What is a Worm Bin?

A worm bin is a structure designed to create compost using worms. Vermicomposting, or worm composting, is different than traditional composting, in that it uses the natural digestive processes of worms and other symbiotic organisms to breakdown and transform organic matter into nutrient rich soil fertilizer. Worm composting typically uses red earthworms, generally referred to as red wigglers, to process organic material. These composting dynamos produce worm castings (an odor-free compost product), which are virtually packed with the nutrients that plants need to grow strong and fruitful. Other micro and non-micro organisms, such as bacteria and millipedes, also aide in the aerobic degradation of the organic waste. There are a few different types of worms that can be used for worm composting, but red wigglers have beens shown to be the most effective.

Worm Bins v. Traditional Composting

So why compost with worms using a worm composting bin like the Worm Factory® instead of just keeping a heap in the corner of the yard?

There are many advantages to composting with worms in a worm composting bin. One is turnover time: vermicomposting transforms your kitchen scraps and paper waste (yeah junk mail too!) into useful, nutrient rich fertilizer in a matter of months, whereas yard composting can take a lot longer. Another reason is worm bins, such as the Worm Factory®, are portable. They can be maintained and used indoors or outdoors, and can be transported with relative ease. Traditional compost piles are stationary and, depending on where you live, seasonal. Another reason: worm bins are easier to manage than traditional compost piles. Traditional compost heaps must be turned on a regular basis to expose the materials to oxygen. Worm composters are, for the most part, self-regulating - The Worm Factory®, for example, is designed so that oxygen flows through the bin, and composting worms are extremely adept at regulating their own populations and environments. One more reason: worm compost is of considerably better quality than traditional compost. Worms are nature's extreme recyclers, and they have the amazing ability to dispose of pathogens and carcinogens in the soil as they process organic materials.

Which Worm Bin is the Best?

The Worm Factory®, of course! The Worm Factory® is designed as a flow-through, stackable tray system. Read on to learn more!