Did you know that it’s possible to turn garbage into vegetables? Well, it may not be a magic trick, but you can at least turn garbage into compost, which vegetables absolutely love and flourish in.

While the process may sound simple enough, to make it even easier on yourself, you should get a compost bin.

Available in a wide array of sizes, shapes, and styles, composters are made to help you create compost the most efficient way possible. We have all the top compost bins for you right here, so let’s get started!

Best Compost Tumblers

	Envirocycle Composter Bin	FCMP Tumbling Composter	DF Omer Garden Composter Bin
Size:	35 Gallons	37 Gallons	110 Gallons
Tumbling:	Yes	Yes	No
Material:	BPA-free plastic	BPA-free polypropylene	Premium recycled plastic

For more of my home and garden recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Rain Barrels, Greenhouse Kits, Outdoor Storage Sheds.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Compost Bins For 2021

1. Envirocycle Most Beautiful Composter in The World
2. FCMP Outdoor IM4000 Tumbling Composter
3. Goplus Outdoor Composter
4. SQUEEZE Master Large Compost Tumbler Bin
5. DF Omer Garden Composter Bin
6. EJWOX Composting Tumbler
7. Precioso Compost Wizard Dueling Tumbler

Our reviews to the top rated compost bins with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right one for you.

Compost Bins Reviews

#1 Envirocycle Composter Bin

Often considered to be the best composter in terms of looks and functionality is the Envirocycle The Most Beautiful Composter in The World.

Its name is pretty literal, but it lives up to it, coming in either all-black, or all-pink which we’ve never seen before. However, it’s much more than just looks, and you’re about to find out why.

Producing both solid and liquid compost – whichever you prefer – it’s one of the most durable models out there. Built to hold up to all kinds of weather conditions, it’s made of plastic.

However, this isn’t a cheap plastic which could damage the quality of your compost. This plastic is BPA-and-rust-free, food-safe, and UV-and-antioxidant-protected.

The US-made model requires no assembly, so as soon as it lands on your doorstep, you can get it out and start using it immediately!

The innovative design has a compost tea collective base, making it a clean and pleasant experience no matter where you use it.

You can place it in the yard, or even on your balcony or patio; with the attractive design it’s anything but an eyesore.

The compost tumbler drum rotates on top of the base to make solid compost, and the base lets you seamlessly collect the excess liquid from the drum, which is the “tea” we just mentioned and is an amazing fertilizer your plants and veggies shouldn’t miss out on.

#2 FCMP Outdoor IM4000 Tumbling Composter

Are you on the hunt for the best compost bin for beginners? Then look no further than the FCMP Outdoor IM4000 Tumbling Composter.

The black bin features an 8-sided dual chamber perfect for creating double the amount of compost as most can offer.

Just like the previous model, this one is also a tumbling composter, so you never have to deal with digging and mixing the pile by hand which can honestly get a bit gross and messy after a while.

All you have to do is put in the compost, close the door, and make sure you’re regularly turning it around every 2-3 days, 5 to 6 times.

Due to the large openings and removable door, it’s ideal for newbies as you will easily be able to add in scraps and remove the finished compost. The deep insets offer a more user-friendly, ergonomic handhold, too.

No matter what time of the year it is, your compost pile will benefit from wonderful air flow. The aeration holes and the deep fins help to break up larger bunches of compost and will help add in oxygen which is important for the nutrients.

Made of the same BPA-free polypropylene as the last model, it won’t break down in the sun and the galvanized steel legs/frame are also resistant to rust. You can keep it outdoors all year-round without worry of it disintegrating.

#3 Goplus Outdoor Composter

If the last 2 models were simply too small for what you have in mind, then we have the perfect alternative for you: the Goplus Outdoor Composter..

With this model, you’ll be able to create up to 3 times the amount of compost as the previous bins allow for. If you have a large garden that needs tending to, this is the best option.

Goplus is a reliable company that’s been around for over 25 years now, giving them the knowledge and experience to develop equally reliable products that will last you for years in the future.

We’ll admit that it’s not the most attractive model out there, but it’s thick and robust, and gets the job done with ease.

The sturdy construction helps to insulate heat which helps breakdown waste to create the most nutrient-rich soil your plants and vegetables have ever seen.

Made from the same polypropylene, 100% recycled material the previous models are also made out of, it won’t cause any harm to your compost. In addition, the locking self-watering lid helps expedite the composting process while keeping animals out!

The large opening allows for easy access, and 2 sliding doors also make the removal process easier. Just keep in mind that this best backyard composter doesn’t have a tumbling function, so you’ll have to mix the compost yourself regularly.

#4 SQUEEZE Master Large Compost Tumbler Bin

The SQUEEZE Master may look quite simple, but it’s one of our favorite tumbling composters. We’re not the only ones who think so either; if you take a look at just about any of the best outdoor compost bin reviews, this is sure to make the list.

Coming in an all-black design, or opt for blue or purple accents, they look pretty cool, too!

Made of PP and BPA-free material, it won’t ever harm your compost. On top of that, it has improved cold resistance, so it does well in any season or weather condition.

The steel frame may be thin but it’s incredibly durable and won’t rust, either. With a max load bearing of a whopping 352 pounds, it’s a compact design that can hold a ton of compost.

This is another nice selection for beginners, due to the easy to use sliding doors, where you can place the scraps into without struggle.

Just make sure you’re rotating the tumbler 6-7 times a couple times a week. Air holes allow for excellent aeration as well, making sure composting is as seamless as possible.

If that weren’t enough, this composter is also incredibly affordable. If you’re on a tight budget or aren’t sure yet if you’re going to like composting, we greatly suggest giving this tumbler a try!

#5 DF Omer Garden Composter Bin

Looking for the best home composter on a budget? While we already presented a couple desirable options further up on our list, the DF Omer Garden Composter Bin is also an excellent selection.

With the capability to hold up to a whopping 110 gallons of compost, it’s perfect if you’re going to need larger volumes, too.

While it’s not a tumbling unit and you’ll be required to mix the compost yourself, it’s easy to assemble and relatively easy to use, as well.

Made from premium recycled plastic that’s free of BPA and any other toxins, you’re going to make the process as eco-friendly as possible while still making sure the valuable nutrients stay put.

The black PP plastic is incredible at maintaining heat and regulating moisture so you get more compost in a shorter amount of time.

Quick assembly means you’ll spend less time hassling with it and more time actually being productive. The secure lid keeps animals and any other intruders away from the food scraps too, so you can just set it and not have to worry about any would-be thieves!

While you’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening soil, and saving money, your plants and vegetables will thank you!

Coming with a 2-year warranty, you can rest assured that you won’t have to put out more money for poorly-made products.

#6 EJWOX Composting Tumbler

The EJWOX Composting Tumbler draws similarities to a couple of other models on this guide, coming in either all-black, or black with yellow or green accents.

The dual chamber bin is perfect for continuous composting.

While single bin options make you start over from zero once your compost is finished and used, this one lets you empty one while the other is still full so you’re the most efficient!

Once it arrives at your home, you’ll have to do a fair bit of assembling. It’s not difficult, but it does take a bit longer than the others on our guide.

The body is made of BPA-free plastic material to ensure no toxins get into your compost – only the good stuff. The frame is comprised of solid steel, and even comes with a powder coating to prevent rusting.

This makes it one of the best outdoor compost bins for wet conditions, perfect if you live in an area that sees significant snow or rainfall.

The loading height is great for the entire family to use, allowing you to easily fit a cart under the composter. All you have to do is rotate the barrel and it will fall right into it!

The tumbling feature also makes for a better compost, with excellent aeration. The convenient slide doors also let you keep track of each batch without struggle.

#7 Precioso Compost Wizard Dueling Tumbler

Ending our product reviews on a positive note, we present you with the best compost tumbler: the Precioso Compost Wizard Dueling Tumbler..

This tumbler is perfect if you have pets and children around, with their 8” secure twist lids that won’t come loose unless you want to open up the chambers.

Just like the previous model, it’s also a dual composter, so you’ll be able to do composting non-stop!

Thanks to the secure twist lids, the bin will also never have to experience intruders, such as mice, birds, and more.

It has quite a few similarities to the first product on our guide, from looks to functionality. Each 25-gallon chamber is separated and can compost on its own.

In addition, you’ll find a compost tea collecting base which gathers the excess composting liquid that is perfect for use on roots and in the soil.

Comprised of BPA-free plastic in the United States, it’s also FDA-approved so you can be assured it’s safe to use on your vegetables and other plants.

Not only that, but it does a great job of insulating and keeping the heat in so you’ll be able to produce compost quicker than ever before.

Home Composter Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Backyard Compost Bin – Buying Guide

Now that you’ve had the chance to read all about the best garden compost bins currently available on the market, do you know which one is right for you and your plants?

If you’re still undecided, there’s no need to worry. We know it can be a difficult choice when there are so many excellent products to choose from. Moreover, if you’ve never composted before, you may not know exactly what you should be looking for.

That’s where we come in. We’ve decided to take it upon ourselves to write up the handy buying guide, below. This guide will lead you through every consideration to take so that by the time you’re finished reading, there will be no doubt which is the compost bin for you!

Materials

As you can see, the vast majority of high-quality composters are made from dark-colored recycled plastic. This serves two purposes. One, the dark color helps absorb heat from the sun, and also reduces the amount of moisture lost.

Both of these factors are crucial if you want a good compost that doesn’t take a long time to make, as it will help speed up the decomposition process. As they’re recycled, they minimize the negative impact on the environment. Many are BPA-free, too, which ensure that your plants and vegetables won’t be affected negatively.

Shape

For many people who are new and inexperienced to composting, they don’t consider the shape of the models. A round container is usually the most coveted as you don’t have to worry about “cold corners”, or the areas that are harder to reach with a mixing tool.

These spots are generally going to decompose at a much slower rate because of this. However, square bins have a really pleasing, uniform look, especially when placed along the fence or in the corner of a yard.

Tumbling or Non-Tumbling

You’ve probably noticed by now that there are both on our guide. Which one is the best? That’s all down to your personal preference. If you’re not very experienced with composting, then we recommend opting for a tumbling model.

When composting, it’s necessary to regularly mix the scraps together to more efficiently create the desired compost. With traditional models, you’ll use a pitchfork or mixing tool to do this, and as you can imagine, this takes more time and effort. On top of that, there’s the chance that you won’t be able to reach everything and adequately mix it together.

With tumbling models you just toss in the scraps and rotate it. This is very easy and quick to do and you can rotate it 6-7 times a couple times a week, and you’re all set. This saves a ton of time and worry and will result in a better compost if you’re not that experienced.

Capacity

How big is your yard? If you have a small one or are just starting out, a small bin will probably suffice. However, if you have a large yard with a good amount of organic waste, we highly recommend going for a bigger option.

Just remember that larger bins can be harder to maintain, as they’re more difficult to turn and require more work to keep the pile working properly.

Small bins work well for beginners as they are affected more by outside temperatures and dry out quicker than their larger counterparts.

What’s considered a “small” container, and what’s considered a “large” one? A small model would hold around 30 – 50 gallons, while large ones have a capacity around 100 gallons. That’s quite the difference! Also make sure to pay attention to the double models that have 2 separate compartments built into one bin.

For example, each side may hold 25 gallons, so together, the capacity would be 50 gallons. These are actually preferential if you regularly use compost, so you can constantly be making more and never go without.

Air Ventilation

We briefly spoke about this throughout the product reviews, but ventilation is crucial to a good compost.

Oxygen is necessary for many of the microorganisms that work to decompose organic matter, and without this oxygen, your pile is going to decompose at a glacial pace which is only going to result in a slimy, smelly disaster that isn’t going to make you any friends in the neighborhood.

That means your composter needs dedicated air holes or slits throughout the offer aeration at all times.

Durability

Durability is huge and directly affects the price oftentimes. If you’re thinking about getting into composting but aren’t sure you’re going to enjoy it or are able to spend much time on it, then this may not be all that important to you.

You could purchase a model that lasts around a year, and after that year, if you decide you enjoyed it you can spend more money on a longer lasting alternative.

However, we always recommend going for the better options, and those are the bins that will last you throughout the year – year after year. These won’t disintegrate or fade in the sunlight, nor will they rust or break down in moisture.

Price

How much are you willing to spend on your new composting bin? It’s a smart idea to figure out a budget for yourself before you start shopping around, as this can be all too easy to overspend.

Create a number for yourself and don’t go over it. You can feel confident knowing that whatever your budget is, we have at least one model that will fit into it.

Just keep in mind that when you go up in price, oftentimes it ends up paying for itself in one way or another. Many times this is through added durability.

More expensive options often last years longer than cheaper ones, so instead of having to spend more cash on a new one, you’ll still have the original performing as it should be and looking great.

Warranty

This goes hand-in-hand with pricing in many ways. A good warranty can save you from having to go out and purchase a new compost bin. We recommend finding a model that comes with at minimum, a 1-year warranty. We see warranties as the manufacturer attesting to how durable they think their products are.

If they think they’ll last a few months, they’re obviously not going to put a 1-year warranty on it, right? However, there are bins out there that come with even longer warranties. The longer, the better!

FAQs About Composting Bins

Q: Are compost bins any good?

A: Yes, they are. They can help create compost at rapid speeds, much more effectively than if you were to not use one! They also streamline the process, making it clean and easy to do.

Q: Are eggshells good for compost?

A: They’re great, actually! We highly recommend adding in some eggshells to your compost bin if you can. They add calcium, which works wonders for helping build cellular walls of plants.

Q: What should you not compost?

A: You should never compost any meat, fish, egg (except the shells), or poultry scraps. Not only will they create horrible odors, but they attract pests like crazy. Dairy products have the same issue, along with fats, grease, lard, and oils.

If you want a place to dispose of coal or charcoal ash, compost bins are not the place. These, along with diseased or insect-ridden plants are harmful to plants and can spread diseases. Pet waste can do the same, along with yard trimmings which are treated with pesticides. Finally, black walnut tree leaves and/or twigs should never be included as they can harm plants, too.

Q: Do compost bins smell?

A: It can, if there’s something wrong with your compost pile. This is typically a sign that the pile isn’t correctly heating up and decomposing the organic material. However, if you’re composting manure then yes, it’s going to smell like manure. Just know that a correctly-balanced compost bile should not have any foul odor.

Q: Are tumbling composters better?

A: There is no “better” – it all comes down to your personal preferences! If you’re a beginner and don’t have much experience, then a tumbling composter can be a great help. As you won’t have to get in there with a pitchfork or mixing tool, you’ll spend less time and effort on it. This is perfect as you won’t risk missing any spots and will create compost in the most effective way possible, with the least amount of effort and a greater chance of success.

Q: Is newspaper good for compost?

A: While it’s safe to compost, we wouldn’t really recommend it as it contains lignin which breaks down at an extremely slow rate.

Tips For Choosing Composting Bins

#1: If you’re a beginner or are teaching a child how to properly compost, go for a tumbling bin.

These bins are great as they have large openings to toss in the scraps, which children can help do. In addition, the child can help turn the bin as it doesn’t often require much upper body strength. If you’re a beginner, this is a great way to get into composting without risking an improperly-balanced compost pile.

#2: Determine your composting goals.

Do you want to simply keep your garden tidy? Do you want to create an abundance of rich compost for your garden to boost fertility and reduce fertilizer use? Would you like to help the environment by recycling the foot waste that is able to be composted? This will also influence the amount of compost you create, consequently affecting the capacity of the bin you require.

#3: How much effort and time are you willing to put in?

Big compost bins are oftentimes worth it if you want a lot of product. However, you’ll need to put in more time and effort. If you want to spend the least amount of both possible, then go for a smaller tumbling bin.

How to Make Compost With a Compost Tumbler

Summary

Now that you’ve learned just about everything you could want to about choosing a good composting bin, which one is the right one for you? No matter which one you choose, know that you’re getting one of the best on the market today.

However, what’s most important is that you’re selecting the model which suits your needs and garden just right. We hope our guide has helped you to do exactly that. Thanks for tuning in and happy composting!

How We Researched

To come up with the top compost bins, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Home Depot, Lowes, Target and Wayfair  along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in yard design and home repairs.

The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from landscapers, bloggers and contractors.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources