Worm composting bins come in numerous shapes and sizes. Worms will live anywhere
their vital environmental conditions are met and some people are very creative in
worm bin design. I’ve seen some extremely elaborate worm bins posted on the web.
Whatever design you decide to go with, remember the basics.
Listed below are the most popular and functional worm composting bins available.
Review your worm composting bin options and choose the worm bin that is right for you.
Stackable worm bins like Can-O-Worms and Worm Factory
Stackable worm composting systems are very popular because of their worms to space
ratio. They hold a lot of composting worms and require very little space. These worm
composting bins are designed to allow for the natural upward migration of the worms.
These systems are 3, 4, or 5 interlocking trays in depth and allow the worms to
remain undisturbed while you harvest the vermicompost. The principle is simple:
Composting worms will naturally migrate upwards toward the new bedding and food.
Once they all migrate up through the holes in each tray, you harvest the remaining
castings in the tray(s) below and then add the empty tray to the top of the stack.
Pro's
- Worm bins hold 10,000 to 20,000 composting worms, depending on number of tray layers.
- Natural separation of worms from vermicompost provides for undisturbed worm habitat.
- Built in spigot provides excellent drainage for “worm tea”.
- Can be used indoors or outdoors.
Con's
- Cost between $75 and $200
Stackable worm composing bins
Rubbermaid worm bins
These worm bins are a great way to start vermicomposting. For just a few dollars,
you can have a personal wormery in your home, garage, apartment, or office. Rubbermaid
worm bins are very popular, easy to maintain, and inexpensive. Fill the bin with
bedding and add food scraps. Each bin holds 2,000 to 2,500 worms. Harvest vermicompost
and start with fresh bedding every 3-4 months.
Pro's
- Inexpensive and simple design.
- Requires very little space.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Con's
- Can become too wet if you’re not careful.
- Requires separation of worms from vermicompost every 3 to 4 months which disturbs worm habitat.
Make your own worm composting bin
Flow through worm bins
The premise of a flow through worm bin is simple. The worm bin has 2 chambers, a digesting
chamber (above) where the worms live, and a harvesting chamber (below) where you harvest your
vermicompost. These chambers are separated by a screen that allows processed vermicompost to
flow though, while unfinished material and worms stay above in the digesting chamber.
These systems can be optionally heated, which means you can keep your worms active all
winter long by maintaining temperatures.
Two of the most functional flow though worm bins are the Worm Wigwam and the OSCR.
The
OSCR is a wood worm composting bin that
you build. The blueprints and site license cost $50 and are purchased through VermiCo. The
plans and materials should total less than $200 for the entire system.
The Worm Wigwam
is designed as an industrial system, which works great for restaurants and other
environmentally conscious businesses.
Both systems work very well. They are low maintenance and high yield. The Worm Wigwam is more
expensive, but it pre-built and ready to use. However, if you have some basic carpentry skills
and want to have some fun, the OSCR is an exciting option.