The first and foremost item you need when you decide to start composting is a compost bin. Good news is that you CAN easily build one yourself without putting much effort or money into it. (If you are an energetic pro-green individual, you may want to check our article on How You can Compost Organic Waste in just 5 Easy Steps.)
This article will guide you in making your own bin in about an hour using readily available items.
Aim: To build a bin that is budget-friendly, durable & adds to your home’s/yard’s aesthetic appeal.
** Your bin material should not be chemically treated.
1) Trash Can Composter
Steps:
i) Drill rows of holes on its upright surfaces, with holes placed 4-6 inches apart.
ii) Puncture a few holes on the can’s base and lid as well. (This helps in air flow and the passage of extra moisture)
iii) Secure the can using a bungee cord/rope and use duct tape to attach it tightly. (to keep it safe from pests)
The same ‘can’ becomes a Tumbler Composter when it’s cylindrical in shape. Roll it around in your yard once or twice a week to mix properly.
2) Wire-Mesh Composter
Steps:
i) Take a roll of wire-mesh and cut it to the size you need.
ii) Use a pair of pliers to cut off wire bits sticking out. Make the surface as even as possible to avoid any abrasion or cut.
iii) Roll the wire-mesh piece into a cylindrical shape.
iv) Secure the two joining edges of the roll with a wire.
**Use working gloves while setting this up.
3) Wooden Panel Composter
Step:
i) Make a four-sided box (of dimension= 3ftx3ftx3ft) by fixing together four wooden pallets using nails or wire.
ii) You may choose to add another pallet as the box’s base to allow more air flow.
** Spaces between the box’s wooden slats provide air circulation.
4) Stick Fence Composter
Steps:
i) Fix a wooden post on each corner of a square area (dimension=3ftx3ft) in your garden/yard.
ii) Use wires to attach the stick fence to wooden posts along the marked square’s perimeter. (take the help of pliers)
iii) Secure both ends of the fence using wire ties.
** Spaces between the box’s wooden slates provide air circulation.
5) Little Kitchen-Composter
Steps:
i) Pick an ice-cream box, coffee/gum/paint container to use as your compost bin. Make sure its lid can be fixed tightly.
ii) Drill enough holes (10 or more) on the lid of the container to allow air movement.
iii) Stick a charcoal filter on the inner side of the lid (to keep container free of odor)
If you are a step ahead of us and have built yourself a unique and more effective kind of compost bin, we’re excited to learn from you! Please share your creative ideas with us!
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