Making Own Rotavating Composter? & Cheap Water Butt?

dogstarheaven

I want to make my own composter that can rotate as I found out that this is one of the best methods other than the pallet-boxed variety that's usually advised. As I have a small garden I feel that this would be more suitable for me, but am not sure how to go about it, and I'd also like other ppl's experiences of different composting bins/methods. I thought of making one out of a bin either in plastic or metal and puncture holes throughout the sides. I know that it's an art to making good compost and realised that you need certain principles to go on such as: aeration, heat and appropriate organic matter. using a metal bin would be better in retaining the heat I guess. Unfortunately, I don't have the right combination of 25% kitchen waste with the rest, 75% in garden waste. Mostly, I'd have veg peelings to put and a bit of paper (junk mail and w/end newspaper). The garden waste would mostly be perennial weeds, and I hear that they're not recmd for composting.

What do you lot about this? I just want to start composting as I always feel that I'm wasting too much whilst I use fresh veg all the time. I did think about getting a council composter, but read that it'll be better getting a rotavating kind, and thought it'd be a lot cheaper making my own (the ones on sale are £65!).
I'm also interested in getting a water butt
but am unsure of finding out where to get hold of the cheapest one that can deliver.

thanks for your replies in advance!:j

Lotus-eater

I've never used a rotating compost bin, but I have spoken to lots that have, most of the more experienced composters say not to bother with one. A small amount have said they are good.
To get the best out of one, you do need to use the right mix of ingredients, you do need to turn it when you should do and have good air temps to get the quick results.
For me, too much hassle.

If you wanted to make one, just get a big round something and roll it round the lawn.

tim_n

Just been in wilkos and they're £14.99 for 120l with tap.

You can go to salvagers and they've often got the big blue ones for about £5.

You don't need a tap, if you keep it on a firm floor base you can just dip your watering can in. If you want a hoze, you can always sling it into the barrel and use it to syphon (some sucking required)

If you can't reach to dip the watering can in, just dig a hole, put the barrel in the hole and hey presto, you should be able to comfortably put the watering can in.

If you get the wilkos one and don't want to spend money on a silly plastic base to raise it off the ground, go to your local friendly mechanic and ask for a couple. They have to pay to get rid of them. Fill them with earth, concrete chunks or whatever you have lying around and put barrel on top. I have two tyres under mine.

I concur with Lotus-eater - rotating compost bins are a bit of a waste of time and effort, just make two composting heaps and switch to the other when the first is full, then dig out the compost from the full one.

No idea where you will get a waterbutt delivered - you may get one from the council at a cut rate but they do tend to just dump them on the front lawn in my experience.

bordercars

tumbling compost, not sure if it works but to make one ..

how about going down the tip get a drum from a washing machine, you would need to blank 1 end ( where washing went) shuv an axle thro it and rest on an A frame, cut a door in the drum, hinged to fill thro. i would place a drip tray underneath to catch the liquid which i guess is good feed, cheap solution to trial something.. oh and if you do make one post back so it comes up in a search for future