Composting
Where to see HOTBIN in 2021
See the HOTBIN and meet the composting team at a number of gardening shows throughout the UK in 2021.

Can I Retrofit a Tap to the Original HOTBIN?
New HOTBIN models have a tap to collect liquid fertiliser but can this be retrofitted to an original HOTBIN?

Do I Need to Keep Adding Bulking Agent?
Here is why you need to keep adding bulking agent as we explain what it is and what role it plays in your compost heap.

Collecting and Using Liquid Fertiliser (Leachate)
Composting liquid fertiliser (leachate) can be collected and used on your garden to enrich the soil and aid plant growth.

What is Leachate / Liquid Fertiliser / Compost Tea?
Composting liquid fertiliser is a dark brown liquid comprising of water and dissolved humic compounds. Liquid fertiliser may leave the HOTBIN, but should not exceed a few mm a day.

Collecting and Using Liquid Fertiliser (Leachate)
Composting liquid fertiliser (leachate) can be collected and used on your garden to enrich the soil and aid plant growth.

Collecting and Using Liquid Fertiliser (Leachate)
Composting liquid fertiliser (leachate) can be collected and used on your garden to enrich the soil and aid plant growth.

Using HOTBIN Compost: Storing For Later
HOTBIN produces compost so fast that you may end up with an excess. Here are three ways to store it!
Where can I locate the HOTBIN?
You can locate the HOTBIN on any flat surface. It can be placed in the sun or shade, on soil, grass, paving slabs, patios and even gravel.

Collecting and Using Liquid Fertiliser (Leachate)
Composting liquid fertiliser (leachate) can be collected and used on your garden to enrich the soil and aid plant growth.

What is Leachate / Liquid Fertiliser / Compost Tea?
Composting liquid fertiliser is a dark brown liquid comprising of water and dissolved humic compounds. Liquid fertiliser may leave the HOTBIN, but should not exceed a few mm a day.
Where to see HOTBIN in 2021
See the HOTBIN and meet the composting team at a number of gardening shows throughout the UK in 2021.
HOTBIN Composting COVID 19 (Coronavirus) Service Update
Here at HOTBIN we are closely monitoring all official guidelines on the current Covid 19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. This page is to keep you up to date on our current level of service.
HOTBIN Composting COVID 19 (Coronavirus) Service Update
Here at HOTBIN we are closely monitoring all official guidelines on the current Covid 19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. This page is to keep you up to date on our current level of service.
HOTBIN Composting COVID 19 (Coronavirus) Service Update
Here at HOTBIN we are closely monitoring all official guidelines on the current Covid 19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. This page is to keep you up to date on our current level of service.
HOTBIN Composting COVID 19 (Coronavirus) Service Update
Here at HOTBIN we are closely monitoring all official guidelines on the current Covid 19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. This page is to keep you up to date on our current level of service.
What is the HOTBIN made of?
The HOTBIN is made from strong and durable ARPRO® Expanded Polypropylene, known as EPP. This not a single-use plastic nor is it Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).
Where can I locate the HOTBIN?
You can locate the HOTBIN on any flat surface. It can be placed in the sun or shade, on soil, grass, paving slabs, patios and even gravel.

How Does HOTBIN Compost Look and Feel?
The appearance of compost varies. We have put together 6 ways you can analyse your compost.
What Is Compost?
It’s important to understand that the term “compost” is used to describe many things. Compost is actually the brown stable organic matter remaining at the end of the decaying (composting) process. Pure compost is not the same as “multi-purpose compost”.
HOTBIN Composting COVID 19 (Coronavirus) Service Update
Here at HOTBIN we are closely monitoring all official guidelines on the current Covid 19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. This page is to keep you up to date on our current level of service.
Do I Have Humus in my Compost?
Most composts contain around 10% (+/- 5%) humus. You can test the humus content of your compost using a simple method.
What is Humus?
Humus is the remnants of decaying organic material. It is a great addition to your garden as it helps improve soil structure, increases soil water retention and encourages greater nutrient uptake.
Minimising Vermin Visits
Is it ok to use a HOTBIN in a garden that has seen rats before? Yes, as long as you take precautions and correctly operate the HOTBIN.

Spring: What Waste Can I Compost From My Garden and Home?
Looking for things to compost this Spring? Here is a list of compostable items from your home and garden and advice on how to use your compost.
Can I Locate the HOTBIN in a Greenhouse?
Yes, you can use your HOTBIN in a greenhouse, however, for those wanting to use it as a heat source, it will only produce a small amount of heat.

Is my HOTBIN aeration mesh blocked?
The aeration mash is rarely fully blocked but you can clean it to help airflow in the HOTBIN.
Can Bacteria Breakdown Pesticides and Herbicides?
Always check the manufacturers’ advice, however, in general, almost all domestic pesticides can be added to compost bins.

HOTBIN Composting Contribute to RHS & BBC Garden Feature at RHS Chatsworth
HOTBIN Composting was pleased to be part of the RHS & BBC Bloomin’ Healthy Garden promoting the benefits of home made compost in keeping a garden healthy.

Can I Compost Rhubarb Leaves?
Rhubarb produces some delicious stalks for pies but the leaves should not be eaten because of their poisonous content. So can these poisonous leaves can be safely composted?

How Does HOTBIN Compost Look and Feel?
The appearance of compost varies. We have put together 6 ways you can analyse your compost.
What is Meant by Compost Inoculation?
The inoculation of a new compost heap is an important part of the process – its how the bacteria are added to the waste. You do not need commercial inoculants or powders in the HOTBIN.

Should We Compost Tea Bags at Home?
Did you know some tea bags contain plastic? With this in mind can the humble tea bag be composted? Should we be composting them and if so how?

Can Cigarettes / Cigarette Butts be Composted?
4.5 million cigarette butts are disposed of globally every year? It’s a huge amount of waste but can they be composted?

Can the HOTBIN Compost Just Food Waste?
The HOTBIN can be used to compost just food waste.
Can I Compost the Contents From a Vacuum Cleaner?
The average vacuum cleaner sucks up a lot of waste, some compostable and some not. Should it be composted in the HOTBIN?
Can I Add Urine to the HOTBIN?
We do not recommend adding urine to your HOTBIN – it adds excess liquid to the waste and can cause the temperatures to decrease.
Where can I locate the HOTBIN?
You can locate the HOTBIN on any flat surface. It can be placed in the sun or shade, on soil, grass, paving slabs, patios and even gravel.
Can I locate the HOTBIN in a garage or shed?
We would not recommend using the HOTBIN indoors as steam is released from the valve in the lid, which could result in damp.
Can I locate the HOTBIN in a garage or shed?
We would not recommend using the HOTBIN indoors as steam is released from the valve in the lid, which could result in damp.

Collecting and Using Liquid Fertiliser (Leachate)
Composting liquid fertiliser (leachate) can be collected and used on your garden to enrich the soil and aid plant growth.

What is Leachate / Liquid Fertiliser / Compost Tea?
Composting liquid fertiliser is a dark brown liquid comprising of water and dissolved humic compounds. Liquid fertiliser may leave the HOTBIN, but should not exceed a few mm a day.
Minimising Vermin Visits
Is it ok to use a HOTBIN in a garden that has seen rats before? Yes, as long as you take precautions and correctly operate the HOTBIN.

Is my HOTBIN aeration mesh blocked?
It is very rare for the air mesh to completely block.
Water leaking from base
If you have leachate leaking from the base of your HOTBIN, it is a sign that your waste is ‘too wet’.

Is my HOTBIN aeration mesh blocked?
It is very rare for the air mesh to completely block.
Can I put BBQ ash in the HOTBIN?
It is possible to compost a certain amount of ash, however too much will turn you compost alkaline.
I cannot keep the HOTBIN Hot?
The HOTBIN needs to be ‘fed’ at least once or twice a week to keep it hot. We recommend adding a minimum of 3-5kg of waste to the HOTBIN every week.

What Makes a Good HOTBIN Base Layer?
A good base layer provides the foundation of a healthy and happily working HOTBIN. Here are some hints on creating one.

Should waste be chopped or shredded?
Guide to chopping and shredding waste before adding to your HOTBIN

How to Compost Grass?
You can compost grass and lawn cuttings in the HOTBIN. We recommend adding bulking agent to the HOTBIN when you add large quantities of grass.