The Ultimate Guide to Composting in a Tumbler
Composting is a fantastic way to recycle kitchen scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich goodness for your plants. Not only is it good for your garden, it’s good for the planet! But if you’re not keen on turning a traditional compost heap, then a compost tumbler might be just the thing for you. Here's everything you need to know about composting in a tumbler in the UK.
Overview of Composting in a Tumbler
What is a Compost Tumbler?
A compost tumbler is a sealed, usually drum-shaped container that is rotated to mix the composting materials inside. Some are mounted on a frame, while less common ones can be rolled on the ground. They come in various sizes, so you can choose one to suit the waste your household produces.
Why Choose a Tumbler?
Compost tumblers offer several advantages over traditional compost bins:
- Easy Turning: Tumblers are designed to make turning the compost easy. Simply rotate the drum a few times each week to aerate the contents. This is much easier than turning a traditional compost heap with a fork!
- Faster Composting: A tumbler's regular aeration speeds up the composting process, meaning you get finished compost sooner.
- Pest-Free: The sealed and often elevated containers make it less likely for pests like rats to try and get in.
Getting Started with Your Tumbler
Choosing the Right Tumbler:
- Size: Choose a tumbler that's big enough to handle your household’s food waste. You'll need a larger tumbler if you have a large family or generate a lot of garden waste.
- Single or Dual Chamber: Single-chamber tumblers process all the compost at once. Dual-chamber tumblers let you compost continuously—you can start a new batch in the second chamber while the first one is finishing. It’s like having two composters on the go.
- Durability: Look for a sturdy model made from durable materials. Some tumblers are made from recycled plastic, a great eco-friendly choice!
Setting Up Your Tumbler:
- Location: Place your tumbler in a sunny spot, as the heat will help speed up decomposition. However, if your tumbler has plastic components, dappled shade is best to prevent the plastic from becoming distorted.
- Starting Materials: To get your compost off to a good start, add a handful of garden soil or finished compost to introduce beneficial microorganisms.
What to Compost in a Tumbler
Greens (Nitrogen-Rich Materials):
- Grass clippings
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and tea bags
- Houseplant trimmings
- Manure (cow, horse, chicken, rabbit)
- Stale bread, eggshells
Browns (Carbon-Rich Materials):
- Leaves
- Straw, hay
- Woodchips, sawdust
- Shredded newspaper
- Chopped brush, corn stalks
Things to Avoid:
- Meat, fish scraps, dairy products
- Bones
- Dog/cat faeces
- Oils, grease, fat
- Weed seeds, diseased plants
Read my full page about what you can compost using various methods.
The Composting Process
Adding Materials:
- Aim for a ratio of three parts browns to one part greens.
- Chop materials into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.
- Add materials gradually, turning the tumbler a few times after each addition.
Read my full page about balancing your green and brown waste.
Moisture:
- The materials you add will usually provide enough moisture.
- Add dry brown materials like shredded paper if your compost is too wet.
- If it's too dry, add a little water or more wet waste, like fruit and veg.
Tumbling:
- Turn your tumbler a few times each week.
- Don’t over-turn, as this can prevent the compost from heating up.
Finishing Up:
- When the tumbler is nearly full, stop adding materials and let the compost mature.
- This can take six to eight weeks in warm weather and longer in winter.
- The finished compost will be dark and crumbly, with few recognisable starting materials (some take longer than others to decompose fully) and a pleasant earthy smell.
Compost Tumblers in Winter
Composting slows down in cold weather, but you can keep your tumbler working by adding materials regularly and monitoring moisture levels.
How do I empty a compost tumbler?
Emptying a compost tumbler can be done in several ways.
Directly into a wheelbarrow: If your tumbler's design allows you to position a wheelbarrow underneath, simply open the door or hatch and rotate the drum to dispense the compost.
Using a shovel: Scoop out the finished compost using a shovel for tumblers without a convenient emptying mechanism.
Plastic sheet: Place a plastic sheet underneath the tumbler, open the door, and slowly rotate the drum to empty the compost onto the tarp.
Enjoying Your Compost
Once your compost is ready, you can use it to enrich your garden beds, top-dress your lawn, or add it to your potting mixes. Happy gardening!
My favourite way to use my finished compost is as a mulch! Read my guide to mulching here.
What are common problems with compost tumblers, and how can I troubleshoot them?
Composting has been a great journey and a wonderful learning experience. Here are some tips to help when things don’t quite go to plan.
Excess moisture
Too much moisture can lead to a soggy, smelly compost pile. Add more brown materials like shredded paper or cardboard to absorb excess moisture.
Lack of heat
Tumblers may not reach the high temperatures of traditional compost piles, slowing down decomposition. Ensure a balanced carbon-nitrogen ratio and consider adding an activator to promote microbial activity.
Difficulty turning
If the tumbler becomes too heavy to turn, remove some of the compost or add more bulky brown materials to improve aeration and reduce the weight.
Incomplete decomposition
Large or woody materials may only decompose partially. Chop or shred materials into smaller pieces before adding them to the tumbler.
Odours
Unpleasant odours indicate an imbalance in the compost pile. Add more brown materials to balance the carbon-nitrogen ratio and promote aerobic decomposition.
My pick of the best compost tumblers
It’s very important to get a good, sturdy compost tumbler to cope with the weight of the contents. I recommend the Maze Tumbler range, which I have tried, tested and inspected closely. They have an excellent handle system using gears to make it easier to turn when full. The base is extremely sturdy, and I like the door signs that you can put on the side to let you know which side to add to and which is being left to mature. On top of that, the larger option gives you a huge 245-litre capacity. You can even get a cool trolley that makes collecting the compost simple.
It’s also made from 90% recycled plastic, and you get a five-year guarantee :)
You can also buy a smaller Maze Compost Tumbler that holds 180 litres.
Deep Dive - How Compost Tumblers Work and Factors Influencing Decomposition Speed
Several key factors influence the speed of decomposition in a compost tumbler:
Aeration
Frequent turning of the tumbler ensures adequate oxygen supply for the microorganisms, promoting faster decomposition. It is recommended that you turn the tumbler a few times each time you add material and several times a week.
Moisture
The correct moisture level is crucial for optimal decomposition. The compost should be damp but not soggy. Too much moisture can lead to anaerobic decomposition, resulting in unpleasant smells and slow decomposition. Too little moisture will also slow down the process.
Material Size
Smaller pieces of organic matter decompose faster than larger pieces because they have a greater surface area for the microorganisms to work on. Chopping or shredding materials like kitchen scraps and paper will speed up the composting process. Having larger, bulkier woody waste can help keep pockets of air in the tumbler, which helps.
Carbon-Nitrogen Ratio
A balanced mix of "green" materials (high in nitrogen) and "brown" materials (high in carbon) is essential. An ideal ratio is three to four parts brown to one part green. Too much green material can slow down composting and create a soggy mess.
Temperature
Warm temperatures accelerate decomposition, while cold temperatures slow it down. Placing the tumbler in a sunny location can help speed up the process. However, excessive sun can damage plastic components and dry out the compost. In winter, decomposition may slow down or stop if the compost freezes. Using an insulated tumbler can help maintain a suitable temperature for decomposition during colder months.
Compost Starter
Adding a handful of old compost, manure, or yard dirt rich in organic matter to a new tumbler can inoculate the compost with beneficial microorganisms and help it decompose more efficiently.
Adam
I'm Adam, the founder of Compost Guy. I'm passionate about empowering people to embrace composting! Whether you're a seasoned composter or just starting your journey, I'm here to help.
