Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, read about the science, business model, and operational realities of composting. These books will give you the knowledge to make smarter purchasing decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
The Rodale Book of Composting by Grace Gershuny
This is the standard reference for understanding composting mechanics—carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, temperature management, troubleshooting problems like odor and pest control. You’ll learn why certain equipment choices matter and which shortcuts will hurt your operation. Essential before you buy your first bin or turner.
Shop The Rodale Book of Composting on Amazon →
The Compost Entrepreneur by David Blume
Specifically written for people starting commercial composting operations. Covers business structure, permitting, equipment selection, and how to price your service. This book answers the question: “Which equipment will actually make me money?” rather than just “What’s available?”
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Teaming with Microbes by Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis
Understanding soil biology and the microorganisms your compost supports will inform what equipment investments actually matter. You’ll see why aeration, moisture, and temperature control aren’t just operational details—they’re the foundation of a product customers actually want.
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On Compost by David Blume
A practical manual focused on large-scale windrow composting and equipment needs for higher-volume operations. If you’re planning to move beyond small backyard bins, this book directly addresses equipment decisions for processing tons of material annually.
Equipment You Need
Your equipment needs depend on your business model—whether you’re collecting residential food scraps, processing yard waste, or running a larger-scale operation. Start small and add equipment as your revenue grows. Below are the core categories you’ll evaluate.
Composting Containers and Bins
- Stationary compost bins (30-100 gallons): Plastic or wood bins for residential pickup operations or small-scale processing. Affordable entry point but labor-intensive for larger volumes.
- Tumblers: Rotating drums that speed decomposition and reduce turning labor. Good for operations processing 100-500 pounds weekly.
- Wooden pallets: DIY option for building free or low-cost bins. Requires assembly and replacement every 2-3 years.
- Raised bed systems: Multi-chambered bins for showing customers the process stages. Higher upfront cost but good for education-based revenue.
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Aerating and Turning Equipment
- Garden fork: Manual turning tool for small piles. Costs under $50 but requires 2-4 hours per pile.
- Compost auger: Drill attachment for aerating piles without full turning. Reduces labor on piles under 10 cubic yards.
- Compost turner (front-tine tiller style): Self-propelled machine for medium windrows. Processes 20-40 cubic yards per hour. Rental is often smarter than purchase early on.
- Windrow turner: Mounted on tractor; required for large-scale operations (100+ tons annually). Capital investment of $15,000-$40,000.
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Screening and Finishing Equipment
- Hand screens (1/4 to 1/2 inch): Simple frame screens for removing unfinished material. DIY or commercial options under $300.
- Trommel screener: Rotating drum that sifts finished compost from bulky material. Processes 2-5 tons per hour. Cost: $4,000-$12,000.
- Vibrating screen: Flat-bed alternative for smaller operations. Cheaper than trommel ($1,500-$4,000) but slower.
Measurement and Monitoring Equipment
- Compost thermometer: 20-24 inch probe to track pile temperature and ensure it’s decomposing properly. Essential for maintaining quality.
- Moisture meter: Confirms your pile is 40-60% water content—too dry stalls decomposition, too wet creates odor.
- pH meter: Finished compost should be neutral (pH 6-7). Cheap insurance against selling substandard product.
- Scale (bathroom or kitchen): Track material weights if you’re billing by volume or studying your input-to-output ratio.
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Hauling and Processing Equipment
- 5-gallon food-grade buckets: For residential pickup collection. Buy in bulk ($0.50-$1.50 each).
- Wheelbarrow: For moving finished compost to customers or within your operation.
- Utility vehicle or truck: For hauling feedstock and finished product. Rent before buying if starting part-time.
- Shovel and pitchfork: Manual tools you’ll use constantly. Buy quality—cheap ones break when prying or shoveling dense material.
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Safety and Site Equipment
- Work gloves (nitrile or leather): You’ll handle decomposing material, sharp sticks, and potentially pests daily.
- Dust mask or respirator: Finished compost can generate spores. Protect your lungs—cheap masks prevent expensive problems.
- First aid kit: Cuts and punctures from compost handling are common.
- Tarps and covers: Manage odor, rainfall, and pest access. Heavy-duty tarps cost $30-$100 but last years.
What to Buy First vs Later
Your first-year purchases should be minimal—focus on learning the process before you spend heavily on machinery.
- Month 1: Compost bin(s), thermometer, moisture meter, hand tools, gloves, collection buckets, tarps.
- Months 2-6: A second thermometer, garden fork for turning, screening frame, safety equipment (masks, first aid).
- Months 6-12: If processing more than 500 pounds weekly, rent a small tiller-style turner instead of buying. Evaluate whether you need a vehicle upgrade.
- Year 2: If revenue supports it, consider purchasing a trommel screener or upgrading to a dedicated compost turner. Only buy machinery you’re using 3+ days weekly.
- Year 3+: Windrow turners, tractor attachments, and large-scale processing equipment only after proving consistent demand and margins.
New vs Used Equipment
Used equipment can save 40-60% on costs, but not all used gear is worth the savings. Buy new where reliability matters. Buy used where durability is proven.
Buy new: Thermometers, moisture meters, gloves, buckets, and tarps. These items are cheap, wear out predictably, and failure means operational delay. Compost bins are also worth buying new if you’re using them for customer pickup—they represent your brand. Buy used: Tumblers, tillers, shovels, forks, and wheelbarrows. These tools are simple and durable. A used front-tine tiller works the same as a new one. Check that moving parts function and metal isn’t cracked. Trommel screeners and windrow turners can be purchased used, but have a mechanic inspect them—repair costs can exceed the savings.
Search Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local farm equipment dealers for used gear. Many landscaping companies sell equipment when upgrading—their discards are often reliable.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Small tools, measurement equipment, safety gear, collection buckets, and containers.
- Home Depot and Lowe’s: Garden tools, tarps, bins, work gloves, and building materials for DIY projects.
- Tractor Supply: Heavy-duty work equipment, safety gear, and some composting-specific supplies.
- Farm equipment dealers: New and used tillers, turners, and screeners. Build relationships here—dealers often know about used equipment before it hits the market.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Used bins, tumblers, tools, and processing equipment.
- Local landscaping suppliers: Specialty composting bins and screens made for commercial use.
- Composting equipment manufacturers: Contact vendors like Javo, Scarab, and Komptech directly for new machinery quotes and lease options.