Considering the Right Worm Bin

Worm bins are usually made from plastic totes or buckets to concrete cinder blocks and wooden bins or boxes. If you're not sure which material would make the right bin for your situation, you can look at the pros and cons of the three materials for help in your decision.

Plastic Bins

PRO
• Very inexpensive compared to wood or cinder blocks.
• Many sizes and their weight if far less than wood or cinder blocks.
  
• Smaller sizes are convenient for apartment, classroom and under the kitchen sink.
• Can be stacked as units.
• Long-lasting material if kept within suitable temperatures.

CON
• Plastic does not “breathe” like wood and moisture and heat can build up very quickly if too much feed is added.



To build a worm be using a plastic tote

click here.



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Cinder Block Bin


PRO
• Cheaper material for larger outdoor worm farm. (about $1.75/block at big box store)Dimensions are usually 8"x8"x16".
• Can easily reconfigure bin shape or height as needed by adding more layers of block.
• Longer-lasting than wood.
• Bed stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter than wood or plastic (Source:Earthworms for Ecology & Profit).


CON
• Heavier than wood or plastic (28-30# each)- big factor if you have physical limitations.
• Limited to use in larger outdoor areas.



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Wooden Bins



PRO
• Air flow better than plastic
• Better insulator than plastic
• Easier to repair than plastic
• As portable than plastic
• More esthetically pleasing than plastic.


CON
• Lasts 3-5 years, maybe longer depending on use
• Heavier than plastic
  

  If you're thinking of building your own wooden bin, take a look at

  this worm compost bin plan or this one.
  
  If you have the carpentry skills you might want to build a flow- through bin. That's one in which you feed from the top and harvest castings from the bottom. Take a look at this.
  

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  Other considerations:

  ~ How big should my bin be? Generally, your bin should accommodate either one sq.ft. of surface area per pound of waste per week or 2 sq ft of surface area per person.
  

  # of Persons	Waste Generated	Bin Size Needed
  1	1 lb	12x12=1sf
  2	2 lb	17x17=2sf
  3	3 lb	21x21=3sf

  
  
  ~ Am I going to compost inside or outside? That will most likely be dictated by your living environment(apartment, city lot or acreage) and climate.
  

  
  

  These are a few factors that will effect the size and material of your worm bin that need to be considered for successful worm composting.

  If you have any questions, please email me.
  
  
  

  
  
  
  
  
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