For easy maintenance and repair, be sure to provide convenient access to the emptying door as well as the liquid draining system, the exhaust pipe system, and the electrical service connections for any heating system and fan. (If flooding is a concern, it should be at least 18 in. above the high flood line.)

Ensure that the support or floor where the composter will be placed is dry and strong enough to support the load. The composter should be placed on an insulated, level, flat, and stable surface, such as concrete, compacted earth, moisture-resistant and rot-resistant lumber, or similar material.

If the floor is cold, such as in a basement, insulate the composter bottom to prevent heat loss with a minimum of 2 in. closed-cell foam insulation board. FOAMGLAS™ insulation from Pittsburgh Corning Corporation is best because it is rigid cellular glass foam, will not burn, or become unstable and has constant insulating efficiency and zero moisture permeability. It is expensive and hard to get, but you need only a small piece of it.