Where Can I Find a Good Quality Electric Compost Shredder that is Cost Effective?

by Pat Williams
(Corte Madera, California, USA)

I have tried three different electric shredders that I run off my solar system, and all have failed within a year or two. The Rover from Australia was the best one, but it is not marketed in the U.S. anymore. I found one on Craigslist locally and bought it, but it was well used.

Patriot seems to have a quality one, but costs about 5 times more than I am willing to spend.

Any ideas out there?

Our Answer

Hi Pat,

I’m going to have to call in the Tribe here. Guys and Gals, who has experience with electric shredders? Please help Pat.

The majority of my grinding/shredding is accomplished with a gas-powered chipper (see image below), so my experience with electric shredders is limited. This is why our compost shredder page has yet to be built. I plan on purchasing a shredder/chipper in the Spring, so it’ll be great if we can hear some feedback from others.

Compost Junkie Dave

compost shredder

Me and my chipper
Makin’ wood chips for use as a mulch and in compost

Comments for Where Can I Find a Good Quality Electric Compost Shredder that is Cost Effective?

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Jan 23, 2012
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Lawnmowers are the best
by: Mauritz

I shred all my garden (and home) organig waste with my lawnmower. This include branches up to 20mm (3/4″). I throw everything i want to add to the compost on my lawn. I run the lawnmower over it, which cuts the grass, while shredding and picking up the garden waste. I use a standard 2.2KW hosehold lawnmower which hasn’t given me any problems for 15 years.

Jan 23, 2012
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Re: shreddiers
by: Pat

I just purchased an Eco-shredder on eBay that was used & has a broken external part for $60. Will give a review after using it for a month. It may be best to use an electric mower,and I will try that also.

Jan 25, 2012
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Looking forward to it.
by: Compost Junkie Dave

Hey Pat, I’m looking forward to hearing your review of the Eco-shredder. Don’t forget to include a picture or two.

Mauritz – the ol’ lawn mower is a great suggestion, especially for the smaller diameter branches, leaves, etc. I’m still hesitant to consider it my main shredder/grinder. It all comes down to the size of materials you’re processing.

CJD

Mar 15, 2014
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Wanted: A composter like this.
by: Greg

Why hasn’t someone made something like a giant garbage disposal that would compost a combination of wet (kitchen scraps) and dry (garden stuff) material? I’m imagining an electric unit with a big mouth on top sitting right by my compost pile with all of the ground up stuff shooting into the pile. It would be similar to the lawn mower solution but way more convenient. I think there would be a substantial market for such a machine.

Mar 15, 2014
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Eco Shredder update
by: Pat W

Well, I have been using the Ecoshredder 1600 for two years now, and give it 4 out of five stars. The plastic and rubber safety shields have not held up, but it makes it easier to use with the guards gone. Have to be careful not to put your hand down the chute. It’s the best one I have found yet for an electric chipper.

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