Cypress Mulch isnt all that expensive and you can get a good sized rubbermaid for 10 bucks or under. I actuall use the rubbermaid versions of the ones here: http://www.sterilite.com/Category.ht...ctCategory=37# . I have two that are approx the same size as the model 1889 and one about the same size as the 1888. They are available at WalMart for somewhere around 9 bucks ( if i remember correctly ) You will need to either bake or boil ( or both ) the mulch to get rid of any little critters that may be living inside it. I've never actually done it ( i use newspaper or paper towels for my substrate ), but i know members here have. They should be along any time to give you some more info on that.