From building a simple pile to constructing an elaborate three-bin turning unit, there is a wide range of composting methods available for you to turn your kitchen and yard scraps into nutrient-rich humus for your gardens and potted plants. Although they usually require more construction time and materials, compost tumblers have the advantage of producing finished compost for you to use in as little as eight weeks, according to the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension.

Planning

Think about how much kitchen and yard scraps you produce, as well as how much compost you'll need on a regular basis when designing plans for your compost tumbler. According to the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension, you'll need to add all the composting materials to your tumbler at the same time. If you produce a lot of organic waste before the compost is finished in your tumbler unit, then you might want to consider constructing a tumbler system that uses multiple tumbling bins so you can continue composting all the waste you produce when it's ready.

Materials

The materials you use to make your compost tumbler determine its overall design and ease of use. Plastic, wood and metal are your main options for your tumbler. Plastic is easy to clean and lightweight, which works well, especially if you have back problems. Wood tends to absorb moisture more easily, which helps keep your compost from getting too wet, but it also is significantly heavier; this can be a problem if you're planning on constructing the actual tumbler out of wood. Overall, most composters prefer to use plastic or metal for the composting bin and utilize wood when constructing a support framework for the tumbler. Using a steel axle rod on which to rotate your elevated tumbler helps ensure that your tumbler is sturdy and can withstand the frequent turning that it requires to produce compost more quickly.

Process

If you're interested in starting composting as quickly as possible, using cylindrical containers such as recycled plastic trash cans or plastic drums is a popular option. The shape of these containers allows you to tumble the compost by rolling them around directly on the ground instead of having to design a support framework. Don't use recycled plastic drums that have held chemicals in them in the past; Suzanne Smith Hirrel, Extension Specialist at the University of Arkansas, says that you should request a "food grade" barrel. Regardless of whether your compost tumbler is going to be elevated or will tumble directly on the ground, drilling holes throughout the sides of your compost tumbler promotes drainage of excess moisture and allows air to flow into your compost tumbler more easily. Make sure you provide a way to secure the top of your compost tumbler, even if it's just something as simple as duct tape or bungee cords. If you're using a larger container, such as a 55-gallon drum, consider constructing baffles (raised structures such as boards that stick out from the flat sides) inside your unit to help increase the tumbling motion of the compost when you rotate it.

Source:

The University of Illinois Cooperative Extension: Composting Methods

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service: Compost Tumblers