[Paulj]

I used some pallets from work to make a compost bin and have collected carpet that someone kindly gave me instead of disposing of them at the tip.  Before I put the carpets over the pallets, I understand it can be helpful to insulate between the pallets as possible in order to keep more heat in once generated.

I have a couple of old spare duvets and wondered if these would be any good if wrapped in plastic to prevent them going soggy?  I would use bubble wrap, but it costs a fortune for the amount I think I would need, and hae also investigated flowpack which is also not very cheap (and if I was to wait for recycled stuff even from friends etc it would take an age to fill the pallets).

Or are there other cheap and easy ways to insulate it that I've missed?

[Kleftiwallah]

The good old expanded polystyrene is a cracking insulator.  Normally found round new 'white goods',  a trip down to the 'sheds' may be benificial.    (or Wickes sell it by the board).                   Cheers,     Tony.

[Paulj]

The good old expanded polystyrene is a cracking insulator.  Normally found round new 'white goods',  a trip down to the 'sheds' may be benificial.    (or Wickes sell it by the board).                   Cheers,     Tony.

I'm always amazed at the speed of responses on this forum!

I hadn't thought of that and shall investigate!  Thanks for the great idea.

[smilydog]

Hi

I use cardboard boxes folded over and stuffed in the gaps, it will eventually rot into the compost and then you can replace it

Smilydog

[Paulj]

Hi

I use cardboard boxes folded over and stuffed in the gaps, it will eventually rot into the compost and then you can replace it

Smilydog

I had onside red cardboard but wasn't sure if it would insulate enough. If it does the job it could be the best option for me as I have an almost endless supy from work if I want it.  Does it promote rotting of the pallets as well though?

[smilydog]

Hi Paulj

Mine have been in use now for about 2 years, and it has produced good compost. I have not noticed any rot in the pallets so far, but think as they are placed direct on the soil, that they will eventually start to rot from the bottom up

Smilydog

[sunshineband]

I also use cardboard from recycled boxes, but to line the inside of the bin itself. Rots down well by the time the compost is ready to use.

Werks fer me

[Paulj]

That's me sorted then.  I'll get some cardboard from work tomorrow!