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The average person produces about a pound of waste every day. This includes food scraps, paper products, and yard debris. Even though modern society is producing more trash than ever before, composting has been around since the early 20th century! In this article, we will show you how to build your own compost bin from recycled materials that can be found in your local community for free or at very low cost.
DIY compost bins are a way of composting at home. Before we get into methods of making your own compost bins easily and cheaply, let us know the basics of composting. What is compost? This is organic material that is added to the soil for plants to grow.
More than 30 percent of what we discard as waste comprises of yard waste and food scraps; all these can be useful as compost. A notable advantage of making compost is that it keeps such organic waste out of landfills which take up a lot of space and also release potent greenhouse gases like methane.
Compost bins require three basic ingredients which are browns, greens, and water. The Brown component is formed out of various materials such as twigs, dead leaves, and branches. Vegetable waste, grass clippings, coffee grinds, and fruit rinds are some of the greens. Water is needed for compost. Too much water will not be good, but too little water means that the compost will not develop.
You need brown and green leaves in the compost pile. If you don’t, it won’t decompose well. It is advisable to alternate the layers of organic materials which have particles of different sizes. Browns give out carbon for the compost, while the greens give out nitrogen to the mixture; water supplies moisture useful for the breakdown of organic matter.
Do you have an idea of what you can compost? Well, the list is long. Nutshells, coffee grounds and filter, cardboard, fruits and vegetables, eggshells, tea bags, shredded newspaper, houseplants, wood chips, yard trimmings, hay and straw, paper, grass clippings, leaves, cotton and wool rags, sawdust, fireplace ashes, hair, and fur.
However, take extra care and make sure that you don’t compose the following: charcoal ash and coal could contain substances that could harm the plants. Insect-ridden or diseased plants are highly likely to transfer insects and diseases to other plants.
Dairy products like milk, yogurt, butter, eggs, and sour cream can start odor problems and bring pests like flies and rodents. Twigs and black walnut tree leaves can also release substances that can harm plants. Other food materials like grease, fats, oils, lard, fish bones, and meat can cause odor problems and bring flies and rodents. Pet wastes like soiled cat litter or dog and cat feces can contain bacteria, parasites, pathogens, viruses, and germs that could affect human health. Yard trimmings initially treated with pesticides could kill beneficial composting organisms.
To make a DIY compost bin successfully, check with the local recycling or local composting coordinator to confirm whether the listed organics are accepted by the drop-off composting Programme or your community curbside.
DIY Compost bin Ideas
With an overview of what you need and what to avoid when creating your own compost bin, there are several ideas to copy from that will help you start from the ground up. Ensure you have all the compost required and the appropriate place to gather the lawn trimmings and the pesky garden scraps.
Storage bin
This is one of the simplest DIY compost bins appropriate for compost of smaller amounts. All you need to do is get the best spot for the storage bin. Among the many areas, consider the back patio, or the deck, or set the storage bin as close to the kitchen or garden to cover a short distance when walking with the scraps. Settle for a storage bin that will suit your needs and make sure that there is a decent lid on it. Plastic is the most suitable material for your storage bin plus, it should have some locks on it. Whenever you want to move it, it should have wheels.
As soon as you get the bin in place, load in the composting materials then lock the lid. Allow the storage bin to sit and keep on laying compost material whenever you get it. In case you need compost, gently open the lid and take out the amount you need. Remember to lock it again.
A three-bin composting system
This is a good one for people who have the space. This particular method will help you collect all your compost in an organized way and it also has two extra bins that can be used to store useful materials or hold excess scraps until there is enough of them to add into the first bin. The only disadvantage of this system is that it can be a little bit difficult to move around.
The three-bin composting system has the same principle as the two-bin but with an extra bin. It also needs more space than the two-bin and works perfectly for those who have enough space in their yards. The first bin will serve as the collection bin where all the compostable materials will be gathered. The second bin is used to store any excess scraps while you wait for enough material in order to add them into your first collection bin.
The last step involves transferring the good, finished compost from the second pile back into your garden or planters to give yourself a rich soil enhancer that can be used to nourish your plants.
Straw Bales
A straw bale compost bin is a compost bin that is made out of straw bales. Straw bales are an excellent material for making compost bins because they are cheap, easy to find, and easy to assemble.
This temporary solution is excellent since it can allow you to make compost through one growing season. Besides, other benefits include an easy, quick setup and a cost-effective method. Before you start on this, find out the size you want your bin to be then make a box using straw bales to fit the measurements. You will have to stack them from two to three bales high and for more stability, stagger the bales. Therefore, don’t stack them on top of each other directly but put the bales in a manner that the bales on the next level will span over the spot that has the two lower bales sliding together. You will not require a floor when you pick this option plus you can add in the straw as it starts to rot so that the compost becomes packed with nutrients.
Hinged pallets
How does a compost bin made out of hinged pallets work?
There are several benefits of using a compost bin made out of hinged pallets. First, it can be transformed into an open-air pile and closed for colder seasons which is great since your compost will not freeze in the wintertime. The other benefit is that you do not need to dig up the floor; instead, place the hinges at the bottom so that the front or back can easily open. This will give you access to the compost without having to move the entire bin.
Also, you don’t need many tools to make this type of compost bin: just a screwdriver, pallet wood, a hammer, and some nails. Add hinges if you want to make doors.
Garbage Bin
A new or an old plastic garbage bin will make a great DIY compost bin. Almost everyone has either a plastic or a metal garbage bin laying around; fabricate it to come up with an easy bin to hold a decent quantity of materials.
What you need is a flat area where the ground is level and there are at least four bricks.
This step will allow any liquid to drain from the compost. In case you have a rounded bin, it should have a locking lid. All this allows you to tip the bin on its side or even tumble the compost at intervals to allow everything to mix so that you can get even layers. For square compost bins, rock them from side to side so that the compost mixes well. Get something to punch aeration holes from the top to bottom at the sides of the garbage bin. Also, add a few holes at the bottom for drainage. Place the compost bin on the pavers and add the material inside. Allow the compost bin to work for you.
Milk crates
A compost bin made out of milk crates is a great way to make compost easily. The crates can be stacked and the compost made in them. When you are done with one, just rotate it to the next level. You can also use this method if you have a small amount of compost to make. It is an easy way to make compost.
You don’t need to make a compost bin that is big if you do not want to. You can use small amounts of compost by using plastic milk crates in stacks. You need more than one crate so that you can store your compost.
The milk crates should be stacked and the compost made. Put the compost in the crate. Use a flat surface to make it easy to stack them on top of each other.
Three or four stacks will be enough since they will be stable at this height. Start using the compost from the bottom crate first then rotate the milk crates when you are done with one. For ease of use, label each milk crate so that you know which one to use next in case you are worried about mixing them up. The crate at the top must have a lid; a piece of wood can do.
A compost bin made out of milk crates with lids is another great way to make your own compost without having too many materials or tools. You can stack the crates on top of each other and fill them up with compostable material.
Milk crates are lightweight and easy to move around if you want to shift them from one position in the garden or yard to another. You can also stack more than two crates on top of each other for a taller bin. The bottom crate should have a lid so that it is easier to use but this isn’t necessary if you don’t have one.
Wire fencing
The wire fencing DIY technique requires almost 12 feet of wire fencing for a compost bin. This includes a two-foot pole for the bin handle, hinges or zip ties, and a mesh of hardware cloth. You need to measure out a circle, and make the wire fencing match. Then bring the ends together. It should be complete.
Alternatively, bend the wire together. To make the lid, you will have to take the mesh hardware cloth then mark out all the dimensions for the top opening. Afterward, cut the mash hardware cloth in a slightly larger dimension and make sure that all the ends down around the larger wire sides end so that they easily lock into place.
To make the door, measure and then start to dig a hole. Make it two feet by two-feet wide and deep. Then attach it with zip ties. For the handle, tie a stick to the other side of the door so people can open it up.
Ensure that you have your safety glasses and gloves on as a safety measure to prevent any injuries as you bend the wire. An advantage of this DIY compost bin method is that it can survive through several seasons without breaking down allowing you to get the most use out of it.
Bokashi composting
What is bokashi composting?
Bokashi composting is a simple and easy way to make your own compost from kitchen scraps. It’s an excellent choice for those living in apartments or homes without yards as it doesn’t require a lot of space.
You can use bokashi buckets indoors or outdoors, but they must be located away from direct sunlight if you choose the outdoor option. The bucket will fill up with a black compost tea that you can use as a fertilizer for your plants.
One of the benefits of bokashi composting is that it speeds up the decomposition process, so you can start using your compost in just two weeks!
How to make a bokashi composting bucket?
In order to make a bokashi composting bucket, you will need the following materials:
-Two food grade buckets with lids (one lid is cut out as a door)
-A drill and drill bits for cutting holes in the side of one of your buckets
-Non aluminum duct tape or zip ties.
First, you will need two five-gallon buckets, a drill, and one well-fitting lid. Drill a hole in the bottom of the bucket and put that bucket inside another. That’s it! You are set to add your composting material.
DIY Compost screen
A compost screen is essential in sifting out the large chunks which are yet to decompose before adding the compost to your garden.
This DIY method works irrespective of the vessel that you choose to keep your compost. A compost screen is easy to make and is affordable too. Just make a four-sided frame from lumber then staple hardware cloth on all sides. Afterward, hold the screen over a bucket or a wheelbarrow then sift all the compost through it before it’s put to use.
Look for a DIY privacy screen in case you want to keep the compost out of sight. Additionally, if you don’t want to keep your compost but you are interested in composting, numerous composting services will take the compost and make sure it is put to good use.
There are many ways to make a compost bin, and each has its own advantages. You can use wire fencing, bokashi composting, or build your own compost screen. Whichever method you choose, make sure to take into account the amount of space you have available and how much compost you plan on making. With a little bit of effort, you can have a thriving compost bin that will help your garden thrive!
DIY tumbling composter
This is the best option for those who do not have much space in their yards or even if you don’t want anything that will take too much of your time. Compost tumblers can be rotated and turned around whenever they are needed without any hassle at all, making it an easy DIY compost bin project.
All you need is a 55-gallon drum, saws, drill bits, bolts, and wing nuts. Cut the barrel in half then drill holes all around it. After that, fasten them together with bolts and wing nuts then start adding your composting material. You can also paint it to make it look more appealing.
It allows easy turning over of the compost. To turn a compost pile is necessary especially for controlling odors and to ensure that material located at the edges mixes efficiently to heat up for decomposition. Tumblers are expensive to get pre-made but look for a tutorial that will show the steps of making one inexpensively using some sawhorses and an old barrel.
Underground compost bin (DIY)
A DIY underground compost bin fits perfectly in a little garden as is well hidden. You can use a small trash bin with drilled holes at the bottom and sides to act as gateways for worms to enter and eat kitchen scraps. Make sure the bin is well secured preferably with a pot saucer to keep unwelcome critters away. The underground compost bins attract worms naturally so you don’t have to look for them because the compost bin will allow worms to come in and leave as they please. In case there is no food in the bin, the worms go elsewhere to search for food but not die of starvation.
An underground compost bin provides nourishment directly to the plant roots so make sure the bin is buried into the garden bed. It will all depend on the amount of worm activity and the size of the bin for you to end up with the most nutritious compost in a matter of 3 to 6 months. Spread the compost around the garden, seedlings, and potted plants and watch them grow.
You will need a drill, shovel, trash bin or bucket, and a secure lid.
Do compost bins need drainage?
Compost bins need drainage. Drainage must be present in a properly functioning compost pile since excessive moisture will displace the air that the various bacteria need. The bacteria need air to digest the material in the compost.
Benefits of composting
Composting has numerous benefits, especially for the environment. This practice helps to enrich the soil, retain moisture, and suppress plant diseases and pests. It also replaces chemical fertilizers and boosts the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that are useful in breaking down organic matter to form humus which is a nutrient-laden material.
Composting reduces methane emissions from landfills and minimizes your carbon footprint.
How to compost at home
There are many ways to make a compost pile. You need a hose, a machete, a pitchfork, and a square point shovel. The regular mixing and turning of the compost plus some water help to maintain the compost.
For backyard composting at home, pick a shady and dry spot with a water source for your compost in or pile. Afterward, add some of the required brown and green materials and make sure all larger pieces are chopped or shredded.
Moisten the dry material that you add and once the compost pile is established, mix the grass clippings plus green waste into the pile then bury all vegetable and fruit waste under 10 inches of compost material. Alternatively, you can cover the top part of the compost with a tarp to maintain the moisture. Your compost will be ready to use when the material at the bottom becomes rich and dark in color and this step usually takes two months to two years.
Indoor DIY Compost bins
In case you don’t have any space available for an outdoor compost pile, create an indoor DIY compost bin using a type of bin that you can make yourself, or one which you can get from a gardening supplies store or a local hardware store. Always remember every material that you throw in the compost and keep track so that you don’t attract rodents or pests. If you can keep off bad smells, then your compost will be ready in two to five weeks.
There are several materials to use for a DIY compost bin. The material used should not be harmful or leach unwanted substances into the compost bin. What if you want to use wood? Ensure you use untreated woods since these types won’t leach any chemicals into the compost which will potentially contaminate your veggies. Keep away from shipped pallets because it is hard to determine the source of the wood and how it has been treated. Some suggested materials that could replace the wood include cedar, aluminum fencing, galvanized steel, plastic fencing, a large trash can, metal cattle paneling, or a plastic tote.
DIY kitchen compost bin
A composting bin is a container that retains your compost. The bins can be as basic as a box that holds decomposing kitchen and garden waste. Some bins can be more exposed to the environment compared to enclosed barrels. An advantage of this method is that it allows easy maneuvering of the pitchfork in the bin to turn the compost but the disadvantage is that critters are highly likely to enter the bin and create a mess.
Some regions put in place strict regulations on the types of bins to use. In case you live in the suburbs or the city, make sure to check with the local government or the homeowners’ association to check if there are rules for composting in the area buying or building a compost bin.
Compost barrels
Compost barrels are a way to make compost. They look like trash cans or barrels. The enclosed bins prevent rats, raccoons, and critters to get into. Similar barrels need a ventilation tube because it can be difficult to carry out aeration by turning compost in the barrel. To do passive composting you need to add fresh waste on top of the barrel and take some out at the bottom.
Compost tumblers
Compost tumblers are majorly designed for easy tuning. In these barrels, there could be wheels or gears. The wheel is turned by a crank or the barrel could be suspended from an axle.The easy turning mechanism allows composting to take place faster than in other systems. However, despite being a convenient composting method, tumblers are more expensive to set up than other systems.
DIY Worm compost bin
A vermicomposter is a worm composting bin that is not too expensive and easy to take care of.It is easy to get buying worm compost bins. Get the bin in an indoor space so that the worms don’t freeze in winter or get too warm in summer.
Alternatively, put the bin in a basement or another space that is out of the way because you will be making compost in the composter. Worms can eat paper that is thin or cut into small pieces.
Also, feed them with food scraps when you prepare or clean up after meals; avoid animal by-products or plastic and fabric tea bags.
DIY compost bins for apartments
You can compost even when you live in an apartment. Most methods of composting suitable for apartment living are covered in the article and they include, vermicomposter, Bokashi composting, compost tumbler. Other useful methods are freezer composting, blender composting, and countertop composting.
Ways to create compost
Aerobic composting
This composting uses a pile of brown and green matter in the backyard. It comprises of anything that you can get your hands on which is easy and cheap to put together. The setup includes wire cages that are inlaid with pipes around the edges to contain water for capturing heat. This will be used for hot water systems for sustainability reasons.
Anaerobic composting
Also known as Effective Micro-Organisms composting (EMO). This is a system that is generally used for indoor composting but generally, anyone can use it for composting. The most common technique is Bokashi but other indoor systems can utilize this method; just make sure to use a carbon filter in the lid to filter odors. Use these systems if you want to aid the composting process.
FAQ’s DIY compost bins
What is anaerobic composting?
Also known as Effective Micro-Organisms composting (EMO). This is a system that is generally used for indoor composting but generally, anyone can use it for composting. The most common technique is Bokashi but other indoor systems can utilize this method; just make sure to use a carbon filter in the lid to filter odors. Use these systems if you want to aid the composting process.