Tumbler composting - Ask Extension
Any Recs on best tumbler to start home composting in Portland?
Knowledgebase
Tumbler composting #891995
Asked January 27, 2025, 7:11 PM EST
Any Recs on best tumbler to start home composting in Portland?
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Camille Pitre:
While it would not be acceptable for a public employee to recommend a brand or model, I'll describe the characteristics you'll want for a quality tumbling composter, and permit you to choose from the market offerings. :)
I bought my tumbler more than 30-years ago, and it was second hand then. It's the worse for wear, but still serviceable.
Valuable characteristics for a tumbler composter:
While it would not be acceptable for a public employee to recommend a brand or model, I'll describe the characteristics you'll want for a quality tumbling composter, and permit you to choose from the market offerings. :)
I bought my tumbler more than 30-years ago, and it was second hand then. It's the worse for wear, but still serviceable.
Valuable characteristics for a tumbler composter:
- Support structure - if the tumbler is raised off the ground, it should have a sturdy metal support system. A full composter can easily contain 300 pounds of material. Thinner gauge supports will not hold up over time.
- Turning mechanism - in the last 5 years or so, my workhorse tumbler as become more difficult to turn because the nylon gears that facilitate turning have become worn. I can still make it serve my purposes, but not as easily as I could 30 years ago.
- Volume - volumes above 15 cu ft will be more self-insulating (retain heat) and so the process will proceed more efficiently. I have a real beef about dual-batch composters for this very reason. Raised above the ground with greater exposure to air circulation, composters with smaller volumes may not heat thoroughly. Many of the on-ground rolling composters are small in volume, too.
- Drainage - my tumbler does not have drainage holes, and if you can find one with them, it would be an important consideration. Organic waste creates organic acids as it decomposes - which can degrade the composter itself. My metal-sided composter has multiple license-plate patches.
Thx so much for your help!!
It's always a pleasure. Please be in touch with other home gardening questions. ljb
