My compost bin fell apart after two months. Cheap plastic. Now I use a metal trash can with holes drilled in it.

Bought a $40 compost tumbler from a big box store in June. By August the lid hinges cracked and the whole thing was leaning sideways. Rats got into it through the gap. Drove to the dump and bought a beat up metal trash can for $5. Drilled about 20 holes around the sides with a regular drill bit. Been using it for three weeks now and it holds up way better. No rats. The metal doesn't warp in the sun. Anyone else just use whatever container works instead of buying the special gear?

2 comments

2 Comments

nancy_davis18h ago

Honestly gotta disagree hard here. Spending $40 on a flimsy plastic tumbler that breaks in two months is bad, but that doesn't mean you should just grab any old rusty can and call it done. Ngl I see people using all sorts of junk like old trash cans, pallets, even plastic storage totes with holes drilled in them. Most of the time those setups end up being a pain in the butt because they hold moisture wrong or let in too much air or just look hideous sitting in your yard. There's a reason companies spend money on engineering compost bins, you know. They actually work for turning scraps into dirt without stinking up your whole block or attracting raccoons. Sometimes paying for quality is the smart move, not the lazy move.

barbara_taylor8319h ago

Nah plastic stuff falls apart but who cares, it's compost not rocket science.