How tightly does the lid close? Thinking of using for compost bin to replace a countertop unit - concern is that we sometimes get fruit flies.
479757
Very loosley but I would think it should seal sufficiently. If you are not going to use the hanging bracket feature, I think they may have better models for countertop. I have 5 different ones-love the company.
479758
I don't see how fruit flies could get in. It doesn't close so tightly that it takes any strength to open--for a human; and I don't see any space for a fruit fly to crawl in. (Though honestly, I don't recall every meeting a fruit fly.??) I'd give it a try, if I were you.
479759
I am using it same application and closes not tight but close so no flies comes out another thing I did was buy the carbon kit you place on the lid and this helps with smell and fliesI love this bin and have other friends using it the same application
479760
I am using it same application and closes not tight but close so no flies comes out another thing I did was buy the carbon kit you place on the lid and this helps with smell and flies I love this bin and have other friends using it the same application
2079763
No fruit fly problem here. Although it is only May and I have only had the bin for about a month.
1558724
I have 18 inches from the bottom of my upper cabinet to the countertop and it opens and closes fine. I do have to pull it out to refil the bin. I do not remove the bin however, I pour the water into a pitcher and pour into the bin.
467943
One thing is that I keep mine in the Sun. It has enough areas for the water to leak through, tho' we've had alot of rain lately. I know I need to turn it more often, and I use something to break up what seems to be getting glumby. I still have to get that enzyme stuff to put into the bin. So far, it's only been table vegetable scraps and some plants. The leaves are just now starting to fall, so I'll be putting that in there as well, and some white paper/newspaper etc. Just keep turning it ever so often too. Notice there are a lot of fruit flies in there? Anyone else? Hope this helps Juliana One thing is that I keep mine in the Sun. It has enough areas for the water to leak through, tho' we've had alot of rain lately. I know I need to turn it more often, and I use something to break up what seems to be getting glumby. I still have to get that enzyme stuff to put into the bin. So far, it's only been table vegetable scraps and some plants. The leaves are just now starting to fall, so I'll be putting that in there as well, and some white paper/newspaper etc. Just keep turning it ever so often too. Notice there are a lot of fruit flies in there? Anyone else? Hope this helps Juliana
1082478
No problems. I like the open bottom, because it provides a route for worms and insects to enter. This speeds the composting of the vegetation in the bin.
1121525
I did not mount it, so I would not know. I put it on the floor. But really the best compost bin, it really is fruit fly proof.
1367715
The lid fits tightly. I don't use it because it is annoying to lift the flap every time I throw something away. I don't have mice because I live in a high rise apt.
796074
The lid is very tight. I also have lots of rocks around the base. No rodent issues. I use a pitchfork. I am on my second composing and the bin is still in excellent condition.
693206
I do not have a problem with fruit flies because I keep the bucket in the fridge. I line the container with those compostable bags. I take the container out of the fridge when I want to add stuff. There's no smell or mess. I just lift out the full bag and take it outside to the compost bin. I am not sure why others keep their bin outside of the fridge -- it's just inviting fruit flies and odor. I just have a dedicated space inside my fridge for the container. It's pretty easy.
1843641
I have a Garden Gourmet compost which looks exactly like this one. I don't if Garden Gourmet still exists but I've had it for 20 yrs (I have two). I live is southern Calif. Our city wanted people to compost so they had a special from a local nursery and I got two. Time has finally taken a toll on one of them so I am looking to replace it with this model. This past summer, a portion of the lower wall cracked so the door doesn't stay closed. The other compost has had no issues up this point, even after 20 yrs. There hasn't been any UV issues.
871900
Thank you for your interest in the Dual Batch Composter. This item sits on legs and the bins are almost two feet off the ground. It does have tiny holes to let in air, and a door that opens and closes to put scraps in and get compost out. When the doors are closed, the scraps are complexly enclosed so critters cannot get in.
911206
Just pull it out and fit it back in. Nothing mysterious, just grab it with your thumb and first finger and tug it out. I have stopped using it as we decided to take the can out to compost pile more frequently. The fly fruit larve were lodging themselves in the filter - I put out a tiny dish with vinegar and capture the ones that are flying about from our bowl of fruit or compost pail.
1671766
It fits well on the counter. It doesn't take up a lot of space, yet holds a lot of scraps. It's very easy to open/close - just tilt the lid up, throw the scraps in, and shut it before any unpleasant odors escape. We previously just used a big tupperware container, but it would get really messy and wasn't very convenient (we'd have to empty it almost daily). The charcoal filter helps a lot too - it really does get rid of the odor.
1144983
In my experience the lid is not easily removable which seems to be a design flaw. We just leave ours resting on top. It got stuck twice in the first weeks that we owned it and ha to pry it off. I do not recommend this composter.
531062
Well, nature has you. Maggots are normal. The bin is too wet. Be sure the door is shut tight, don't wet the bin any further and be sure it's in a sunny location. Assume you know that no meat products are to be put into the bin? If you put anything animal in it you also draw lots of flies. I'd open the bin and smash the maggots up if it freaks you out, turn it over a few times and cover the bin so the refuse doesn't get any wetter before it breaks down. Also, dump the bottom holder. It's likely full of water that draws all kinds of bugs.
133663
Just a note on a new product that I saw in the latest Gardener's Supply catalog (Dec. 2014.) It is a compost pail for the counter that sits atop a base consisting of a matching, nearly unnoticeable, fruit fly trap. What a concept, though not cheap (it's Gardener's Supply after all!) Might work for all of those, like me, who have fruit fly problems come hot weather. For the time being, though, I am going with the Oxo.
820152
Any insect with any strength can easily pass through. See that black ring around the lid, that is essentially open. A spongy black carbon filter fills that gap but not tightly. The carbon filter helps to keep fruit flies in while the lid is on but as soon as you lift the lid the fruit flies and tiny gnats fly right out. I think the filter is more for air quality surrounding the pail. I suspect larger insects like roaches and spiders would easily access the contents.