Ooh dear, its a mucky job but someone's gotta do it! I'm afraid the best thing to do is spread a tarpaulin or something, push the bin over and get out everything that's in it, use anything that's ready for use and put the rest back in again, always assuming you want a compost bin.

At 73 with a husband with Alz I don't relish the job but what will happen if I just leave it outside my kitchen ?

It'll just sit there, with everything bio degrading more, it won't turn toxic or anything, just be useless. I understand why you don't want to tackle it - maybe you could second a strong person from somewhere to do it for you?

Would wetting it help? It might soften it.

Is it a 3x3x3 ft bin or a plastic "Dalek - like " shape ? ( Can't think of a better description). If the latter it would take only minutes to lever it up at the base and 2 people could lift it off as I did with my son's help only last year for a neighbour of mine. Where do you live Sue ?

I have use of a plastic bin similar to that described by Hank and simply lift the bin off the compost - just like making sand-pies.

I lift mine off, (and have done it at 72 if that's any encouragement) but wouldn't say I "just " lift it off though. Can be a struggle but its possible. No need to rush it. If you can get a spade of something in down the sides to loosen it a bit it can help.

You're just so strong Sue, and you're just a young lass compared to me.

Thanks everyone, really appreciate all your tips. I will just wait for my hunky grandsons to visit now!

Thank you Hank, I needed that!!