From JH:
My rule is this: If you’ve cleared Labor Day you can start thinking about what you want to give and get for the holidays. Personally, I like to ask myself the following questions to determine what to put at the top of my list:
1. What do I want, but don’t necessarily need?
2. What do I want that I don’t want to spend my own money on?
3. What object/deed/accoutrement would improve the quality of my life, and also the quality of someone else’s life?
My answer to all three this year: A compost bin. Really, it’s about time. And though it’s not something that the beautiful borough of Brooklyn makes easy, it isn’t so hard, either. What’s more challenging is deciding which one to get. I’ve pretty much settled on the less-laborious “tumbling” variety, but in that category there are many choices…and sizes. Here are the ones I’m considering:

mantis 4000-00-002 compost twin; $500
The Cadillac of composters––The Mantis Compost Twin is a beauty, no? But maybe too much for my modest urban garden?
:

back porch compost tumbler; $242.50
I found this one at PlanetNatural.com, which has a most extensive selection of organic garden and greenhouse supplies. The size of this one is perfect, and the simple design appeals most to me. Plus, it yields finished compost in 4-6 weeks.
:

tumbleweed 100% recycled plastic compost bin; $189.00
Yes, it’s a big, black blob, but it’s made from 100% recycled plastic and it’s on sale here.
Variations on these three bins are also available at BackyardComposters.com, probably the most helpful site I’ve found so far. I’m going to have to think on it (and consult with JB, who will no doubt have an opinion), but in the meantime, I’m pretty sure that I want this kitchen compost keeper to store my kitchen scraps in between trips to the main attraction:

grip-ez satinless steel kitchen compost keeper; $35.50
Clean, simple, sturdy. It’s useless without a mama compost to unload into, but I’m tempted to buy it right now!
Do you have a compost bin? If so, please share. I’d love some recommendations.
p.s. Into composting? There’s a blog for that: TheCompostBin.com.