Tumbling Composters
Tumbling Composters can be ordered from the Conservation District Office or by mail. Products arrive in 2-3 weeks if not in stock. Pick-up will be at the District Office unless notified otherwise.
See the Order Form for current prices and products available.
Tumbling-style composters are perfect where space is limited. The Upcycle composter requires only a 3 X 4 foot area. Assembled dimensions: 36" wide X 36" deep X 46" tall. Weight: 75 lbs.
Tumbling Composter
Inside the Composter
- Eliminate back strain with this hip level composter. By using a rocking motion to build momentum, the tumbling composter is relatively easy to turn.
- Low maintenance, nothing to clog up.
- Pest-proof, fully enclosed, off the ground compost bin.
- Composter can be easily moved around the yard.
- Avoids odor problems by controlling moisture and aeration in excessively dry or rainy areas.
- After a few loads, finished compost can be achieved in as little as 4 weeks.
- Composter barrel is made from recycled, food-grade, high density polyethylene plastic that has been thoroughly cleaned, then assembled in the USA. Frame is made of 100% recycled plastic lumber.
- Center tube aerates compost & steel bars break-up and fluff-up compost during tumbling for better aeration.
- Best composting action is achieved in full sun, partial-sun minimum. Black color absorbs and holds heat, enhancing decomposition.
- 55-gallon capacity (7.3 cubic feet).
- Color: Black. Composter can be painted, but will reduce its ability to absorb heat.
- Includes composting instructions.
- 5-year warranty on materials and workmanship.
- Composters are made from recycled barrels, so they may have surface blemishes, such as markings, scrapes, scratches, small dents or gouges. These do not affect the operation or use of the composters.
How Do I Compost with a Tumbling Composter?
Using a rocking motion to build momentum, a compost tumbler is relatively easy to turn. However, the composting action will rapidly reduce the content of the barrel to less than half its starting volume.
The three main ingredients that a composter needs are heat, oxygen, and moisture. The best position to place your composter is in full sun or at a minimum partial sun. The barrel holds the heat in all night and does not allow it to cool down like an open bin or stacking bin. The black barrel will absorb heat all day.
The center tube aerates the compost pile and allows excess moisture to drain out. The steel bars inside break up the compost and fluff it up for better aeration. The most efficient bacteria, called "aerobes", need oxygen to do their work. Without oxygen, they cannot survive and anaerobes can take over. Anaerobic bacteria isn't very good at breaking down compost - those bacteria can slow decomposition down by as much as 90 percent.
Take a look at the following links for more information about composting:
Disclaimer
With proper installation, maintenance and use, tumbling composters should function properly. The Washtenaw County Conservation District assumes no liability for the installation, maintenance, property damage or injury that may be associated with the use of tumbling composters.