Over the past year we found out that the standard black compost units sold by the city were challenging to keep wet enough and turn correctly. The first solution that I came across was a rotating compost bin, taking the displeasure out of trying to turn the compost. I bought the 50 gallon plastic drum for $20, while all of the rest of the materials were repurposed from our deck for my friend Mark. Since my friend Mark, owner of Worms @ Work, and I built the rotating bin I have added 5 handles on the outside of the drum to assist in turning more easily and 1/2" holes to assist in draining and aeration. 
For ease of use and to keep feedback in the system we placed the new composter near our patio door. So far so good!
The other system that we added is the 4 pallet compost bin. In my Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course, we learned that an optimal size for a compost bin is 1 meter squared which is conveniently the same size as most pallets. Using some repurposed rebar hammered in the ground to hold the pallets vertical, the system placed in the back alley was ready to go within 20 minutes. As we were building the system, our neighbour who likes to be around when work is being done, happened to be trimming his trees before he came over to check out what we were doing. I asked if we could use the trash bin full of green material for starting the pile (to rescue it from the landfill), he gladly agreed. Since then, we have saved 2 bags of grass clippings and other branches from the landfill. The pallet composter has proved far superior to the black compost bin from the city.
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