If you’re sick of smelly waste sitting by the back door, and tired of buying bag after bag of compost every spring, a compost bin could be your answer.
The right compost bin makes turning trash into organic gold simple and fun, cutting waste and saving money in the long run.
After years of trialling different compost setups – from leaky tumblers to bins that steam through winter – here are my top outdoor compost bin picks for you to choose from.
Top Picks
A sturdy, weatherproof bin made from recycled plastic. Large enough for most gardens, pest-resistant, and built to last.
Read more
|
What we like: ✅ Sturdy ✅ Large capacity ✅ Pest-resistant |
What we don’t like: Assembly takes time Not ideal for small yards |
Made from 100% recycled plastic, the SoilSaver has become a staple for backyard composting in North America. It’s big enough to handle both daily kitchen scraps and yard trimmings, but compact enough to fit against a fence or shed. Locking lids keep pests out, while large access panels make turning and removing compost easy.
In my experience, it’s one of the most “set-and-forget” bins out there — no moving parts, no fiddly mechanisms, just solid composting. It’s also a great choice if you’re in a colder region, as the thick black walls help retain heat and keep the process ticking over through winter.
Simple, affordable, and great for big batches of yard waste. Adjustable size up to 246 gallons, ideal for leaves and grass clippings.
Read more
|
What we like: ✅ Huge capacity (up to 246 gallons) ✅ Excellent airflow ✅ Simple, affordable setup |
What we don’t like: No insulation for colder weather Less rigid and not the neatest look |
The GEOBIN is about as simple as composting gets. It’s a flexible, perforated cylinder that you can expand up to 246 gallons — a serious amount of capacity for the price. The open design provides excellent airflow, though the lack of insulation means decomposition can take a little longer, especially in cooler weather.
It’s not going to win any style awards, but if you need a quick, affordable way to process large volumes of garden waste, the GEOBIN is hard to beat.
A natural cedar compost bin that looks great and breathes well. Rot-resistant, easy to assemble, and expandable for larger composting setups.
Read more
|
What we like: ✅ Attractive natural cedar design ✅ Strong airflow through slatted sides ✅ Rot-resistant and sustainable material |
What we don’t like: Requires occasional tightening and oiling Wood can weather over time if untreated |
The Greenes Fence Cedar Compost Bin offers a simple, natural way to compost while blending into your garden. Its slatted cedar panels promote excellent airflow, helping materials break down quickly while keeping odors low.
Cedar’s natural oils resist rot and insects, so it stands up well outdoors for years. A quick coat of wood oil or sealant each season helps preserve its color and longevity. If you want a compost bin that looks as good as it performs, this is a solid choice.
Best Compost Tumblers
In a nutshell: Great for quick composting – though capacity and moisture control can be limiting.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of tumblers. Their smaller size means more frequent emptying, and some models can let water in if left uncovered. That said, some composters love them, and they are certainly easy to turn!
A two-chamber tumbler for continuous composting. Great airflow and easy turning make it ideal for quick, mess-free results.
Read more
|
What we like: ✅ Dual-chamber design for continuous composting ✅ Good 105-gallon capacity ✅ Built-in aeration fins for faster results |
What we don’t like: Can be heavy when full Requires regular turning for best results |
At 105 gallons, this tumbler offers impressive capacity for its type. With two separate chambers, you can keep one side composting while filling the other — giving you a steady supply of usable compost. Built-in aeration fins help break up material as you turn it, speeding up the process and improving airflow.
Read more
|
What we like: ✅ Excellent value for money ✅ Dual chambers for continuous composting ✅ Surprisingly sturdy — still going strong after two years |
What we don’t like: Lets in water during heavy rain Painful to assemble — expect some patience required |
The VIVOSUN Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler is one of Amazon’s best sellers — and with good reason. It’s affordable, easy to use once built, and provides a simple way to keep one batch composting while you start a new one.
I’ve had mine for two years, and despite its low price, it’s proved remarkably sturdy. It does let in water, so it’s best kept in a covered area, and I’ll admit the assembly process was frustrating. But for performance and value, it’s a great budget option that keeps on turning.
How to Choose a Compost Bin
In a nutshell: The best compost bin for you depends on what you compost, your climate, how much space you have, and how hands-on you want to be.
- Think About What You’ll Compost
If you’re mainly composting yard waste – leaves, grass, and branches – a large stationary bin or open design like the GEOBIN makes sense. These have the capacity to handle bulkier material and work well even if you’re not turning the pile often.
If most of your waste comes from the kitchen, choose a more enclosed system such as a tumbler or insulated bin. These keep smells down and pests out, and they break down softer materials quickly.
- Consider Your Climate
Composting slows down in cold weather, so insulation matters if you want year-round results. Bins with thick plastic walls, like the SoilSaver, hold heat well, while insulated models such as the HOTBIN can stay active even through winter.
Worm bins are often seen as an indoor option, but I keep mine in a woodshed — and in winter, it moves into the polytunnel. They’ve survived air temperatures below freezing, though they do slow down in cold weather and the population dips a little.
If you’re in a mild climate, or can keep your bin sheltered, they’re a perfectly valid choice for outdoor composting.
- Space and Appearance
If you’ve got plenty of space, go big. Larger compost bins not only handle more waste but also maintain heat better. If you’re short on space or want something tidy for a patio, go for a compact tumbler or a wooden bin that blends into your garden.
- Effort and Maintenance
Stationary bins are simple to use and often great value. It’s always worth turning them at least once, but if you mix in plenty of bulking material — such as chopped leaves or small twigs — you’ll still get good airflow. That means you’ll make compost even if it takes a little longer.
Tumblers take care of turning with just a few spins, but their smaller capacity means you’ll be emptying them more often, and they can either get too wet or dry out quickly depending on the weather and climate.
I love wooden bins, but they do need a touch of seasonal care. A quick oil or tightening once a year keeps them sturdy and looking good for seasons to come.
Finally…
In the end, the best compost bin is the one you’ll actually use. Whether that’s a simple open bin, a tumbler you can spin every few days, or a wooden setup that looks good by the shed, the key is to start. Once you’ve built the habit, you’ll wonder why you ever threw organic waste away.