compost containers?

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Posted by LilyD74 5b MI (My Page) on

Sat, Apr 12, 14 at 11:51

I need to get a significant amount (about a yard or so) of compost from the free pickup site to my back yard. All I have for transportation is a small car with a trunk; no access to a truck, trailer, etc. Any ideas for containers small enough to lift them myself, and large enough not to spend the entire day loading and unloading? I am not a strong lifter, I can manage about 40-60 pounds. I have some plastic bins that I could use, but they are so large I would never be able to lift the bins up and into my trunk. Cost is a factor for me too. I keep thinking there has to be something simple that would work, but it's eluding me. I'm sure one you would have the idea. :-)

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RE: compost containers?

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Posted by digdirt 6b-7a North AR (My Page) on
Sat, Apr 12, 14 at 12:13

Large plastic trash bags - heavy duty ones - is about all i can think of given all your limitations. Just fill them 1/2 full.

No friend or neighbor with a truck?

Dave

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Posted by nancyjane_gardener USDA 8ish No CA (My Page) on
Sat, Apr 12, 14 at 20:28

5 gallon buckets, or pay the extra to have it delivered? Maybe rent a truck. I think HD or u-Haul has them for $20 per day + miles. You could get all your truck-like errands done in one swoop! Nancy

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Posted by thedogsLL 6-Boston (My Page) on
Sun, Apr 13, 14 at 15:30

If a newbie to the forum might offer something? HD actually rents trucks and vans by the hour - even less expensive, if there's one near you.
Lynn T

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Posted by MoleX 6b (My Page) on
Sun, Apr 13, 14 at 21:49

somewhere in the Soil forum is a thread about a guy who did just this last year or two in his little compact car.

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Posted by changingitup zone 8 Portland, OR (mydrums@hotmail.com) on
Sun, Apr 13, 14 at 23:59

Can you put a tarp down in your car and either have someone help lift the plastic bins into the car/trunk after they're filled and then when you get home shovel straight from the bins in the car to a wheel barrow or smaller bucket? If you rent a truck by the hour I suggest a tarp down so you save some time with clean up.

RE: compost containers?

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Posted by cold_weather_is_evil Tucson 9a/b desert (My Page) on
Mon, Apr 14, 14 at 0:14

>> I need to get ... (about a yard or so) of compost
>> All I have for transportation is a small car with a trunk
>> ...large enough not to spend the entire day loading and unloading

The rule of thumb is one five gallon bucket holds 2/3 cubic foot. That's forty buckets and one bodacious trunk! In comparison, a full sized American pickup bed will hold 2 1/3 yards at the gunwales.

The good news is each five gallons of DRY compost could weigh less than about 8 pounds or so. Totes could be do-able if the stuff isn't too wet.

RE: compost containers?

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Posted by prairiemoon2 zone 6a/MA (My Page) on
Mon, Apr 14, 14 at 3:05

I would suggest you at least check around with some of your friends to see who may have a van or truck that could help you out. Two people and a larger vehicle would make the job much easier. Also consider using a wheelbarrow when you get home with full containers and put the wheelbarrow up to the trunk and tip the full containers into it.

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Posted by LilyD74 5b MI (My Page) on
Mon, Apr 14, 14 at 6:23

You guys rock! I have the compost waiting on my parking pad for digging this weekend. Thanks, everybody!

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