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While investigating uses for plastic bins in your garden, you may have discovered that it is possible to use a plastic bin for composting.

In particular, plastic bins are good for continuous composting or for worm composting. But what exactly should you look for when you are choosing a plastic container for composting purposes?

First of all, you can purchase plastic bins that are designed specifically for composting. But you may find it cheaper to convert a regular plastic bin into a composting bin. Plus, doing so can make for a fun project.

Regardless of whether you are picking out a ready-made product or a container for a plastic compost bin DIY project, the following features are important:

• Capacity. Your first consideration when you are choosing a plastic container for composting should be its capacity. Make sure that it is large enough that it can handle the volume you want to process. Keep in mind that for a continuous compost bin, you may end up adding composting materials for months and months, bit by bit. So, choose something that will be large enough to serve those long term needs. If you are trying worm composting, you can go with a 10-gallon tote.

• Shape. Figure out what height you would like the composting bin to be, keeping in mind that you will be opening and closing it frequently to toss materials inside. If your kids will be composting, make sure it will not be too tall for them to use as well.

• Heavy-duty materials. Another consideration that is every bit as important as capacity is the sturdiness of the bin you are choosing for composting. A thin bin will not have enough strength to support the weight of composting materials, and is more likely to deform over time than one that is made of thick, rugged plastic. Moreover, if your composting bin is going to be located outdoors, it will be subject to the elements. A high quality, durable bin can tolerate sunlight, heat, rain, and swings in temperature between hot and cold without cracking or deforming.

• A lid that fits properly. The entire goal of composting is to break down the materials you are putting in your bin. This process will happen most efficiently with oxygen, so during the composting process, you do not want your container to be airtight. But once the composting is complete, a lid that fits will help to protect your composted materials from further breakdown. They also will keep rainwater from leaching out nutrition (rain getting in the bin while composting is in progress is generally okay though).

A sturdy plastic bin suitable for continuous composting may not be the cheapest out there, but it will also not be expensive, particularly compared to options like composting tumblers. Learn more about Types of Composting Bins, or continue on to How to Make a Basic Composting Bin. If you want to try worm composting in plastic bins, you can get started with Try Plastic Bins for Worm Composting! Part 1: Introduction.