Compost Tumblers: The Pros and Cons

Composting is an excellent way to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, and it can also be used to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden. While there are many different compost methods, using a compost tumbler is often seen as the most efficient way to do it. This article will discuss the pros and cons of using a compost tumbler to help you decide if it is the right method.

What is a Compost Tumbler?

A compost tumbler is a cylindrical container that you can use to mix and aerate your compost pile. This composting bin is often considered the most efficient way to compost because it allows for better aeration than other methods (such as a compost pile) and contains the mess.

There are many different types of compost tumblers on the market, ranging in size from small countertop models to large wheeled bins. You can even find versions that come with a built-in rain barrel to collect water to use in your garden.

Why does Compost Tumbler Work? 

Compost tumblers work by turning organic waste into compost. Composting accelerates the decomposition of organic matter, making it an ideal way to recycle kitchen and yard waste. Compost tumblers also help to control odor and keep pests away from your compost pile.

There are many different types of tumbling composters in the market, but they all operate on the same basic principle. A compost tumbler typically consists of a barrel or container turned on its axis, allowing air to circulate through the waste material. This aeration helps to speed up the decomposition process.

Most compost tumblers have a door or lid that can be opened to add new waste material and closed to keep out pests and animals. Some models also include a sieve or screen that helps to aerate the compost and keep the finished product from getting too wet or dry.

Compost tumblers are an easy and efficient way to compost kitchen and yard waste. They can be used indoors or outdoors, requiring very little maintenance. 

A compost tumbler may be the perfect solution if you are looking for a fast and easy way to compost. 

How Long Does It Take To Compost In A Tumbler? 

The length of time it takes to compost in a tumbler depends on a few factors, including the type of waste you are composting, the size of the tumbler, and the temperature. It generally takes about 2-4 weeks for kitchen waste to break down into compost, and yard waste, such as leaves and grass clippings, will take longer to compost, typically 4-6 weeks.

If you are composting in a small tumbler, you will need to add new waste material more frequently than using a large tumbler. This is because the smaller tumblers do not have as much surface area so that the composting process will happen more slowly.

The temperature also affects the composting process. The compost will not break down as quickly if it is too cold; if it is too hot, the compost may dry out and become difficult to turn. The ideal temperature for composting is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Now let’s walk you through the pros and cons of using Compost tumblers : 

PROS Of Compost Tumbler:

Here are pros of compost tumbler mentioned following:

1. Tumblers are Convenient

Tumblers are a very convenient way to compost. They can be placed right in your backyard, and they keep the compost contained so that it doesn’t attract animals or pests. Tumblers are also easy to turn, so you don’t have to turn your compost pile manually.

2. Tumblers Compost Faster

Because tumblers keep, the compost contained and aerated, they compost faster than traditional compost piles. This is because the aeration helps to break down the organic matter more quickly.

3. Tumblers Keep Odors Contained

Another advantage of using a tumbler is that it keeps odors contained. They can be quite smelly if you have ever had a traditional compost pile. This is because the anaerobic bacteria that break down the organic matter release methane gas, which has a strong odor. On the other hand, Tumblers are aerobic composters, meaning that the bacteria that break down the organic matter do not release methane gas. This means that your tumbler will not produce any odors.

4. Tumblers Are Easy to Use

Tumblers are also easy to use. You add your organic waste to the tumbler and turn it in every few days. That’s it! There is no need to worry about adding water or aerating the compost pile like you would with a traditional compost pile.

5. Tumblers Require Less Maintenance

Tumblers also require less maintenance than traditional compost piles. You don’t have to worry about turning the compost pile or adding water; you simply add your organic waste to the tumbler and turn it in every few days.

6. Tumblers Are Pest-Free

Another advantage of using a tumbler is that it keeps pests out. If you have ever had a traditional compost pile, it can attract rats, mice, and other pests. This is because the organic matter in the compost pile is a food source for these pests. Conversely, tumblers are enclosed, so pests cannot get to the organic matter.

7. Tumblers Produce Little to No Leachate

Leachate is the liquid that drains from a compost pile and can contain harmful chemicals and pathogens, contaminating groundwater. Tumblers, however, produce very little to no leachate because the organic matter is contained within the tumbler.

8. Tumblers Are Portable

Tumblers are also portable, so you can take them if you move. Traditional compost piles, on the other hand, are not portable.

CONS Of Compost Tumbler:

Here are pros of compost tumbler mentioned following:

1. Tumblers Can Be Expensive

One of the biggest disadvantages of using a tumbler is that it can be quite expensive. The initial investment can be quite high, and you may also have to pay for ongoing maintenance and repairs.

2. Tumblers Require frequent turning

Another disadvantage of tumblers is that they require frequent turning. Most tumblers need to be turned on at least once a week, and some need to be turned on more often. This can be a hassle and difficult to find the time to turn the tumbler regularly.

3. Tumblers May Not Be Suitable for All Climates

Tumblers may not be suitable for all climates. In some climates, the weather may be too hot or cold for a tumbler to work effectively. This means you may have to purchase an expensive tumbler designed explicitly for your climate.

4. Tumblers Can Attract Rodents

Even though tumblers are enclosed, they can still attract rodents. This is because rodents can smell the organic matter inside the tumbler and try to get to it. This can be a big problem if you live in an area with a lot of rodents.

5. Tumblers Can Be Difficult to Empty

Another disadvantage of tumblers is that they can be difficult to empty, and this is because the organic matter is tightly packed inside the tumbler. You may need a shovel or another tool to get the organic matter out of the tumbler.

6. Tumblers May Not Produce Compost Quickly Enough

Depending on the size of the tumbler, it may take several months for the organic matter to break down into compost. This can be frustrating if you are looking for quick results.

7. Tumblers Can Be Messy

Tumblers can also be messy, and this is because the organic matter inside the tumbler can attract flies and other insects. You may also find that the organic matter leaks out of the tumbler, creating a mess.

8. Tumblers May Not Be Suitable for Large Quantities of Organic Waste

Another disadvantage of tumblers is that they may not be suitable for large quantities of organic waste. If you produce a lot of organic waste, you may need to purchase multiple tumblers or build a traditional compost pile instead.

Should You Use a Compost Tumbler?

Whether or not to use a compost tumbler is ultimately up to you. If you have the space and the budget for it, a compost tumbler can be an excellent way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich compost for your garden. However, other composting methods may be more suitable if you are limited in space or budget.

How to buy the perfect Compost Tumbler for your needs?

When buying a compost tumbler, there are several things you need to consider to find the perfect one for your needs. Below, we will discuss some of the main factors you need to consider.

1. Capacity

The capacity is one of the most important things to consider when buying a compost tumbler. You need to ensure that the tumbler you purchase is large enough to hold all the organic waste you produce. You may need to purchase a larger tumbler if you produce a lot of organic waste.

2. Price

Another important factor to consider is price. Compost tumblers can be quite expensive, so you need to make sure that you find one that fits your budget. There are various prices for compost tumblers, so take some time to compare products and find one within your budget.

3. Ease of Use

It would help if you also considered how easy the compost tumbler is to use. Some tumblers are very easy to use, while others can be quite difficult. If you are unfamiliar with using a compost tumbler, it may be a good idea to purchase one that is easy to use.

4. Maintenance

You also need to consider the maintenance required for the compost tumbler. Some tumblers require very little maintenance, while others require more. If you do not have time to maintain a compost tumbler, purchasing one that requires less maintenance may be a good idea.

5. Location

Another important factor to consider is location. You need to ensure that the compost tumbler you purchase will be placed in an area where it will get plenty of sunlight, and compost tumblers need sunlight to work properly.

6. Climate

It would help if you also considered the climate when purchasing a compost tumbler. In some climates, the weather may be too hot or cold for a tumbler to work effectively. This means you may have to purchase an expensive tumbler designed explicitly for your climate.

7. Rodents

Even though tumblers are enclosed, they can still attract rodents. This is because rodents can smell the organic matter inside the tumbler and try to get to it. This can be a big problem if you live in an area with a lot of rodents.

8. Difficulty in Turning

Another disadvantage of tumblers is that they can be difficult to turn, and this is because the organic matter inside the tumbler can be quite heavy. It may be difficult to turn it over if you have a lot of organic matter in your tumbler.

9. Limited Airflow

Tumblers also have limited airflow, and this means that the compost inside the tumbler may not get enough oxygen, which can slow down the composting process.

10. May Not Be Suitable for Large Quantities of Organic Waste

As we mentioned earlier, another disadvantage of tumblers is that they may not be suitable for large quantities of organic waste. If you produce a lot of organic waste, you may need to purchase multiple tumblers or build a traditional compost pile instead.

Tumblers can be a great way to compost your organic waste, but they are not perfect. You need to be aware of some disadvantages before purchasing a tumbler. However, if you keep these disadvantages in mind, you should be able to find the perfect tumbler for your needs.

What Should You Not Put In A Compost Tumbler? 

It would help if you did not put a few things in your compost tumbler. These include:

1. Diseased plants or plant parts- These can introduce diseases into your compost, infecting other plants.

2. Pesticides or herbicides- These can contaminate your compost and make it harmful to other plants.

3. Meat, bones, or other animal products- That can attract pests and introduce diseases into your compost.

4. Dairy products- These can spoil quickly and attract pests.

5. Synthetic materials- These will not break down in your compost and can clog up your tumbler.

6. Coal ash- This can contain harmful chemicals that can contaminate your compost.

7. Pet waste- This can contain harmful pathogens that can infect other plants or animals.

8. Diseased or infested soil- This can introduce diseases or pests into your compost.

9. Weed seeds- These can germinate in your compost and create more weeds.

10. Invasive species- These can escape from your compost and spread into the environment.

Conclusion

We hope that this article has helped you learn more about compost tumblers and some of the things you need to consider before purchasing one. Tumblers can be a great way to compost your organic waste, but they are not perfect. You need to be aware of some disadvantages before purchasing a tumbler. However, if you keep these disadvantages in mind, you should be able to find the perfect tumbler for your needs.