What Sort of Compost Tumbler Is Required? (Designs, Functionality, And Benefits)

What Is A Compost Tumbler?

A compost tumbler is a type of barrel that can be turned easily and is usually made of plastic or metal. It’s sealed in such a way that it can be rotated or tumbled. The ingredients could be mixed up more frequently and easily compared to other compost bin designs. It lifted from the ground and was completely sealed. This makes rodents and other pests unable to get into your compost.

Larger contents have more weight, making it harder to turn and spin the compost even while using a handle. They are very durable and well-designed. Their legs are strong enough and hardly break off because they are with thick materials. Despite being kept under the sun, they are still able to last for years without wearing out.

Compost Tumbler Design

Some designs eliminate the need to use a pitchfork or shovel to turn your compost pile during composting. An example of this is a compost tumbler. They do not occupy much space. They can be kept in the backyard.

Smaller types are easier to operate, although it becomes more difficult based on the capacity of the tumbler with more significant types. This type of container is different from a compost bin. The bottom of the compost bin is usually put directly to the ground while a compost tumbler sits on its legs with a door by its side.

A lot of tumblers come in two pieces and are screwed together tightly to avoid sap from leaking out when the tumbler turns. The legs or stands also assemble to the tumbler. The axle must properly attach to the legs to avoid the tumbler separating from the legs while spinning.

Compost Tumbler Functionality

It generates more heat, thereby helping speed up the decomposition process. Although they might be more expensive than regular compost bins, bins have a lot of disadvantages. Turning is achieved in a shorter time while mixing all the ingredients. The tumbler was filled with materials and given some time to heat up.

Majorly, tumblers are with plastic. They have a door that is to load new materials or remove finished compost. The sealed container also helps generate the heat for the composting process, thereby speeding the process of transforming kitchen and garden waste into fine compost.

Method Of Composting Through a Compost Tumbler

The composting process within the barrel is sped up using compost accelerators, manure, or already finished compost. The organic materials break down by the activities of microbes within a favorable environment. While monitoring the process involves turning the tumbler two to three times a week.

Air entered through vents or pipes. Through the regular mixing up of the ingredients, the composting process heats up and matures faster. Compost grows faster when turned regularly, and compost tumblers are designed to make the turning process easier.

All you have to do is rotate the barrel using the attached handle or crankshaft; this turns and mixes the contents in the tumbler. Most compost tumblers are stationary, and they sit on tall legs, so you do not have to bend so much to spin, especially for those with back issues.

7 Benefits Of Compost Tumbler

1. Turning is easier

A compost tumbler makes composting simpler because it can turn and aerate the composting mixture. It takes more energy and time to turn over a compost bin or mix with a fork, and therefore, the compost tumbler is an excellent choice for gardeners.

 2. Composting is faster

In a suitable environment, the composter can complete the composting process relatively quickly. To Ensure the moisture levels are managed, the temperature is regulated. The compost should attain the right balance between the carbon and nitrogen levels, and compost should be ready in just a few weeks.

3. It is easy to use

There is easy access to a tumbler. A lot of them have wheels; this means that they move to change their position. Sealed once the contents come in. Designed to mix the contents once turned, without having to do a lot of hard work.

4. Sealed against rodents and other animals

One of the advantages since it can be closed, and no rodent or animal can contaminate the contents. Sealed apart from the small holes drilled for ventilation. Although some insects were attracted, the tumblers raised above the ground with their legs.

5. It is very convenient and attractive

In comparison to a compost bin or heap, the compost tumbler looks neater and more attractive. They come in several nice designs and keep your garden cleaner and tidier.

6. It produces little odors 

Their seal ensures that they are less smelly, which is cool for homeowners and gardeners. There are times when the composting process gives off some odors, but the tumbler ensures they are minimal. Once monitored properly, strong odors are avoided.

7. The turning process saves time, unlike other bins

As a result of the handle created for spinning, the tumbler saves more time than the regular turning.

Compost Tumbler Drawbacks

1. They are expensive: A compost tumbler is more expensive than a compost bin. Their prices depend on their sizes. However, it does help out a lot, and it’s worth investing in.

2. Worms do not usually survive in a tumbler: When worms add manually, they might not withstand the tumbler’s temperature and eventually die off.

3. It is difficult to add more materials when filled up: Once a tumbler is filled with waste, you will have to wait for your materials to compost. The best way to avoid this is to choose a design with double compartments for harvesting the compost.

4. Large tumblers are more difficult to handle: Larger compost tumblers weigh a lot and can be a drawback to the weight they carry. Despite tumblers being easy to turn, the larger the tumbler, the more difficult its turning process.

5. They attract insects: Normally, all composting systems will attract insects with tumblers; you have to monitor this, especially when opening the door, to avoid a swarm of insects.

Conclusion

The simplest designs for tumblers are rotating barrels. Some designs have cranks to assist in turning. The vents allow fresh air to support the composting process. More complex models use piping to bring oxygen to the barrel to help mix when turned. A tumbler is a better choice of equipment if you have back problems. A tumbler should have drainage holes to allow excess liquid to drain. Larger tumblers produce compost more effectively than smaller ones; not only is it convenient for smaller spaces, it keeps the rodents away.

Do you prefer a compost bin or a compost tumbler? Post a comment with your thoughts below.