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Small-scale Worm Bins and Systems Intro |
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Written by Administrator
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Sunday, 11 September 2005 |
Get ready to be surprised! Worm bins have come a long way since 1990
when the first plastic worm composting system was introduced to the
North American marketplace. Ten years later there are now dozens of
vermicomposting system models, operating in four distinctily different
ways. Such variety means that there is a system out there to fit each
individual’s needs, but this can also make choosing a vermicomposting
unit a challenge!
The first type of bin to be marketed was the ubiquitous simple plastic
bin, an inexpensive standard that remains the most widely used type of
commercially sold system to date. This design was followed by the
stacking tray units, which made their debut in Australia in 1993 and
quickly developed a following in North America. Next came the
continuous flow systems; scaled-down versions of the large units
developed in the UK for processing hundreds of pounds of organic waste
per day. The most recent system concept to find wide commercial appeal
is the lateral movement design, which improved on the home-built
designs used by worm growers roughly 20 years ago.
Obviously, we could not identify every commercial worm bin in the world
for this issue, but we did find the world’s most widely used units for
comment and review. We’ve outlined the general operating method and the
advantages and possible challenges for each of the four designs. We’ve
also provided the specifications for each unit and where it might be
found for sale. Our editors have provided short reviews of each of the
models and some of our readers have also offered their reviews of the
bins they operate.
Conspicuously missing from this issue are homemade bin designs. This is
not because we believe manufactured units are superior to home-built,
but because commercial units can be hard to find and evaluate. We Worm
Digest editors remain staunch advocates of worm bins made through the
creative energies of vermicomposting afficianados. But in today’s world
not everyone has the time or inclination for home carpentry and many of
those interested in worm bins are looking for units suited to carefully
decorated kitchens and designer landscapes. It’s our hope that with
this issue we can meet the needs of the diverse public developing an
interest in worms.
So sit back and enjoy our candid stroll through an imaginary
vermicomposting marketplace. No hard-sell salesperson will harass you,
no one will call and you’re under not obligation to buy anything. But
don’t be surprised if one of the units presented catches your eye.
After all, worms have been used as lures for thousands of years!
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 02 October 2005 )
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