Question 1

Is it bear proof?

Accepted Answer

As a Ranger from Yosemite National Parks once said: “There is considerable overlap between the intelligence of the smartest bears and the dumbest tourists."

It is very difficult to bear proof anything. Even the best Tumbler (or any plastic) Composter couldn’t hold up to even a determined black bear cub. If you want a composter with less Bear worry, consider building a simple in-ground one near the edge of your property so if bears (or raccoons) *do* come, they’ll be further away from your primary point of habitation. Be sure to mix in your browns well so there isn’t a food smell.

Question 2

do you have to put it together and is it difficult we are not good at assembly

Accepted Answer

You have to assemble it.  I brought it about a year ago and put off trying to put it together until yesterday, because of all the reviews saying it was difficult.  I didn't find it hard to figure out how to do it , and thought the instructions that came with it did a good job of showing you how to do it .  It was time consuming because you have to put in 57 small screws with the nuts.  I'm a woman, 76 years old with no especial insight on assembling things.  It looks like it will do a good job for me.

Question 3

Any tips for winter usage, once temperatures cause the compost to freeze?

Accepted Answer

I keep adding to my compost all winter. I just don't turn it over as often, maybe once every 2 weeks or so. While nothing will "cook" during the winter, you'll have fresh material on standby for when it does start to warm up. I suppose my only tip would be to make sure you add material to it during the daytime and make sure your composter stays in a sunny spot. The door can freeze "shut" at night due to the lower temperatures and any moisture along the track.I've already been through one winter with it and I sincerely had no issues and didn't have to make any changes to the way I used the tumbler.

Question 4

what is the best mixture of scraps to put in the composter to start the first batch in a brand new yimby tumbler composter?

Accepted Answer

I actually toss a little bit (maybe 6 cups) of soil from my garden in my compost when starting it out and it seems to give it a good kick. Just add 50/50 green and brown material with it and it will take off. Make sure to check it often if it gets sunny outside. Compost seems to dry out fast when it's hot, due to bacteria and fungus using a lot more water when it gets hot.

Color	Black
Size	37 gallon
Style	Composter
Height	8 inches
Length	22.5 inches
Weight	28 Pounds
Width	22.5 inches
Shape	Octagonal
Material Type	Plastic
Number of Items	1
Power Source	manual
Usage	composting
Volume Capacity	37 Gallons
Batteries Included?	No
Brand	FCMP Outdoor
Manufacturer	Forest City Models and Patterns
Item model number	IM4000
Product Dimensions	76.2 x 71.12 x 91.44 cm; 12.25 kg
ASIN	B009378AG2

FCMP OutdoorIM4000 Tumbling Composter, 37 gallon, Black

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