This review is about the Algreen Classic Compost Bin. In 2012 it was estimated that the US composted and recycled about 87 million tons of municipal solid waste. The result is equal to 10 million households’ energy use in one year. These figures show that home composting is a growing trend, and although this compost bin does not look fantastic, it does its job exceptionally well.
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Review of the Algreen Classic Compost Bin
Compared with some other composters, this Compost Bin is more labor-intensive because you need to turn over the compost manually, while others may include a feature that spins, this, of course, will make the work easier. However, it can be a money saver, as it does away with any pickup expenses while also reducing waste by giving you rich organic compost. This, in turn, will keep your plants in pristine condition.
Features of this Algreen Classic Compost Bin.
- Capacity is approx. 12.5 cubic feet.
- Easy access because of large openings.
- Within two months, the composting bin will convert food, garden, and kitchen waste into organic-rich humus.
- It will reduce household waste by 30% and will save you money on curbside pickups.
- The bin is convenient and has easy compost removal by two sliding doors.
- Animals are kept at bay by a self-watering locking lid.
- By letting the air outside get through to circulate in the bin, the art of composting is speeded up
- The design and thickness help generate and retain heat so the household and other waste will finally produce nutrient-rich soil.
- The Algreen Classic Compost Bin is manufactured from 100% recycled material.
Remember Algreens is a leading manufacturer of home and garden products. They design, produce and distribute a wide range of valuable products. If you wish to know more about composting please read the Wikipedia section under composting.
Positives and Negatives of the Algreen Classic Compost Bin.
Positive.
The bin can be easily assembled. The bin box contains screws, bolts, and panels, and, like most kits, put the appropriate screws into position and do the same with the top panel. They should be a perfect fit, it should easily be put together in minutes, so no professional help is required (See comments below about getting galvanized bolts and screws instead of using the plastic ones supplied)
Not Expensive. This bin will be great for any household on a strict budget but wants to effectively recycle their kitchen waste.
Long-Lasting. The Algreen Classic Compost Bin can withstand most types of weather and, because of its robust design, won’t be blown over, especially placed on level ground.
The bin is fully Protected. If you keep the top doors tightly shut animals should not get into the bin.
. There are two knobs that you need to turn before you can get inside. This system not only protects the compost but will safely contain the waste and other bits and pieces.
Openings provided in the composting bin give good air circulation. As the air can enter easily, it will speed up your compost by as much as 5/6 weeks.
For a composting bin of this quality, this is a good price.
Negatives.
The compost bin has no base. This was a concern for a small number of customers. The design of the open base was to let water and worms travel from the bin to the ground outside.
But this need not be an issue see the image below.
If this concerns you, maybe you should consider another bin that may have a more substantial base.
Manual Labour. Some purchases complained about the time they spent looking after the bin. It would certainly help if made an effort to turn the compost regularly, which can take time and effort. You could buy a compost aerator or buy a compost tumbler that has a rotating feature.
Unloading. There were some complaints about the time it takes to empty the bin. The best way to solve this problem is to take off the lid and move it slightly off the bin, and at the same time, shake it around. If you do this correctly, the bin will empty more quicker. Try it every few weeks or so.
Foul Smell. A few people complained about an unpleasant smell, particularly in the summer months. If this is the case, it could be reduced if you added leaves or newspapers above every layer of waste food. You could place a small amount of garden soil every so often which should also help stop or reduce the smell. Every few weeks, try turning the compost over.
Some Customer’s Questions and Their Answers About the Algreen Compost Bin.
- Question: As it does not have a bottom, will it work on my patio?
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Answer: Putting it on concrete defeats the purpose of its design. The open base allows better access for worms and water to penetrate the soil. Make sure you have plenty of dry material, or it will smell, mainly if most of your compost is comprised of kitchen waste. . You need to create some base otherwise, you run the risk of leakage onto the patio. One customer reckoned it would be fine as theirs is outside on a concrete driveway, and the composted soil does not come out until you move the lower sliding door. In that situation, you could lay down a sheet of plastic and put the composter on it. One person just filled the bottom with about 6 inches of soil-but don’t forget to put the worms in the top. But you can do it. See the picture above.
- Question: Do these compost bins smell?
- Answer: One person did say there was a mild smell in the summer. But if you add layers of “brown” material like leaves or newspaper on each layer of “green” material like food scraps, this should minimize or stop the order. Winter should be ok, Remember to turn the compost about every two weeks or so- no meat or fatty things. Another buyer said their compost bin was in a shady spot behind the garage, and the smell was not a problem. The “universal” rule of composting says if it smells, you are doing something wrong.
- Question: We live in an area of high winds- will my bin be ok?
- Answer: No anchors come with the product, but you could sink metal rods around it to make it more secure. However, once you have started composting, it is surprising how heavy your composter bin will become. You could, of course, put something heavy, like a brick. on top of the handle as an anchor.
- Question: How do you install the caps on the locking handles? It seems complicated to get them to “push” as you are supposed to do.
- Answer: A few customers had this problem. Some used a rubber mallet to smack the cap into place. Another said after pushing the handle through and putting some pressure on it it opened slightly, and then he gently hammered it on.
- Question: Does this composter need to be in the sun?
- Answer: Not necessarily. If it is near the sun, the heat would undoubtedly help to break down the contents quicker. The compost itself will naturally heat up if adequately filled up with a mixture of ingredients but should be in a dry area.
Some Customers Comments
It is pricey, but I like it. However, do not use the plastic bolts and nuts that come with the composter. Buy proper galvanized ones and washers too from a local hardware store.
Well constructed bin with a nice latching lid.
So far, I have had the composter for two months, and so far it is a great product.
Almost the perfect composter.
An excellent, durable, standard compost bin.
I had one, went and bought another.
I have had mine for three years. So far, no problems
Not quite perfect, but it works well.
Verdict On the Algreen Soilsaver Classic Compost Bin
This compost bin is a good purchase because of its great price and features. This bin is long-lasting, and durable because it is manufactured using recycled thick materials. It would be great for those who are new to composting and can produce large volumes of compost.
This soil bin would suit anyone wanting a durable, lasting product that will last in any climate. It might be a struggle for those families with limited space or who have a small budget, as it takes up some space.
The Algreen Soilsaver Classic Composter Bin is listed as the number 5 choice in Amazon’s Composting Bins category, and 779 buyers left reviews giving this bin a 4 out of 5- star rating.
We enclose a few videos which we hope you will find interesting.
Assemble your Soilsaver Compost Bin.
Making Compost from Garden and Other Wastes -the Principles and Some Results.
Best Compost Bin Setup.
If you are now in a position to buy please click the link below.
Algreen Soilsaver Classic Composter Bin
If you are still not sure which composting bin you want please have a look at two more that may be more suitable for you.
Envirocycle: The Cutest Composter.
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