There is no perfect compost bin. There are bins that match the available space, the local climate, the volume of kitchen and garden waste, and the patience of the gardener tending them. Most beginners overbuy at this point, choosing a tumbler when an open heap would be simpler, or vice versa. Both choices can work, but they suit different situations.
This guide walks through the four bin types we have actually used over the years and which we now recommend for a small backyard.
Open heap
The simplest. A 1 m³ corner of the yard, ideally enclosed by three sides of old fence boards or pallets. Throw in kitchen scraps, leaves, garden trimmings. Turn occasionally with a fork.
- Pros: free or nearly free; large volume; forgiving.
- Cons: slower (8-12 months); less tidy; can attract animals.
Closed plastic bin (Daleks, hot bins)
Lidded plastic bin, usually black, on the ground. Local councils often subsidise these. Generally 200-330 litre capacity.
- Pros: tidy; rodent-resistant if well-managed; works well in small yards.
- Cons: hard to turn the contents; sometimes goes wet and stagnant.
Tumbler bin
Drum on a frame that you rotate to mix. Sealed, fast (6-12 weeks for finished compost), keeps things tidy.
- Pros: fast; tidy; rodent-proof; manageable for small spaces.
- Cons: small batch volume; needs frequent turning; expensive.
Three-bay system
Three adjacent compartments, each 1 m³. You build a pile in one bay, transfer to the next when partly broken down, and finish in the third. Wonderfully efficient for larger gardens.
- Pros: high volume; clear stages of decomposition; satisfying.
- Cons: takes 3 m of yard space; building effort.
What we use ourselves
A 330 litre Dalek-style council bin near the kitchen door for daily scraps, plus an open heap at the back of the garden for autumn leaves and major garden trimmings. The combination handles all the material our small household produces over a year.
How to choose for your space
- No yard, balcony only: worm bin or bokashi (covered in other guides).
- Small yard (under 50 m²): council Dalek or tumbler bin.
- Medium yard (50-200 m²): tumbler plus a small heap.
- Large yard (200+ m²): three-bay system or large heap.
Common beginner concerns
Will it smell?
A properly balanced compost heap smells like forest floor. A wet, anaerobic pile smells sour and indicates too much green material or too much water.
Will it attract rats?
Open heaps can. Sealed bins generally do not. Avoid adding cooked food, meat, dairy, oil to any system.
Does it need to be in sun?
A spot with some sun warms the pile and speeds decomposition, but full shade also works (slower).
Further reading
Two authoritative resources we recommend if you want to go deeper on this topic:
Frequently asked questions
