Whats best. Rotary Composter or Static ?

I have 3 bins 2 square and 1 darlek. and it takes 12mnth to compost down.When my partner was weeing nightly it took 3 mnth but hes gone now so should I


A. Exchange him for a rotary composter. All the adverts say compost in 8 weeks not months.Is that correct?
B. Wont go into details but would female urine work?


If you had the choice again (those who have both sorts of bins) would you choose a rotary over the static?
Is it worth the money and if so would you advise getting one and are they easy to use?

 

Hello Compost Maker, they do say that the rotary bins speed up the process but they tend to be slightly smaller to enable the bin to be tumbled or turned. In answer to your query regarding urine, I believe that the male version is the best for activating the composting process. Generally, if you try to get the mix of green and brown waste right and try to turn it over occasionally, you should get something usable in six months. If that is not fast enough you could try adding an activator such as Garotta, I think that nettle tips help too. Not very helpful but good luck and have you considered getting yourself another partener.???

 

I have 4 compost bins-
A Dalek very easy I just fill it and leave it, it is faster than the traditional wooden slatted one as I can't turn them over with a fork as most people do.
A rotary one -2 month turnaround, very good. The downside is storing the compost while one load is 'doing'. OK for me as I have the others. If I could only have one, I'd have this.
Latest one is a 'Green Johanna"- has a tight fitting lid and base so animals can't get in, and it takes all sorts of food waste including fish and meat. It doesn't smell as food is inter-layered with composting material.
Comfrey, nettles, Garotta all speed up the process.
I thought that urine was used as an activator because of the nitrogen- the only difference between male and female would be hormones. It's just more difficult for us females, but you could try it.

 

Agree with the problem of storing material to get a load for the rotary . The plastic darleks are my choice as the contents seem to 'melt' down beautifully quickley,and a snug home for mice. I don't grow veg any more so no prob's with them ,and my cats just love the stalk:D
However, I do have an open cage heap for the Autumn clear up and the process is much slower.
I wouldn't let Mrs Pal put her urine on my heaps!!!!!No chance:eek:...my plants can be tempramental enough thanks very much!:D

 

I have just dug out my slatted compost heap after 2 years. The compost is lovely, doesn't really even need sieving except for 3 things
Cellophane- I don't recall putting that in!!!
Cherry stones
Little pieces of mypex type stuff from around small plants from nurseryies, They say leave it on the plants, it will break down. I didn't believe them and I always take it off... I won't even bother composting it anymore.

Pal, do you put your waste product on the heaps? Do I scent sex discrimination here? :D

 

:D...Of course I do Liz!....Don't waste waste ,I say:rolleyes:

It amazes me too the bits and pieces that get into the compost...For example,Elastic bands???what the heck do they come off:confused: