Worm Composting Bins

Worm composting bins can be elaborate store bought "worm condo's" or simple homemade rubber bins depending on your time and resources. We have been researching worm composting for a while now trying to determine if it is worth the cost of buying one of the pre-made worm bins or if we should just make our own.  There are definite benefits to both. The worm bins you buy online are pretty much ready to go and make harvesting the compost pretty easy since most have different shelves that you empty as they get full.  The average price is any where from $50.00 to $100.00 plus shipping. The other option is to make your own bin from a rubber container or wooden box.  We decided to try the rubber container and if it all goes well for our trial run we may invest in one of the larger store bought containers soon. Think about what your goals are for worm composting that will help you determine which worm bins will be best.

How to decide what type of worm bin to use

1. What are your goals for worm composting-reducing food waste in landfills, making your own compost for gardening, making your own worm tea, raising worms for fishing, raising worms to sell, etc.

2. How much food and garden scraps do you generate- how many people are in your family, do you eat mostly fruits and vegetables, is there a local farm or grocery store willing to donate un-sellable produce, is there a local restaurant willing to donate left over or unused fruit and vegetable waste?

We have a few goals for our worm composting.  No only do we want to reduce the amount of food waste that goes to the landfill, we want to produce organic compost for our garden and we want to have worms available for fishing this summer.

How to make a worm composting bin from a rubber container

It is really easy to make a worm bin out of rubber containers. If you do not already have an extra in your garage, look on free cycle for a free container, look at your local goodwill or salvation army for a recycled container.  My only caution about using recycled containers is to be careful that they did not have any type of chemicals in them before that can harm your worms.  Also, be sure to look for the plastic tubs that are a solid color and not see through so the worms will have a dark environment.  As fun as it would be to be able to see them composting in a clear or transparent container- worms like it dark. If you are really good with a hammer and nails, you can make a wooden compost bin. I am in the process of planning to make ours will post it when its done.

Drill holes in the bottom of the container - 1/8" bit. For air circulation and so that water does not collect in the molded rubber bottom.	Top of worm bin has holes drilled for air circulation. We also drilled 4 holes in along the upper top part of the rubber bin.	Now that the bin is ready add bedding materials. We used a layer of wood shavings (untreated wood), torn cardboard (none that where food storage they have wax on them) shredded papers and a few hand full's or of organic compost.
Topped with shredded news paper that was then sprayed with water to keep the environment damp.  Read that is supposed to feel similar to a wet sponge.	Fruits and vegetables under the front right corner of the bedding.	When you feed your worms be sure to only feed one side at a time every few days so the bin does not get too hot.  Also place the food scraps under the bedding to reduce flies.

Most popular worm composting bins reviewed

Worm Factory 360 WF360B Worm Composter - Black The Worm Factory 360 worm composter has four trays but it can hold up to 8 trays, making it the largest home worm composter. The lid converts to a very useful stand for the worm trays while harvesting the compost. Comes with a DVD and step-by-step guide for managing your Worm Factory 360. Also features a built in "worm tea" collector tray and spigot for easy draining.	Worm Factory DS5TT 5-Tray Worm Composter - Terra Cotta     Worm Factory DS5GT 5-Tray Worm Composter - Green	Wooden Worm Bin 3 Trays Made from all natural untreated wood so it is human and worm friendly. Simple to use - just mix scraps with bedding. Well aerated, no problems with humidity control or odors. Can be used indoors. Size: 16" x 13.2" x 21" high. Tray depth is 3.5". Good size for small family or apartment use.
Gusanito Wormswrangler Worm Farm Bin 5 Tray Black Wormswrangler is made from recycled material and features a patent pending roof design. Indoor or Outdoor, easy to assemble (no tools required).	Gusanito 4 Tray Green Worm Farm Bin	Can-O-Worms Worm Composting Bin Can-o-worms turns your kitchen waste into compost. The vermicomposter features a multi-level design, that can be used indoors or outdoors. It is easy to set up.