Advantages of Wire Mesh Compost Bins

Wire mesh bins have several key advantages. The are lightweight, and typically easy to set up. When not in use they can usually be taken down quickly, and stored using very little space. They are among the most cost effective approaches to creating a compost bin. The material for a circular bin created from chicken wire or concrete meshing can be well under $20. Even commercially sold wire mesh compost bins are often under $50, which compares favorably with the high end barrels or tumblers.

Disadvantages of Wire Mesh Compost Bins

One significant disadvantage is that wire mesh compost bins do virtually nothing to thermally insulate the pile. Heat generated by the pile is lost quickly, which can have a significant impact in cooler weather. In addition, it is open to the elements, and while it could be covered if there is too much rain, it can dry out quickly if the conditions are hot and dry. These limitations can be managed, but you should consider them if a wire mesh bin is the approach you choose to try.

If you are bothered by pests, such as rodents, in your compost pile most wire mesh bins do little to control pest problems.