Compost bins are not absolutely necessary; but in our hot and dry climate, they really help keep the pile from drying out which cuts down on the composting time tremendously. Bins also help keep the composting area neat and the neighbors happy.

Hot compost piles need regular turning so the bin must be designed to make this easy. Hot composting also requires a bin at least 3'x3'x3' to retain it's heat efficiently. Other less critical considerations include the bin's appearance, convenience and cost.

For a quick and easy but a little pricey solution, several commercial bins are available. Commercial bins come in two flavors, those designed for active composting and those best suited for passive composting (Check out the commercial bin list).

For the thrifty, several versatile build-your-own designs are possible. Homemade bins also have the advantage that they can be custom designed for your particular needs or the available space. Check out the following examples;

• Wooden Pallet Bin
• Stackable Wood Bin
• Wire Mesh Compost Bin