Home composting bins
Practical Action
Design Improvements for a solid lid is important for easy handling and to prevent pests
entering. Prior to the solids lids, there were galvanized lids that were of light weight.
These lids did not cover the bins properly as they were not steady. Therefore, a thin
concrete lid was designed to cover the bin well so that the lid would not fall off. As these
concrete lids are solid, it keeps away from pest and prevents any rain water entering.
In the new design, all breakable components are reinforced with irons which help to
withstand under rough handling. Therefore, it gives extra strength to the new bin with
three compost removing doors.
Rats entering the bin was a major problem that was encountered before in earlier designs
with poorly fitted doors. The modified design includes a simple locking system to keep
the bin door tightly closed to prevent any pests entering the bin.
In the new design, each ring is well fitted with interlocking groves. This minimises
displacing of rings with mixing and other management activities. It also keeps minimum
space to protect from snails and cockroaches.
References and further reading
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/composting
www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/recycle/compost/Home1.htm
Recycling Organic Waste Practical Action Technical Brief
Managing Organic Municipal Waste Practical Action Technical Brief
SLS Standards for composting quality (SLS 1246:2003)
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