Sometimes the best compost bin is the simplest, like this one made of Northern White Cedar, which weathers to a natural gray. Slats allow for air flow and are removable, making it easy to load and unload.

This tumbler-style composter has an “Autoflow” design, which discharges finished compost into a separate chamber, while the remaining raw compost continues to break down. The rotating drum maximizes aeration, and the unit loads easily and locks up tight to keep out pests and wildlife.

Let worms do the work for you! This stackable tray worm factory is made from recycled plastic. Put in your scraps, and the worms digest it into fertile compost. A perfect solution for small backyards.

This collapsible composter from Fiskars is super-affordable. The mesh sides allow for good airflow, while a circular design eliminates stagnant pockets and helps to evenly distribute internal heat. The latching lid keeps wildlife and wind from disturbing the container.

Is it a space ship? No! It’s the Animula Indoor Composter. Even apartment dwellers can dice, mix, and aerate compost with the simple turning action of this diminutive unit. A scoop on the bottom dispenses compost and collects compost tea.

The BioOrb Monster compost bin holds 23 cubic feet of composting material. Its black polyethylene construction absorbs heat, which speeds up decomposition, and the spherical design allows the bin to be rolled to wherever it’s needed. It closes securely to keep animals from doing anything more than playing soccer with it.

This compost bin, constructed of willow, brings composting to a new level of attractiveness. And the bin itself is biodegradable. Fill it with leaves and garden waste, and the entire lot will rot down to rich compost in three years.

Add composting materials at the top and remove compost from the bottom with this 170-gallon jumbo-sized bin. The sun’s heat is absorbed by its dark color, and air slots ensure ventilation. All four sides have sliding panels to make removing compost easy.

Made of a recycled wine barrel, this compost tumbler will hold 52 gallons of material. The thick, oak walls of the barrel provide insulation and help to retain moisture. A galvanized metal rod goes through the middle of the barrel to provide quick and easy tumbling action.

If you’re really on a budget, you can make your own compost bin out of a three- to five- gallon plastic storage bin. All you need are some drill holes for ventilation and some craft paint for decoration. Fill ‘er up, and you’re on your way to gardener’s gold!

While composting is easy and inexpensive, you still need to know which waste will produce the most nutrient rich fertilizer. Check out Composting 101: What You Should and Shouldn't Compost. Also consider:

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