rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic,
and no tools are needed for assembly. Estimated bin life is ten years.
The manufacturer provides compost recipes to communities.
RPM
2829 152nd Avenue NE
Redmond, Washington 98052
(800) 867-3201
4
Compost Sift
Retail: $1900.00
Type: Tumbler
The Compost Sift consists of a tumbler driven by an electric motor. The bin has a 4 foot
diameter and is 4 feet tall; total capacity is 44 cubic feet. The unique feature of this bin is its
ability to mix the material as it turns. When the process is complete, the outside wrap comes off
and the finished product is sifted out. The sifted material can be used either as compost or
mulch.
The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of steel, and the tools are needed for assembly are a
wrench and a screwdriver. Estimated bin life is 15 years, with a three year warranty included.
Blue Plant Limited
305 Monmount Avenue
Spring Lake, New Jersey 07762
(800) 777-9201
Composta
Retail: $15.99
Type: Hoop
The Composta is constructed of a thick, rigid plastic, expandable hoop that comes in either
brown or green. All items needed for assembly are included.
The bin is not rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 100 percent post-industrial recycled plastic,
and no tools are needed for assembly. Estimated bin life is 20 years.
The manufacturer provides promotional materials, co-operative advertising, support literature,

and a recognizable mascot.
Composta
4800 E. Monument Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21205
(800) 356-8495
5
Compostumbler
Retail: $299.00-$379.00
Wholesale: 5 percent discount for two or more. Additional volume discount available.
Type: Tumbler
The Compostumbler, constructed of galvanized steel, comes in two sizes: 18 bushel and 9.5
bushel. It is gear driven for easy access and operation.
The bin is rodent-resistant and sits above ground. A screwdriver and pliers or wrench are needed
for assembly. Estimated bin life exceeds ten years based on the manufacturer’s experience and it
carries a five year warranty.
Call for a free catalog at (800) 800-2345. This product is sold by direct mail with a 30-day risk-
free trail offer.
Home Gardener Manufacturing Co.
30 Wright Avenue
Lititz, Pennsylvania 17543
(800) 800-2345
Covered Bridge Composter

Retail: $45.00
Wholesale: $27.38 each in orders of 10 bins plus shipping.
Type: Hoop
The composter opens to form a 40-inch-tall, circular enclosure. It’s big enough for year-round
usage at 40 cubic feet (equal to 32 bushels), yet it can be adjusted down to 23 cubic feet.
The design is not considered to be rodent-resistant; however, to date, the manufacturer has not
experienced any problems. The bin is constructed of 100 percent post-consumer recycled
plastic, and no tools are needed for assembly. Estimated bin life is five years.
Covered Bridge Organic
P.O. Box 164
Jefferson, Ohio 44047
(216) 576-5515
6
Dejay
Retail: $44.99-$49.99
Type: Cone/Box
The Dejay has a 14-cubic-foot capacity and it has a patented ergonomic design.
The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 35 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and no

tools are needed for assembly. Estimated bin life exceeds ten years based on manufacturer’s
experience.
Available for retail sale in Northern California by calling (800) 735-9636.
The manufacturer provides a free composting book to local governments.
Dejay Corp.
3300 PGA Blvd. Suite 450
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
(407) 626-0600
Easy Composter #5301

Retail: $19.95-$29.95
Wholesale: Local government prices can range from $7.65-$12.95.
Type: Hoop
The Easy Composter is an adjustable, high density, recycled polyethylene compost bin. It comes
in forest green, and has a 24-cubic-foot capacity.
The design allows for minimal rodent-resistant. Tools are not needed for assembly. Estimated
bin life is seven to ten years.
A free demonstration video and samples are available from the distributor.
Wilmarc Inc.
5266 East 65th Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46220
(317) 849-9596
(317) 849-7868 (fax)
7
Ecobin & Ecobin II
Retail: $40.00 plus shipping & $25.00 plus shipping
Type: Square wire bin
The Ecobin is a 38-inch-high square, and is constructed of cedar, and wire mesh. Two
removable panels can be used to screen compost. It includes a center ventilation tube.
The Ecobin II is a modified hoop, also constructed of cedar, and wire mesh. Two re-movable
panels can be used to screen compost. It also includes a center ventilation tube.
Both styles are rodent-resistant and are constructed of 50 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.
Neither requires tools for assembly. Estimated bin life is ten years. These bins are available
directly from the manufacturer for retail sale, or can be purchased wholesale.
Eco-Action
508 W. Esparada
Georgetown, Texas 78628
(512) 863-7953
Enviro-Cycle
Retail: $99.00
Type: Tumbler
The Enviro-Cycle recycling system is designed as a rotating drum. It produces a finished

compost and has the ability to capture any liquids that are formed during the process at the base
of the unit. This system is suited for balconies.
The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of over 50 percent post-consumer recycled plastic,

and no tools are needed for assembly. Estimated bin life is five years, with a five year warranty.
Envirocycle Systems Inc.
100 Ronson Drive
Rexdale, Ontario M9W 1B6
Canada
(416) 246-0562
8
E-Z Compost Bin
Retail: $40.00
Type: Hoop
This 36-inch, square bin is designed to hold 25 cubic feet of material. It stands 30 inches tall. It
is designed so that two ore more bins can be attached together to compost larger volumes. The
bin is made of welded, plastic-coated steel wire.
The bin is rodent-resistant and no tools are needed for assembly. Estimated bin life is exceeds
ten years based on the manufacturer’s experience.
Down To Earth
P.O. Box 1419
Eugene, Oregon 97440
(800) 234-5932
Geyde Bin
Retail: $65.00-$75.00
Type: Cone/Box
The Geyde is a round bin that comes in tow sizes: 7.68 cubic feet or 14 cubic feet. It stands 30
inches tall.
no tools are needed for assembly. Estimated bin life exceeds 20 years based on the
manufacturer’s experience.
The manufacturer provides assistance with start-up programs and setting up of backyard compost
programs within the community. Both the retail and wholesale prices will drop when
manufacturing begins in California by the end of 1995.
Waste Masters
P.O. Box 2501
Palm Springs, California 92263
(619) 325-1035
(619) 778-5383 (fax)
9
Green Cone
Retail: $76.67 + tax + shipping and handling
Wholesale: Purchase three units at $37 each + tax (shipped in threes). Call for additional pricing.
Type: Cone/Box
The Green Cone is a kitchen waste digester, which provides solar-accelerated composting for a
family of four. It is designed as an alternative to sink disposal.
The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 60 percent pre-consumer recycled plastic. A

screwdriver is needed for assembly. Estimated bin life is ten years.
Green Cone Distributors
P.O. Box 866
Menlo Park, California 94026
(415) 552-6367
Green Genie
Retail: $129.00
Wholesale: Purchase 700 units at $37.00 each + tax. Call for additional pricing information.
Type: Cone/Box
The Green Genie has a cylindrical shape with a built-in ventilation system and a base that aids
air circulation. The unit has a door for removal of finished compost.

tools are needed for assembly. Estimated bin life is ten to fifteen years. This product has been
used in Holland since 1978.
Fore wholesale ordering information please contact Bob Berr at 1225 East Sunset Drive unit
#312, Bellingham, Washington 98226. A free “pilot” distribution program is available from the
supplier.
Bonar Inc.
111 Verulam Road
Lindsay, Ontario V3C 3V5
(800) 661-8199
10
Green Cone
Retail: $76.67 + tax + shipping and handling
Wholesale: Purchase three units at $37 each + tax (shipped in threes). Call for additional pricing.
Type: Cone/Box
The Green Cone is a kitchen waste digester, which provides solar-accelerated composting for a
family of four. It is designed as an alternative to sink disposal.
The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 60 percent pre-consumer recycled plastic. A

screwdriver is needed for assembly. Estimated bin life is ten years.
Green Cone Distributors
P.O. Box 866
Menlo Park, California 94026
(415) 552-6367
Green Genie
Retail: $129.00
Wholesale: Purchase 700 units at $37.00 each + tax. Call for additional pricing information.
Type: Cone/Box
The Green Genie has a cylindrical shape with a built-in ventilation system and a base that aids
air circulation. The unit has a door for removal of finished compost.

tools are needed for assembly. Estimated bin life is ten to fifteen years. This product has been
used in Holland since 1978.
Fore wholesale ordering information please contact Bob Berr at 1225 East Sunset Drive unit
#312, Bellingham, Washington 98226. A free “pilot” distribution program is available from the
supplier.
Bonar Inc.
111 Verulam Road
Lindsay, Ontario V3C 3V5
(800) 661-8199
11
NovaWood Composter
Retail: $89.92
Type: Hoop
The Novawood Composter is a 27 cubic foot bin. It has full front access to make it easy to use.
The bin easily assembles and is expandable with add-on bins.
The bin is rodent-resistant if a wire mesh is installed. It is constructed of 60-100 percent

recycled plastic. The only tool needed for assembly is a hammer. Estimated bin life exceeds ten
years.
The manufacturer provides promotional materials, support literature, and 800 help line to solve
problems.
Obex, Inc.
P.O. Box 1253
Stamford, Connecticut 06904
(800) 876-8735
Presto
Retail: $5.41-$14.50
Type: Hoop
The Presto bin is a thick plastic hoop made of a minimum of 50% recycled content.
Presto Products
P.O. Box 2399
Appleton, Wisconsin 54913-2399
(800) 584-3424
12
Seattle Composter
Retail: $44.90-$58.00
Type: Hoop
This is a round composter with matching top and bottom. It comes in two sizes: 12 or 21 cubic
feet.
no tools are needed for assembly. It has a 38 inch maximum diameter, providing a 22-cubic-foot
capacity.
The manufacturer provides compost recipes to communities.
RPM
2829 152nd Avenue NE
Redmond, Washington 98052
(800) 867-3201
Seiler
Retail: $26.99
Type: Hoop
Seiler offers a perforated plastic compost bin with optional lid and base, ground stakes and
fastening pins for easy assembly. It has a 38 inch maximum diameter, providing a 22-cubic-foot
capacity.

tools are needed for assembly. Estimated bin life is ten years.
Special offering such as cooperative advertising, training, etc., need to be negotiated when
ordering or calling for quotations.
Seiler Plastics Corp.
325 Sunvalley Circle
Fenton, Missouri 63026
(314) 349-0354
(314) 349-3091 (fax)
13
Swisher
Retail: $299-$549
Type: Tumbler
The Swisher is a steel compost tumbler, which can be rotated manually or automatically through
solar power. It comes in six different models.
All models are rodent-resistant. They require two wrenches, two ratchet sockets, and a hammer
for assembly. Estimated bin life is ten years, and all are available for retail sale in California.
Swisher Products
P.O. Box 67
Warrensburg, Missouri 64093
(800) 222-8183
Tumble Bug (140 gal)

Junior Big (85 gal)
Boy (193 gal)
Retail: 140 gal: $169 + $20 shipping & handling
58 gal: $120 + $15 shipping & handling
193 gal: $199 + $25 shipping & handling
Type: Tumbler
All of the Tumble Bugs are 20-sided geodesic round bins. They are designed with internal rods
which agitate material and ensure that material mixes as it tumbles.
All styles are rodent-resistant and are constructed of 20 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.
A screwdriver is needed for assembly. Estimated bin life is ten years.
Environmental Applied Products
2029 North 23rd Street
Boise, Idaho 83702
(800) 531-0102
14

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CHOOSING A COMPOST BIN

FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

California Integrated Waste

Printed on Recycled Paper

The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 25-30 percent post-consumer recycled plastic,

The manufacturer provides compost recipes to communities.

The manufacturer provides promotional materials, co-operative advertising, support literature,

Covered Bridge Composter

The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 35 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and no

Available for retail sale in Northern California by calling (800) 735-9636.

The manufacturer provides a free composting book to local governments.

Easy Composter #5301

The Enviro-Cycle recycling system is designed as a rotating drum. It produces a finished

The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of over 50 percent post-consumer recycled plastic,

The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 60 percent pre-consumer recycled plastic. A

The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 25 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and no

The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 60 percent pre-consumer recycled plastic. A

The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 25 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and no

The bin is rodent-resistant if a wire mesh is installed. It is constructed of 60-100 percent

The manufacturer provides compost recipes to communities.

The bin is rodent-resistant. It is constructed of 25 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and no

Tumble Bug (140 gal)

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