Ethan Clarke
Composting is a great way to turn food scraps and yard debris into valuable soil amendments. However, it is important to keep the compost clean by avoiding contaminants such as plastic. Plastic packaging, wrappers, and produce stickers can contaminate compost and cause problems for composting facilities. On the other hand, plastic storage bins can be repurposed into compost bins, and commercially available plastic compost bins are also an option for those interested in an inexpensive and convenient way to recycle food and yard waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Compost bin plastic use | Plastic storage bins can be repurposed into compost bins, with the recommended size being no smaller than 18 gallons. |
| Plastic bin advantages | Plastic bins are convenient, relatively inexpensive, widely available, and can be used to create valuable compost. |
| Plastic bin disadvantages | Plastic bins can be slow to compost, and plastic contaminants in compost can cause issues for facilities and the final product. |
| Plastic contaminants | Plastic packaging, bags, wrappers, and produce stickers are common contaminants that can clog machinery and make it hard to sell finished compost. |
| Plastic bin recommendations | Drill holes in plastic bins for aeration and consider using a second bin to catch nutrient-filled liquid ("compost tea"). |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic storage bins can be repurposed into compost bins
Round or square plastic storage bins are ideal for composting food waste, rather than yard waste, due to their small size. If you are planning to compost yard waste, it is recommended to have a second bin or separate pile. The bin should be no smaller than 18 gallons, and it is important to have a lid. The lid will help prevent odours and pests, and it will also prevent the compost from freezing in cold climates.
To repurpose your plastic storage bin, you must drill holes throughout the container to allow for air circulation, which will help the compost decompose faster. Space the holes 1 to 2 inches apart, drilling on all sides of the container. You can use any size drill bit, but if the holes are large, line the interior of the bin with wire mesh or hardware cloth to keep out rodents. Place the bin with the drilled holes inside another bin to catch the liquid that leaches out, which can be used as a fertilizer called "compost tea".
You can put your compost bin on your patio, porch, balcony, or inside a garage or storage shed. Locate the bin on level ground in a well-drained area that is easily accessible year-round. Remember to turn the compost mixture to aerate it, and use the "lasagna" method of adding ingredients by layering brown and green materials. Brown materials provide a source of carbon, while green materials provide nitrogen.
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Plastic compost bins are commercially available
There are various types of plastic compost bins available. Some have a two-part hinged hatch for easy filling, while others are of the ''tumbler' type, designed for frequent turning and mixing of waste material. Tumbler compost bins produce compost much faster than traditional compost bins due to their high level of aeration. They are compact and easy to place almost anywhere. Some plastic compost bins are made from recycled materials and have a robust, sectional design. These bins are easy to access thanks to a wide hinged lid. They are insulated and vented, helping the composting process.
You can also make your own plastic compost bin using plastic storage containers. These should be at least 18 gallons in size, with one container having a lid. The second bin can be used to catch the liquid that leaches out of the first bin. This liquid can be used as a fertilizer, known as "compost tea". It is important to drill holes throughout the containers to allow for air circulation.
Finished compost from plastic bins can be incorporated into garden beds or used for ornamental plantings or lawns. It is important to test the soil a few weeks after adding compost, as it can change the pH and nutrient levels.
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Plastic can contaminate compost
To avoid contaminating your compost with plastic, recycle your plastics or place them in a garbage container. If you are using a plastic compost bin, ensure that it is made of sturdy material to prevent animals from chewing through it and gaining access to the compost. You can also create your own compost bin using plastic storage containers. In this case, it is important to drill holes throughout the containers to allow for air circulation, which helps the compost decompose faster.
It is also important to note that the type of plastic compost bin you use can affect the speed of decomposition. Thin plastic compost bins tend to be slower composters compared to those made from thicker materials or other materials like wood. Additionally, the size of the bin matters; smaller bins may not provide enough space for the recommended minimum volume of material needed to achieve optimal decomposition.
Overall, while plastic compost bins can be a convenient and inexpensive option for backyard composting, it is crucial to keep plastic items out of the compost itself to avoid contamination and the negative impacts that come with it.
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Plastic compost bins are suitable for food waste
Plastic compost bins are a convenient and relatively inexpensive system for recycling food and yard waste. They are widely available, and you might already have a couple in your home that you can repurpose into a compost bin. Round or square plastic bins are most suitable for composting food waste rather than yard waste because of their small size.
To make a compost bin from a plastic storage container, you will need two plastic storage containers and a lid. The bins should be no smaller than 18 gallons, and one must have a lid. The second bin is helpful to catch the liquid that leaches out of the first bin. This nutrient-filled liquid can be used as a fertilizer, called "compost tea", in the garden. It is important to drill holes throughout the containers to provide air circulation, which helps the compost decompose faster. Space holes 1 to 2 inches apart, drilling on all sides of the containers. Also, drill holes in the bottom of the top bin that will nest inside the bottom bin.
Anything you would throw in a normal compost pile can go in your plastic compost bin. Leaves, fruit and vegetable peels, rinsed eggshells, paper egg cartons, coffee grounds, coffee filters, tea bags, shredded paper, paper napkins, towels, toilet paper rolls, and grass clippings all work well. However, it is important to keep the compost clean by not including contaminants like plastic packaging and wrappers. Composting provides a range of environmental benefits, including improving soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, recycling nutrients, and mitigating the impact of droughts.
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Plastic bins can be used for worm composting
Plastic bins are a convenient and relatively inexpensive option for worm composting. They are widely available, and you might already have a couple in your home that you can repurpose. These bins are suitable for composting food waste and small amounts of yard waste.
To use a plastic bin for worm composting, start by drilling holes throughout the bin. Space the holes 1 to 2 inches apart, drilling on all sides of the container, including the bottom. This allows for air circulation, which helps the compost decompose faster. If your holes are large, consider lining the interior of the bin with wire mesh or hardware cloth to keep out rodents.
Next, prepare the bedding for your worms. Place newspaper strips into a large plastic garbage bag or container. Add water until the bedding feels like a damp sponge, moist but not dripping. Add the strips to the bin, making sure the bedding is fluffy and not packed down to provide air for the worms. The bin should be 3/4 full of wet newspaper strips. Sprinkle 2-4 cups of soil onto the strips to introduce beneficial microorganisms and aid the worms' digestive process.
Now you can add the worms. Weigh the worms or determine their volume to know how much food to feed them. Bury food scraps under the bedding, feeding the worms approximately 3 times their weight per week. Monitor the bin weekly to see if the worms are eating the food and adjust feeding levels accordingly. Cover the bin with a loose-fitting lid, which can be made of plastic, plywood, or cloth, leaving it ajar to allow air into the bin.
Finally, after 3-5 months, when your bin is filled with compost, it is time to harvest. To prepare for harvesting, do not add new food to the bin for two weeks. You can separate the worms from the compost by dumping the contents of the bin onto a sheet of plastic or paper and creating cone-shaped piles. The worms will migrate towards the bottom of the pile, allowing you to remove the top layer of compost.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic compost bins are a convenient and relatively inexpensive system for composting food and yard waste. They are widely available, and you can repurpose plastic storage containers to create your own bin.
Plastic bins are often too small to contain a cubic meter of material, the recommended minimum for achieving thermophilic levels. They are also more susceptible to damage, such as from squirrels chewing into the plastic.
You can create your own compost bin from scrap lumber or use a commercially available wooden compost bin.
