How to get a compost bin

Which bin do I need?

Compost bin or food digester - which is right for you?

There is a choice of containers (sometimes available at a discounted rate), but which is the right one for you? On this page the differences are explained so you can work out which suits you and your lifestyle.

Compost bins

These are an easy way to turn everyday household waste into nutritious food for the garden. To keep your compost bin happy, you will need a garden or outdoor space. Bins need to be placed in a sunny part of the garden on a flat area of grass or soil.

A standard compost bin can take garden waste, paper and cardboard. You can also add some uncooked kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable peelings and teabags. Never put cooked food, eggs, meat, fish or dairy in a compost bin. After approximately nine to 12 months your bin will have created lovely compost.

Food digesters

These are great for households that create a lot of food waste or have little outdoor space. There are a number of different varieties available and that's where it gets confusing. Some food digesters are placed in the garden similar to a compost bin. Other smaller varieties can be kept indoors.

Most food digesters can take uncooked kitchen waste such as peelings and teabags, as well as cooked waste including meat, fish and dairy. Food digesters then turn the waste into food for your plants or garden in the form of soil improvers, liquid fertilisers or healthy nutrients. Take care when choosing a food digester. Make sure you pick a food digester that is suitable for you and the kind of waste you create. Whatever your needs, there is a food digester to suit you.

Still confused?

Come along to one of the local events, or visit the county council composting page (lesswaste.org.uk)

Happy composting.

Last updated: 03/04/2023 14:03