Allotments 4 All

I am finally clearing out my overfull old New Zealand style double compost bin and after many years use it needs replacing as it is falling to bits.
I've a lot of old paving slabs from another project. Is there any reason why I can't use them to slab the base of the new bin? It would make clearing it out easier.
I am going to start the new bin off with partially rotted stuff from the old bin so any worms etc will be already their to work their magic.

I have 2 daleks permanently standing on paving slabs, albeit close to my raised beds -  no problem at all and the compost is awash with red wrigglers. As you propose to do, I also use remaining half rotted material to start off the freshly emptied darlek on its next cycle each year.

Tricia 

I have two daleks on a concrete base by a brick building, not particularly close to soil, and they have plenty of red wigglers. I did give each bin a starting layer, but I think they would probably have found the bins even if I hadn't. "Build it and they will come"!!

Yep - I have a single dalek on a slab base, and it turns anything I throw at it into compost at a terriffying rate, plus has lots of wrigglers. Go for it!

I got around the need for a base by using an old galvanised coldwater tank on its end - the rolled edges (now upright) keep the planks in place and I get a lot less rat problems, so I recommend it.

I needed to cut off what was the top panel for convenient loading - but I slide it in like a guillotine so I only need a few planks to fill it to the top. I find compost bins "eat" planks - and the bottom planks were an easier route for rats anyway.

If a really rapid heap is essential then you can line it with cardboard or newspapers - without worrying too much about rats. Also PU foam sheets are available from your local skip.

Cheers