I thought as recycling is very much a hot issue at the moment I'd start a new thread for our hints and tips.


I've been going around the garden this morning weeding and dead heading. When I came to put everything into one of the composting bins I realised that they are all now pretty full and also being on the large side I found them awkward to empty easily. This is were my tip comes in.

Take 1, or more, empty plastic dustbin with lid if possible. For some reason we seem to have quite a few since the council have now given us wheelie bins.

Drill lots of large holes around the sides and on the bottom, at least an inch in size (2-3 cm) Don't put holes in the lid. Hey presto one compost bin.

Now as I've filled that one I'd better get on converting the others.

Now does any one have a cheap idea for some water butts.

Thanks for that tip Tiki....unfortunatelydon't have any spare dustbins. BUT....even though I've been here a year, only fairly recently realised last owner had left compost bin behind shed.

Am I right in saying I can throw waste peelings and fruit and veg in it?

What about sawdust and straw etc when rabbit is cleaned out?

Do I have to add anything else to start it all off?

Yes Rose waste peelings ,fruit, Bunny sawdust,lawn clippings Egg shells Tbags ect all ok. Dont put meat in as may encourage vermin. Have heard Male urine good to start off compost!!!!

You don't need anything to start it off. I try to put a layer of grass cutting between other things but you can put any greens, autumn leaves, basically any vegetation etc as fleur has said. . Take care that any weeds are well rotted before you use the compost. Try to give it a mix every couple of months or so as getting the air into it will let it rot down faster. Make sure the bin has a top otherwise the compost will end up a slimy mess, or at least one of my bins did, when he who shall remain nameless managed to lose the top.

other good things to add to your compost bin are shredded paper, coffee grounds and even the contents of your hoover - though I've never fancied the last one

It's best not to put weeds in a composter otherwise when you use the compost the weeds could grow again.

I've been thinking of getting a composter for some time now but am still not sure. Our council is offering discounted ones at the moment so a good time to get one. We are a family of 6, have a medium size garden and eat lots of fruit and veg so lots of peelings.

Is it worth doing? Do you just keep adding to it until it is full? Does it smell? Does it encourage vermin - we have a mouse problem in the area and it is already hard work to keep them out of the house. Is it better to have one big one or 2 smaller ones?

My dad, a keen gardener, always had a compost heap but a bin is very different (or appears to be).

Any advice greatfully received.

Iv'e got a composter from the council and have never noticed smell or vermin. Yes you just keep adding to it but try to vary contents ie grass as well as peelings t bags ect.Need to stir but end up with rich compost. Good luck!

Our council no longer give away free compost bins but have joined in with this scheme. A large compost bin is £18 free postage.

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the site also gives you tips on how to make good compost.

Here is my water butt, Tiki.
I am sure you should be able to get a used plastic barrel cheaply from somewhere.
The bits of drainpipe were knocking around the shed, and when the tap broke we got a new one from B&Q for a couple of quid. It is all taped together with gaffer tape, and there is a plant pot in the hole for a stopper.
(Can you tell I used to have an allotment?!! )
When it hasn't rained for a while I just take the plant pot out, stick the hose in, and fill it up.

Star....it looks as though you are 'syphoning off' next door's rainwater!!!

Ok comnposter up and running....grass cuttings in the bottom....ermmm not a lot else as yet. I think I'll need a mini compost bin to take out to composter as is tucked away behind conifers and shed....not very keen to do that for 1 teabag lol. How long before I can use the compost?

Any mini plastic bin with lid will do Rose. I got mine with composter but loads of places sell mini sized bins. Good Luck.xxxxx

Have a look

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Rose for composting tips from my local council website, good luck, it's dead easy