Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

How Does a Biostack Composter Work?

...
dry leaves image by EvilGirl from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

The Biostack way of composting is described as a "hot pile method." Solar heat and decomposition of organic matter heat up the pile; active decomposition accelerates when the pile reaches 120 to 150 degrees F. Additional heat is generated by re-stacking the pile weekly, as the bin instructions recommend. Compost enthusiasts appreciate this method because it creates finished compost within two to three months.

Description

The Biostack compost bin has a 13-cubic-foot capacity and is made of 60-percent recycled plastic. It consists of three stackable square frame-like pieces that lock together at the corners. Users disassemble the tiers one at a time to create a stackable cube. The tight-fitting lid is removable. There are slits in each stacking tier that allow air and water into the bin.

  • The Biostack way of composting is described as a "hot pile method."
  • There are slits in each stacking tier that allow air and water into the bin.

Features

The Biostack is constructed of double-walled heavy black plastic that retains solar heat. Materials inside the bin decay faster because of the additional heat. The 28-inch-square lid is hinged in the middle so one half of it can be opened at a time, or the entire lid can be removed.Shoveling large amounts of plant materials into the Biostack bin is easy because of the wide opening.

Advantages

Instructions recommend a new compost pile be created weekly by re-stacking the tiers next to the old pile.The top tier is lifted off the old pile and placed on the ground next to it and filled. The compost is aerated as it is moved, which increases the decomposition time. The remaining two tiers are then re-stacked and the compost lifted into the new pile. Each layer of compost is watered as it is moved. The frequent aeration and increased speed of decay are advantages of the Biostack method.

  • The Biostack is constructed of double-walled heavy black plastic that retains solar heat.
  • The frequent aeration and increased speed of decay are advantages of the Biostack method.

Disadvantages

The Biostack method is not for everyone, because it is more labor-intensive than other compost bins. Moist, decaying compost can be heavy to lift with a pitchfork or shovel. Some users have reported that the tight-fitting lid does not allow moisture to seep in, so it requires hand-watering. It also requires enough space to create a new stackable tier each time the pile is turned.

Availability

The Biostack composter is no longer manufactured, making it something of a collectible in the world of composting. Its design is patented, so there are no imitations. Other composting bins include the tumbler design, which allows materials to aerate when the bin turns, and the hatch design, with a door at ground level to allow easy harvesting.Compost bins can also be made with a simple circle of chicken wire fastened together.

  • The Biostack method is not for everyone, because it is more labor-intensive than other compost bins.
  • Other composting bins include the tumbler design, which allows materials to aerate when the bin turns, and the hatch design, with a door at ground level to allow easy harvesting.

Related Articles

Vermiculture Methods
Vermiculture Methods
The Disadvantages of Composting
The Disadvantages of Composting
The Disadvantages of Vermicompost
The Disadvantages of Vermicompost
How Long Does it Take Compost to Become Dirt?
How Long Does it Take Compost to Become Dirt?
Cheapest Ways to Heat a Greenhouse
Cheapest Ways to Heat a Greenhouse
The History of Vermicomposting
The History of Vermicomposting
How to Vermicompost With Rabbit Manure
How to Vermicompost With Rabbit Manure
Introduction to Vermiculture
Introduction to Vermiculture
How to Add Urea to Compost
How to Add Urea to Compost
How to Compost Sawdust
How to Compost Sawdust
How to Compost Bat Guano
How to Compost Bat Guano
How Do Manure Spreaders Work?
How Do Manure Spreaders Work?
How to Make Large Quantities of Compost
How to Make Large Quantities of Compost
How to Heat a Greenhouse With Compost
How to Heat a Greenhouse With Compost
How to Build Planters With Landscape Timbers
How to Build Planters With Landscape Timbers
Garden Guides
×