- 1. Convert a plastic trash can into a composting bin<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Build a DIY compost bin from pallets<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Wire fence compost bin<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Make a wood compost bin<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Pallet DIY bin with hardware cloth<\/a><\/li>
- 6. DIY compost tumbler<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Build a DIY Bokashi bin using buckets<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Metal compost bins<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Straw bale compost bin<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Trench composting<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Two-tier DIY vermicomposting bin made from plastic storage boxes<\/a><\/li>
- 12. Multi-tier DIY worm compost farm<\/a><\/li>
- 13. In-ground worm composting bins<\/a><\/li>
- How to mix and layer compost materials in your compost bin<\/a><\/li>
- How to install compost worms in a new bin<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about DIY compost bins<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
1. Convert a plastic trash can into a composting bin<\/span><\/h2>
![\"diy](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/trashcancompost.jpg\")
Photo Credit: MarkPiovesan<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Turning a garbage can into a composting bin allows you to produce organic fertilizer<\/a> for your lawn and garden in a small space, like a porch, garage, or a cramped yard corner. It creates a closed environment, so moisture and heat are easier to control, making it an excellent option for hot and cold composting. <\/p>
Tools and materials<\/span><\/h3>
To build it, you\u2019ll need the following:<\/p>
- A trash bin with a tight closing lid. If the space and budget allow it, go for a container at least 32 gallons large. <\/li>
- Drill and a 2 or 3-inch drill bit.<\/li>
- Aluminum screen fabric. <\/li>
- Silicone caulk or epoxy adhesive.<\/li> <\/ul>
Here are some examples of supplies you can find online:<\/p>
32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can<\/a> – Walmart
20V MAX Cordless Drill and Driver<\/a> – Amazon
Aluminum Window Screen, 36″ x 84″<\/a> – Amazon
Gorilla Expoxy 0.85 fl. Oz.<\/a> – Home Depot<\/p>Money-saving tips:<\/strong> You\u2019ll be drilling the garbage bin, so use an old one if possible. You can also repurpose aluminum fabric from an old window mosquito screen. <\/p>
How to build the compost bin <\/span><\/h3>
Step 1:<\/strong> Use the drill to make holes around the trash can walls, 6 to 12 inches apart. You need them for ventilation.<\/p>
Step 2:<\/strong> Cut square pieces from the screen fabric, about 4-5 inches in size. <\/p>
Step 3<\/strong>: Use the pieces to cover each hole from the inside and secure with silicone or epoxy. The fabric prevents pests from getting inside while allowing air to flow freely.<\/p>
You\u2019re all set!<\/p>
Pick a place for your composting bin and place it there. Start adding organic matter to your bin. Close the lid. Turn the pile at least once a week if you\u2019re hot composting. Let it be if you’re using the cold composting method.<\/p>
Note: If you decide to buy a bin after all, we have a detailed guide with the best compost bins<\/a> on the market you can choose from.<\/p>
2. Build a DIY compost bin from pallets<\/span><\/h2>
![\"DIY](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pallet.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Martin Hambleton<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Since free pallets are easy to find, many gardeners use them to build structures for outdoor compost piles. They don\u2019t offer the same protection against the weather but make the heaps look neat, keep the compost in place, and are easy to build.<\/p>
A pallet bin doesn\u2019t have a closed bottom. The organic matter sits directly on the soil, allowing beneficial microbes and decomposing organisms to climb up the pile. Pallet bins look nice in your yard and are large enough for composting grass clippings<\/a>, twigs, fallen branches, dry leaves, and other garden waste. <\/p>
Tool and materials<\/span><\/h3>
To make a pallet compost bin in your garden, you\u2019ll need the following tools and materials:<\/p>
- Four wood pallets similar in size<\/li>
- Power drill<\/li>
- Screwdriver<\/li>
- Hammer<\/li>
- Four L brackets<\/li>
- Two heavy-duty strap hinges<\/li>
- Wood screws<\/li>
- One gate hook and latch<\/li>
- Cupboard handle\/utility pull<\/li>
- Gloves<\/li>
- Safety glasses<\/li> <\/ul>
Pro tip:<\/strong> You can find free pallets at construction sites, hardware and flooring stores, small garden shops, furniture, equipment, pet, grocery, and stationery stores, restaurants, bars, and liquor stores, and home improvement stores. You can also purchase used pallets at lower prices online.<\/p>
You can repurpose the accessories (hinges, hook, latch, etc) from any old shed door. If you don\u2019t have any, you can buy them online. <\/p>
Here are some options:<\/p>
1-1\/2 in. Zinc-Plated Corner Brace (4-Pack)<\/a> – Home Depot
6 Inch T-Strap Heavy Duty Shed Door Hinges (2 Pack)<\/a> – Amazon
3.93-in Silver Steel Gate Hook and Eye<\/a> – Lowe’s<\/p>How to build the compost bin<\/span><\/h3>
Step 1:<\/strong> Choose a shaded, leveled place with good drainage to place the bin and bring your materials there.<\/p>
Step 2:<\/strong> Set one pallet to be the backside of the bin and fit a second one on its right side, forming a square angle. Ask a friend to help you keep them in place and attach the two pallets using two L brackets.<\/p>
Step 3: <\/strong>Set the third pallet on the left side and attach it to the back pallet using the other 2 L brackets.<\/p>
Step 4:<\/strong> Choose which side you want the door to open and use two strap hinges to install the front of the bin. You\u2019ll use this side of the bin to add organic matter and turn the compost. <\/p>
Step 5:<\/strong> Add a hook and latch to keep it closed and a handle to open it easily.<\/p>
You’re ready to start adding materials to the bin. <\/p>
3. Wire fence compost bin<\/span><\/h2>
![\"DIY](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/wirecompost.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sanya Kushak<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Compost bins made of chicken wire are fast to build, inexpensive, and perfect for collecting grass clippings, dry leaves, and yard waste to turn into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. You can also give it any shape you want that fits your space. Most are made round or square. <\/p>
Wire fence bins are perfect as secondary bins for collecting garden scraps. You can also use them for cold composting. Hot composting is more difficult since the bin offers no protection against rain, dry air, and cold. You can hot compost in a wire fence, but you\u2019ll need more care in managing the compost\u2019s moisture and interior temperature.<\/p>
Tools and materials<\/span><\/h3>
- Wire fencing – about 10 feet for a round bin with 3 feet in diameter<\/li>
- Wire cutters<\/li>
- Zip ties or wire<\/li>
- Work gloves<\/li> <\/ul>
You can use chicken wire, hardware cloth, and even rabbit wire if rodents are not an issue. <\/p>
Here\u2019s where you can buy some for cheap:<\/p>
Galvanized Steel Chicken Wire – 24in H x 10ft L<\/a> – Walmart
Hardware Cloth – 1\/4 in. x 3 ft. x 10 ft. 23-Gauge<\/a> – Home Depot
Fence, 25 feet – Silver<\/a> – Amazon<\/p>How to build the compost bin <\/span><\/h3>
Step 1:<\/strong> Put the gloves on and cut the fencing wire to the appropriate size for your bin.<\/p>
Step 2:<\/strong> Lay the wire on the ground and walk back and forth over it to flatten the fence and make it easier to work with.<\/p>
Step 3:<\/strong> Pick up the wire and make it into a circle.<\/p>
Step 4<\/strong>: Fasten the ends of the material together and use wire or zip ties to secure it on the top, bottom, and middle.<\/p>
Step 5:<\/strong> Place the bin in its place and ensure you have enough space around it to turn the composting materials regularly. <\/p>
4. Make a wood compost bin<\/span><\/h2>
![\"DIY](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/woodcompost.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Elena Photo<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Untreated wood is a popular solution for gardeners looking to make their own compost bins. Wood bins are resilient and easy to put together. They\u2019re also excellent for hot composting, helping regulate moisture and heat. Here\u2019s how you can make one at home.<\/p>
Tools and materials <\/span><\/h3>
- 3 2×3 or 2×4 boards for the verticals, 3 \u00bc feet tall<\/li>
- 1×6 or 2×6 slats, 24 pieces (5 for each side), 3 \u00bc feet long<\/li>
- Saw <\/li>
- Two C-clamps<\/li>
- An electric screwdriver<\/li>
- Screws<\/li> <\/ul>
You can find lumber in local stores and online. Here are some affordable options:<\/p>
Pine S4S Lumber 2-in x 4-in x 2-ft<\/a> – Lowe’s
Pine S4S Lumber 2-in x 6-in x 4-ft<\/a> – Lowe’s
Maple Board 1-in x 6-in<\/a> – Home Depot<\/p>How to build the compost bin <\/span><\/h3>
Step 1:<\/strong> Have the wood cut to the size of your bin at the store where you buy it from, or do it yourself at home with a saw. Use the proper safety equipment. <\/p>
Step 2:<\/strong> Start by putting the lateral panels together. Lay down two 2x3s on their thin side, parallel to each other, about 3 feet apart. <\/p>
Step 3: <\/strong>Use a horizontal slat to fasten them together. Attach it with four screws, two on each side. <\/p>
Step 4<\/strong>: Keep adding horizontal slats, making your way to the top. Leave one inch between the slats for ventilation. If you cut the wood yourself, you should have some scraps from the 1x6s to use as a spacer. <\/p>
Step 5:<\/strong> Finish setting all six slats, then turn the panel upside down. On the front side, you\u2019ll add another 2×3 to create a channel that lets you slide in the slats for the front part of the bin. <\/p>
Leave 1 \u00bc inches between the two 2x3s to allow the slats to slide in easily. Use C-clamps on both ends to keep the 2×3 in place, turn the panel over again, and fix it with screws on the horizontal slats.<\/p>
Step 6:<\/strong> Repeat steps 1 through 4 to create the second side of the bin.<\/p>
Step 7: <\/strong>Take the panels outside and get a friend to keep them standing while you screw in the back slats, joining the two sides together. Use six slats 1 inch apart.<\/p>
Step 8:<\/strong> Place the bin in its place, check that everything is square, then measure the distance between the two grooves. <\/p>
Step 9:<\/strong> Cut six horizontal slats to fit in the grooves. Slide them into the two vertical channels to complete the front of the bin. Screw in place the bottom one to keep the entire structure rigid. <\/p>
Your bin is ready to make compost! <\/p>
5. Pallet DIY bin with hardware cloth<\/span><\/h2>
![\"DIY](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/5269302432_4c788f2d88_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: grabadonut<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you want to spend less money on wood and have some chicken wire in your garage, you can use it to build the laterals of your bin. It\u2019s easy. Here\u2019s what you need and how to put it together.<\/p>
Tools and equipment<\/span><\/h3>
- 2x4s or 2x3s, 4 feet-long, 12 pieces<\/li>
- Screws<\/li>
- Screwdriver<\/li>
- Chicken wire<\/li>
- Wire staples<\/li> <\/ul>
How to build the compost bin<\/span><\/h3>
Step 1<\/strong>: Screw four 2x3s together to build the frame for one of the bin\u2019s sides. <\/p>
Step 2:<\/strong> Add a third 2×3 vertically in the middle. It helps secure the wire better.<\/p>
Step 3: <\/strong>Repeat the first two steps twice to create the back of the compost bin and the second lateral side.<\/p>
Step 4:<\/strong> To build the front side, make the frame from four 2x3s and add a third horizontal slat in the middle. You\u2019ll use it to close only half the front with wire.<\/p>
Step 5:<\/strong> Screw all the sides together.<\/p>
Step 6<\/strong>: Use wire staples to attach the chicken wire to the frame’s interior on three sides (back and the two lateral sides).<\/p>
Step 7:<\/strong> Add chicken wire to the bottom half on the front side. Leave the top free to add the composting materials. <\/p>
That\u2019s all! Now you can add waste and make natural, nutrient-rich, crumbly compost for your lawn and garden.<\/p>
6. DIY compost tumbler<\/span><\/h2>
![\"plastic](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_3560384222_de527cf900_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Karen and Brad Emerson<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A tumbler bin makes mixing and turning compost materials easier. It helps ensure all the organic matter inside your compost passes through the center, where high heat kills pests and weed seeds. It also speeds up the composting process. Since commercial models can be expensive, making one DIY is always a good idea. Here\u2019s how.<\/p>
Tools and materials<\/span><\/h3>
- Plastic or metal drum with a closed top or a tight lid<\/li>
- Two 4×4 posts <\/li>
- \u00bc inch steel rod<\/li>
- Two hinges<\/li>
- A latch<\/li>
- Screws<\/li>
- Screwdriver<\/li>
- Jigsaw<\/li>
- Drill<\/li>
- Cement<\/li> <\/ul>
Here\u2019s where you can buy some of the materials:<\/p>
55 Gal. Blue Industrial Plastic Drum<\/a> – Home Depot
60 lb. Concrete Mix<\/a> – Home Depot
4-in x 4-in x 6-ft #2 Ground Contact Wood Pressure Treated Lumber<\/a> – Lowe’s
1\/2 in. x 36 in. Plain Steel Round Rod<\/a> – Home Depot
3-Pack Hinge 4″, Satin Nickel<\/a> – Amazon
1-in x 6-in Maple Board<\/a> – Home Depot<\/p>How to build the tumbler bin<\/span><\/h3>
Step 1:<\/strong> Clean the barrel or drum inside and outside very well to ensure no chemicals are left.<\/p>
Step 2:<\/strong> Use a marker to draw a door large enough to add vegetable scraps and yard waste easily. A one-foot square door is a good option for a 32-gallon barrel.<\/p>
Step 3:<\/strong> Cut out the door and attach one side to the barrel with two hinges and screws.<\/p>
Step 4:<\/strong> Attach the latch that will keep the barrel door closed while you roll it to mix the compost.<\/p>
Step 5:<\/strong> Drill some holes into the barrel to allow airflow.<\/p>
Now, it\u2019s time to make the supporting structure. <\/p>
Step 6<\/strong>: Measure the barrel’s diameter and cut two pieces of wood to fit it. <\/p>
Step 7:<\/strong> Screw one to the bottom of the barrel to cover its diameter. Screw the other one to the top of the barrel. Their role is to support the steel rod so the compost weight doesn\u2019t stand only on plastic material.<\/p>
Step 8:<\/strong> On the bottom of the barrel, find the center (the middle of the wooden piece) and drill a hole to fit the steel rod. Do the same to the top of the barrel.<\/p>
Step 9:<\/strong> Pass the steel rod through the two holes.<\/p>
Step 10:<\/strong> Dig two holes into the ground to fit in the 4×4 poles. The distance between them must be \u00bd to 1 inch longer than the barrel length to allow it to roll easily in between. <\/p>
Step 11<\/strong>: Put the two poles into their holes and add cement to fix their position. Let the cement dry.<\/p>
Step 12<\/strong>: Cut two small notches into the top of the wood posts to place the steel rod and prevent it from jumping out when you turn the tumbler.<\/p>
Step 13: <\/strong>Mount the barrel on the two posts, and you\u2019re done.<\/p>
7. Build a DIY Bokashi bin using buckets<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Bokashi](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/bokashicompost-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: saruservice<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you want to compost slow-decomposing organic material like dairy, eggs, and meat scraps, you\u2019ll need to use the Bokashi method<\/a>. It works by anaerobic fermentation, turning the organic waste into a pre-compost that decomposes fast and without smell in the soil or your compost bin. <\/p>
Bokashi bins are popular and easy to find in home & garden shops, but they can be expensive. Since they are easy to build DIY, making your own at home might be a good idea. Here\u2019s how.<\/p>
Tools and materials<\/span><\/h3>
- One bucket with a tight-fitting lid<\/li>
- One bucket without a lid<\/li>
- Drill with a \u215b or \u00bc drill bit<\/li> <\/ul>
You\u2019ll drill holes in one of the buckets, so try to use an old one you won\u2019t miss. They can be round or square as long as they are the same type and similar size so that you can put the drilled bucket into the other. <\/p>
Utility buckets are available online at prices starting at $4. Here are some examples:<\/p>
5 Gallon Plastic Bucket – Airtight Lid<\/a> – Amazon
5 gal. 70mil Food Safe Bucket White – No Lid<\/a> – Home Depot
5 Gallon Food-grade Plastic General Bucket<\/a> – Lowe’s<\/p>How to build the Bokashi bin<\/span><\/h3>
Step 1:<\/strong> Drill 20 to 30 holes into the bottom of one bucket.<\/p>
Step 2:<\/strong> Stack the buckets. Put the drilled bucket into the second bucket.<\/p>
Your bin is ready, and you can add the kitchen waste to make Bokashi compost. Remember, you\u2019ll also need a Bokashi activator to start the fermentation process. <\/p>
8. Metal compost bins<\/span><\/h2>
Metal bins are more expensive to build than wood, plastic, or wire models. But they are also more resilient. Made of galvanized steel, they can last a few good years, while wood typically rots in one or two years, and plastic is damaged by the sun and high and low temperatures. Let\u2019s see below how you can make a metal compost bin.<\/p>
Tools and materials<\/span><\/h3>
- Four galvanized steel posts<\/li>
- Post level <\/li>
- Four galvanized steel post caps<\/li>
- Six galvanized steel studs (used as U-channels for the metal sheets on the back and lateral sides)<\/li>
- Two 1-inch steel U-channels for the front side<\/li>
- Corrugated metal siding – 3 sheets<\/li>
- Self-tapping screws<\/li>
- Electric screwdriver<\/li>
- Saw<\/li>
- Six 1×6 wooden slats cut at the width of the bin<\/li>
- Sledgehammer<\/li> <\/ul>
This type of bin is excellent to make if you already have some of the materials lying around your yard from an old construction project. If not, you can buy most materials online with the right budget. <\/p>
Here are a few options:<\/p>
16-Gauge Galvanized Steel Line Fence Post, 1-5\/8 in. x 6 ft.<\/a> – Home Depot
Round Dome External Post Caps 1-5\/8″, 4 Packs<\/a> – Amazon
25-Gauge EQ Galvanized Steel Wall Framing Stud, 1-5\/8 in. x 8 ft.<\/a> – Home Depot
Plain C-Channel, 1\/2 in. x 1 in. x 36 in.<\/a> – Home Depot
Corrugated Silver Galvanized Steel Roof Panel, 2.16-ft x 8-ft<\/a> – Lowe’s<\/p>How to make a metal compost bin<\/span><\/h3>
Step 1:<\/strong> Choose the bin location, measure the contour of the bin, and set the place for the four corners.<\/p>
Step 2:<\/strong> Put on the post caps and pound the posts into the ground with a sledgehammer until you have the desired height.<\/p>
Step 3:<\/strong> Attach the studs on the posts with self-tapping screws to create frames for the back side and laterals. The back poles will have two studs perpendicular to each other to support two perpendicular metal sheets. The front poles only need one stud at this stage.<\/p>
Step 4: <\/strong>Slide the metal sheets in place. Attach them to the studs with screws.<\/p>
Step 5:<\/strong> Attach the 1-inch U-channels to the front posts using screws. They are the frame for the front side of your bin which you make of wood slats.<\/p>
Step 6:<\/strong> Slide in the wood slats to build the front of the bin. Remove the slats when you are adding more compost to make your work easier.<\/p>
- 2. Build a DIY compost bin from pallets<\/a><\/li>