1. Yes.
2. No.

Sorry, the correct answer is "b.  No"

No, not necessary. Many people like manufactured bins because they generally have a much more finished look than home made bins. However, you can construct attractive composting structures made of wire, wood or concrete blocks, depending on your personal tastes. Of course, the pile, trench, and sheet composting systems require no building materials at all, and can be integrated in your existing landscape - under trees, in annual beds, etc.