Buying Guide to Home Composters

As Americans waste more food each year, many people are turning to home composters to make the most out of what they would normally throw away. Whether you have your own garden, or you just want to do your part to help the environment, a home composter is an economical and beneficial way to manage your waste. There are several different types of home composter units on the market, and here is a guide to help you find the one that is right for you.

Size

If you live alone, chances are you cannot produce a lot of waste on your own. In this case, a small composting unit would probably suffice. However, if you do have your own garden, you may want to purchase a bigger home composter to make sure that you have enough organic material. Large families will need a very large home composter to keep up with the amount of waste they produce. A good rule of thumb to follow is that it is better to have too much space than too little.

Type of Home Composter

A home composter can range from an unsightly pile in the backyard to a state-of-art device. Backyard compost heaps are difficult to manage and you may not have the benefit that you would if you used a machine to handle the material for you. Let's take a look at the various types of home composter models that are currently available.

Tumblers - These machines produce usable compost in as little as two weeks and are very beneficial for homes with large gardens. They are usually reasonably priced and are small enough to easily fit outside your home. This type of home composter takes the effort out of turning and managing your compost heap, which is a great benefit for busy professionals and families.

Portable Home Composter - These home composters are best suited for homes that do not have a lot of space. They are generally smaller in size and allow an easy transfer to your home garden. Depending on the model, you may need to stir or mix your compost from time to time to ensure that it is properly degrading.

Holding Units - Apartment dwellers frequently pick this type of home composter. They are easy to use and do not require any turning to maintain the quality of your compost. However, it does take longer for the composting process to complete. The average length of time for rich compost is about six months with one of these home composter models.

Issues with Home Composters

One of the most common complaints about making your own compost is the smell that is produced by decomposing material. It is not pleasant to say the least and if you live in close quarters with your neighbors, they may complain. To cut down on the odor from your home composter, it is a good idea to find a model that is completely closed and self turning. This will keep the odor down to a minimum and these models are usually more efficient.

If you have never used a home composter before, start small to make sure that you can maintain and use the compost that you are creating. If you end up with too much compost, you can ask your neighbors or friends to help out with the excess. Organic farms in your area may also be interested in your compost.

Cost

Many cities are now subsidizing home composters to aid in reducing the amount of waste in landfills. Check with your local government first to see if any subsidies are available in your area. If not, home composters are generally reasonably priced and available from many different stores. You can also do a search online to find retailers that have competitively priced models. Smaller home composter units are typically inexpensive to ship and should not require any added freight or large-item costs.