composter

A composter is a plastic or wooden container intended for composting biological material of predominantly plant origin, containing ventilation holes and without a solid bottom. The opening for inserting biological material is located on top of the composter and is mostly covered by a hinged lid (some lids consist of several parts or contain air valves). The bottom of the composter is absent due to direct contact with the soil, which allows soil organisms participating in the composting process to enter directly into the composter.

Basic properties
Plastic composters are characterized by individual properties such as, for example, the material used for their production (HDPE, PE, PP), volume (290L - 2000L), weight (7 kg - 39 kg), shape (conical - oblong, cylindrical), number and distribution ventilation openings (there are dozens to hundreds of them), the opening system or extraction of finished compost (from two sides, from each side). Some composters also have superior features, such as UV stability, or internal ribbing of the walls.

For the production of plastic composters, mainly regranulate is used, but also primary material. Composters made of HDPE and PE regranulate are more resistant to weather conditions in the temperature range from −80 °C to +110 °C, whereas composters made of PP are more sensitive to temperatures below freezing. From a qualitative point of view, it is important to note the ratio of the volume of the composter to its weight (especially important for volumes over 700 liters, where the pressure of the material inside the composter is greater). From the point of view of environmental protection, it is an advantage that all mentioned types of plastic can be recycled again, which reduces their ecological footprint.

Advantages of composting in plastic composters compared to composting on an open pile or in a wooden silo:

The composting process takes place several times faster in closed composters (from 3-12 months) than in open piles or pits (24-36 months). It is primarily due to more permanent internal conditions, mainly the temperature and humidity of the composted material. This is a more aesthetic form of composting compared to open pile composting. The service life of a high-quality plastic composter exceeds the service life of wooden compost bins several times over. In addition to regulating internal conditions, plastic closed composters prevent the arrival of invasive weeds and also limit the entry of unwanted animals and their subsequent reproduction.