Garden soil calculator
Calculate how much garden soil you need. Enter the area and layer depth – the calculator returns m³, litres, number of 50-litre bags and weight in tonnes.
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Compost Bin Calculator
The compost bin calculator helps you choose the right bin size for your household and garden needs. By entering the number of people in your home, your garden area, and the planned composting period, you can calculate the weekly amount of organic waste and the required bin capacity in litres and cubic metres. This ensures your compost bin is neither too small nor wastefully oversized.
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How to Use the Compost Bin Calculator
Enter the number of people in your household — more people means more kitchen waste. Input your garden area in m² to account for garden waste like grass clippings and leaves. Select the planned composting period in weeks (typically 12–26 weeks). The calculator will show the weekly waste amount, total material weight, and required bin capacity in litres and cubic metres.
Example Calculation
A 4-person household with a 50 m² garden plans to compost for 12 weeks. Weekly waste: 4 × 0.5 kg (kitchen) + 50 × 0.02 kg (garden) = 2 + 1 = 3 kg/week. Total: 3 × 12 = 36 kg. Required capacity: ⌈36 × 5⌉ = 180 litres (0.18 m³). A compost bin of at least 200 litres is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate compost bin size for a family of 4?
For 4 people with a 50 m² garden, the weekly waste is about 3 kg. With a 12-week composting period, you need a bin of about 180 litres.
How much organic waste does one person produce per week?
On average, one person produces about 0.5 kg of compostable kitchen waste per week, including vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, and eggshells.
How long does composting take?
Traditional composting takes 3–6 months (12–26 weeks). With regular turning and proper moisture, this can be reduced to 8–12 weeks.
Should I include garden waste when calculating bin size?
Yes, garden waste such as grass clippings and leaves is a significant part of compostable material. The calculator estimates about 0.02 kg per m² of garden per week.
What size compost bin do I need for a small garden?
For a small garden (up to 50 m²) and 2–4 people, a bin of 100–200 litres is usually sufficient.
Does a compost bin need to be airtight?
A compost bin should not be completely airtight — microorganisms need air. However, it should be covered to protect against drying out or excessive rain.
What can and cannot go in a compost bin?
You can compost: vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, eggshells, grass clippings, leaves. Do not compost: meat, dairy, fats, diseased plants, or pet waste.
How can I speed up composting?
Turn the pile regularly (every 1–2 weeks), maintain proper moisture levels, and use a good carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of about 3:1 (browns to greens).
Where should I place my compost bin?
Place it in a semi-shaded spot, directly on the soil to allow access for worms and other soil organisms.
Can finished compost be used on all plants?
Mature compost is suitable for most garden plants. Avoid using fresh (immature) compost as it can burn roots and may contain harmful substances.
Results are approximate and based on average values for a typical household. Actual waste amounts may vary depending on dietary habits, garden type, and season.
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