How to Buy a Compost Tumbler

Composting is a great way to turn your food and yard scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. It’s also good for the environment: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 30% of what is sent to landfills could actually be composted, saving space and reducing greenhouse gases.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceUnited States Environmental Protection AgencyIndependent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practicesGo to source} A tumbler makes it easier to turn and aerate your compost pile, which can reduce the time needed for your scraps to decompose into rich compost. Additionally, tumblers protect your compost pile from animals and weather. If you select the right model for your needs, your tumbler can help you make great compost for years to come.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Determining the Right Size

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Choose a 30–40 US gal (110–150 L) model for everyday kitchen scraps. For individuals or households with 2-3 people, a barrel with a capacity of 30–40 gallons (110–150 L) should be sufficient to compost your daily kitchen and household throw outs. These “back porch” models are small, unobtrusive and a good option if you accumulate less than 2 trash bags of compostable material per month.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Smaller models are also helpful if you have shoulder, back, or strength issues, as they are much easier to turn than larger tumblers, especially when full.^{[3]XResearch source}
- If you also have some occasional grass clippings (from mowing a small lawn) or plant trimmings, this smaller model may still be a sufficient size; however, if you have any deciduous trees in your yard, it likely will not be large enough to accommodate the fallen leaves.
If you generate 2-3 trash bags of material per month, you’ll want to purchase a medium-sized tumbler. These models can be great for 3-4 person households with average food waste in addition to a moderately sized yard. If your gardening activities involve mowing the grass, trimming a couple garden plots, and raking up leaves from 1-2 smaller trees, a medium-sized tumbler should probably be sufficient.^{[4]XResearch source}
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Go larger than 80 gallons (300 L) if you accumulate 10+ trash bags of organic material monthly. Larger models are a great option if you have a large lawn, many deciduous trees, frequently trimmed hedges, and/or a vegetable garden. They may also be helpful for households with more than 4 people, especially if you consume a lot of fruits and vegetables.
- Larger composters need to be turned more frequently than smaller models in order to ensure proper oxygen supply to feed decomposition. Try turning these larger models 1-2 times per day to begin.^{[5]XResearch source}
- If your yard has several large deciduous trees, you’ll probably get more leaves than any single tumbler can hold, even if it’s a particularly large one. Consider purchasing a second tumbler or coordinating with neighbors who compost.^{[6]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Selecting the Appropriate Model

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Pick a horizontally-mounted barrel for simple composting. The most common type of compost tumbler features a plastic barrel mounted horizontally. The barrel typically has an access hatch on the side that allows you to add and remove materials. Some are held higher off the ground by wooden or metal legs with a center post running through the length of the barrel. Others sit closer to the ground, resting on a specialized base that allows for turning.^{[7]XResearch source}
- If you make a large amount of compost or have trouble crouching over, you may want to opt for a tumbler mounted on legs. These models allow you to roll a wheelbarrow directly under the drum and dump finished compost directly in.
- When purchasing a tumbler, inspect the supporting legs (if your model has them) and central axis connection by giving them shake. They should be strong and stable to hold up to heavy compost loads and years of use. The longest-lasting models will have a corrosion-resistant steel frame.^{[8]XResearch source}
2
Try a vertically-mounted tumbler to break up compost more quickly. Similar to horizontally-mounted options, vertically-mounted tumblers are also barrel-shaped. However, these barrels are mounted on a stand that holds them vertically, with a central axle running through the sides. Generally, these tumblers have hatches for adding and removing compost materials on either end of the barrel. Vertically-mounted tumblers tend to break up compost more easily since it tumbles end-over-end, dropping the materials from a greater height.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Vertically-mounted tumblers can be harder to turn than horizontal options, especially when they’re full.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Before purchasing a vertically-mounted tumbler, be sure to check the legs and central axle by manually applying pressure and giving the frame a god shake. The frame should be stable and should not wobble or fall over in order to support heavy loads and frequent use.
3
Look for an option with a crank for easier turning. Although many compost tumblers (both horizontally- and vertically-mounted) feature indentations molded into the drum for hand grips, they can still be difficult to turn, especially when full. If you have back, shoulder, or strength issues, you may want to look for horizontally-mounted models that feature a crank. This handle will make it easier to turn the barrel.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Crank-operated models are nearly always situated higher off the ground, making them easier to empty as well. Simply roll a wheelbarrow under the drum and open the hatch to unload finished compost.
4
Select a dual-chambered tumbler for continuous composting. Most tumblers have a single chambered barrel with one large interior space. Once it’s full, you’ll need to stop adding materials and allow 4-8 weeks for the compost to break down. A dual-chambered tumbler contains 2 interior spaces, which means that you can continue to fill one chamber while the other breaks down your waste. This way, you can use your composter continually, without pausing between batches.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Generally, the 2 chambers of these tumblers have less capacity than a large, single-chambered model, meaning you’ll get multiple smaller batches of compost more frequently.^{[13]XResearch source}
5
Opt for a spherical tumbler for an easily-movable choice. Rolling composters are generally made of plastic and shaped like a large, hollow ball. Since you can roll the composter directly to your garden bed, it can be easier to fill than other models and doesn’t require the use of a wheelbarrow. To tumble your compost, simply roll the sphere around your yard.^{[14]XResearch source}
- Most spherical tumblers are sold with specially made stands to keep them from rolling around when not in use.
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Most tumblers only need to be turned a few times a week. However, larger composters need to be turned more frequently (approximately once per day) in order to ensure proper oxygen supply.^{[15]XResearch source}
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Cooler temperatures can slow the composting process, which depends on heat to break down materials. If you live somewhere with cold winters, consider moving your tumbler into a garage or shed once temperatures drop in order to keep producing quick and regular batches of compost.^{[16]XResearch source}
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For easier use, look for compost tumblers with hinged doors or plastic fittings instead of screws to secure the doors. Hinged doors and plastic fittings allow you to simply unlatch or slide out the door to fill or empty the tumbler. Dirt can clog screw threads.
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