Want to turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into garden gold, but without breaking the bank? You’ve come to the right place. Creating your own compost bin doesn’t have to be a complicated, expensive endeavor. In fact, it can be incredibly cheap and surprisingly easy. This article will walk you through several DIY methods for building effective compost bins using readily available materials, saving you money and helping the planet, all at the same time.
| Compost Bin Type | Ease of Construction | Cost | Materials Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Pallet Bin | Very Easy | Very Low (often free) | Wooden Pallets, Zip Ties or Wire | Large yards, high volume composting |
| Trash Can Composter | Easy | Low to Moderate | Plastic Trash Can, Drill | Small to medium yards, controlled environment |
| Wire Mesh Bin | Easy | Low | Wire Mesh, Zip Ties or Wire | Small to medium yards, good aeration |
| Stacking Bin (Tire Method) | Moderate | Very Low (often free) | Old Tires, Optional: Soil or Liner | Small to medium yards, modular composting |
| Plastic Storage Bin Composter | Very Easy | Low to Moderate | Plastic Storage Bin, Drill | Small spaces, apartments, controlled composting |
Why DIY Your Compost Bin?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about why making your own compost bin is a fantastic idea. First and foremost, it saves you money. Pre-made compost bins can range in price from a little costly to downright exorbitant. By building your own, you’re using resources you might already have or can obtain cheaply, making composting accessible to everyone.
Beyond the financial benefit, DIYing allows you to customize your bin to perfectly fit your needs and available space. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a tiny balcony, you can create a bin that’s just the right size. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce waste, giving new life to old materials. This DIY approach also gives you a personal connection to the composting process, making it more engaging and rewarding.
The Simple Pallet Compost Bin
One of the most popular and cost-effective DIY compost bins is made from wooden pallets. You can often find these for free at construction sites, local businesses, or online marketplaces. Pallets offer a sturdy, airy structure, perfect for a healthy compost pile.
Materials You’ll Need:
- 4 Wooden pallets (same size)
- Zip ties, wire, or screws
- Gloves (recommended)
Instructions:
- Arrange the Pallets: Stand three pallets on their edges, forming a three-sided square. This will be the main body of your bin.
- Secure the Pallets: Use zip ties, wire, or screws to attach the pallets together at the corners. Make sure it’s stable but leave one side open for easy access.
- Add the Fourth Pallet (optional): If you want a completely enclosed bin, attach the fourth pallet to the open side, either using hinges or making it easily removable.
- Start Composting: That’s it! Your simple pallet compost bin is ready to use.
Tips for Pallet Bins:
- Choose untreated pallets: Avoid pallets labeled “HT” (heat treated), which are generally safe, and those labeled “MB” (methyl bromide) which should be avoided entirely.
- Add a lining (optional): To prevent compost from seeping out of the gaps, consider lining the inside of the bin with cardboard or heavy-duty plastic.
- Consider ventilation: Pallets provide good ventilation, but you can further improve it by drilling a few extra holes.
The Trash Can Composter
An old or unused plastic trash can can be easily transformed into a very effective compost bin. It’s especially suitable for smaller yards and balconies, offering a contained and relatively clean composting environment.
Materials You’ll Need:
- A plastic trash can with a lid
- A drill with a ½ inch drill bit
- Gloves
- Optional: A smaller bin for turning the compost
Instructions:
- Drill Ventilation Holes: Using your drill, create multiple holes around the sides of the trash can and a few on the bottom. These holes are crucial for aeration.
- Prepare the Lid: Drill holes in the lid as well, but fewer than the sides and bottom. This will allow air to circulate but also help retain moisture.
- Start Composting: That’s all there is to it. Place your can where you want it and start adding your materials.
Tips for Trash Can Composters:
- Ensure proper drainage: If you’re concerned about excess moisture, consider adding a layer of coarse material at the bottom, such as small branches or gravel.
- Turn Regularly: Use a smaller container, like another trash can or a bucket to turn the compost, mixing the materials and ensuring even decomposition.
- Keep it shaded: Placing the bin in a shaded area helps prevent it from drying out too quickly.
The Wire Mesh Compost Bin
Wire mesh bins offer great aeration and are another very cost-effective option for composting. These bins are easy to build and perfect for those who prefer a simple setup.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Wire mesh (hardware cloth)
- Zip ties or wire
- Gloves
- Optional: Stakes for extra support
Instructions:
- Cut the Mesh: Cut the wire mesh to the desired length, usually around 3-4 feet tall. The length will determine the diameter of your bin.
- Form a Cylinder: Wrap the mesh into a cylinder shape and overlap the ends by a few inches.
- Secure the Mesh: Use zip ties or wire to secure the overlapped edges, creating a stable cylinder.
- Optional – add Stakes: if you want extra support around the bin you can use stakes to ensure it is sturdy
- Start Composting: Your wire mesh bin is ready for action.
Tips for Wire Mesh Bins:
- Use a finer mesh: To prevent smaller compost pieces from falling out, choose a finer mesh size.
- Consider an enclosure (optional): If you live in a windy area, you can wrap the outside with a layer of burlap or cardboard to help keep the compost in place.
- Turn Regularly: Turning the compost in a wire mesh bin is easy; simply lift the cylinder and move it to a new spot, then put your compost back in.
The Stacking Tire Compost Bin
If you have some old tires lying around, you can repurpose them into a surprisingly effective compost bin. Tires are durable and stackable, making them an easy option for creating modular composting systems.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Old tires (2 or more)
- Optional: Soil or a liner
Instructions:
- Stack the Tires: Place one tire on the ground. This will be the base of your bin. Stack additional tires on top of the base, creating a tiered structure.
- Line the Tires (optional): You can line the bottom tire with soil to help retain moisture and prevent compost from slipping out or use a plastic liner.
- Start Composting: Begin filling the tires with your compost materials.
Tips for Tire Bins:
- Be mindful of tire material: Be aware of what type of tires you are using, avoid using any tire that might be treated with harmful chemicals.
- Cut tires to make it easier: If using multiple tires is cumbersome you can cut the bead off a few tires so they can be stack inside each other more easily.
- Turn the compost: To turn the compost in a tire bin simply remove one or more tires and use a fork to move and remix the material.
The Plastic Storage Bin Composter
For those with very limited space, a plastic storage bin offers a convenient solution. This method is perfect for apartments or small patios, providing a clean and contained environment for composting.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Plastic storage bin with a lid
- A drill with a 1/4 inch drill bit
- Gloves
Instructions:
- Drill Ventilation Holes: Drill several holes in the sides, bottom, and lid of your plastic bin for adequate airflow.
- Prepare for Drainage: Consider a layer of pebbles or coarse materials at the bottom if you’re worried about excess moisture.
- Start Composting: Begin layering your “greens” and “browns” in the bin.
Tips for Plastic Storage Bins:
- Monitor Moisture: Plastic bins retain moisture easily. Monitor the compost to ensure it’s not too wet, adding more “browns” if needed.
- Turn Often: Plastic bins need regular turning. Use a small garden tool or hand trowel to mix the compost every few days.
- Keep it Covered: Always keep the lid on to control moisture and odors.
General Composting Tips
No matter which bin style you choose, there are some general guidelines to follow to ensure your compost is a success:
- Maintain the proper ratio: A good rule of thumb is to maintain a 2:1 ratio of “brown” materials (like dried leaves, shredded paper) to “green” materials (like food scraps, grass clippings).
- Turn your compost regularly: Turning aerates the compost pile, speeding up decomposition. Aim to turn your compost every 3-7 days.
- Keep it moist: Your compost pile should feel like a damp sponge. If it’s too dry, add water. If it’s too wet, add more “brown” materials.
- Avoid adding: Meat, dairy, oily foods, and diseased plants, which can attract pests and slow down decomposition.
Embarking on a DIY compost bin project is a fantastic way to contribute to environmental sustainability, save money, and enrich your garden soil. With a little effort and the right resources, you can easily build your own composting system, turning waste into valuable nutrients. So choose the method that works best for you, get started, and enjoy the rewarding journey of creating your own garden gold!
If you’d like to learn more about composting, you might find some great resources on reputable gardening websites like Gardener’s Supply Company or The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Happy composting!
