Home composting bins
Practical Action
Attracts rodents,
flies, or other
animals (rats,
crows, dogs etc.)
Attracts insects,
millipedes, slugs,
etc.
Inappropriate
materials (like
meat, oil, bones),
Material like fresh
food is too close to
the surface of the
bin.
This is normal in
composting and
part of the natural
degradation
process.
Do not add inappropriate materials to a
compost bin (large scale).
Switch to a rodent-proof safe bin.
Sometimes become a problem. Use
proper bin design which can keep away
from household pest like cockroaches,
slugs, spiders
Table: 3. Advantages and disadvantages of composting bins
Advantages
Disadvantages
Management practices are easy
High cost for purchasing(Rs. 1000/- to
since it eliminates external weather conditions. 2500/-)
Minimum animal/pest attractions due to safe
bin designs.
Improper/poor designs create problems
and therefore it can discourage bin users.
Improve hygiene conditions of the surrounding
environment.
Takes less space in the garden.
The unit is movable and can locate
on any place in the garden
Need proper maintenance ( if proper
moisture level is not maintained unpleasant
odour, and vermin problems will occur)
Some poor designs stops contribution of soil
micro-organisms and earthworms to the
degradation process.
Aesthetically good looking
Compost collection can be commenced 2-3 months after starting the bin. The time taken for
composting depends on the material added to the bin and maintenance practices that are
followed. Removed compost must heap up outside (1-2 weeks) for maturation. This reduces the
phytotoxic compounds in the compost. In order to obtain a uniform product, this compost is sent
through a 4 mm mesh. Oversize particles can be sent back to the bin for further decomposition.
The quality of the compost
The following features are visible when the compositing is completed in a proper manner. Good
quality control programme is required if it is intended to market or commercialise the product,
targeting the large scale agricultural systems (especially for organic farming).
Dark brown to black in colour.
Practically insoluble in water.
Has a C/N Ratio ranging from 10 to 20.
Has a beneficial effect both on the soil and the growing crops.
Free from weed seeds and pathogens.
But precaution is necessary when using compost produced from mixed garbage. This compost
may be contaminated with,
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