How to Make a Composter - On The Cheap!

Creating your own compost can save you a lot of money on soil amendments and significantly reduce the amount of waste you send to the landfill. Compost can be made very simply by making a pile on the ground, but this isn’t always desirable. It can be unsightly, untidy and could cause problems with scavenging pests. My property, for example, is frequently visited by skunks. I shopped around for a compost bin, but found them a bit expensive. I have come up with a cost effective solution that I think will work quite well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Plastic garbage bin with lid
• Utility knife or saw
• Drill and bits
• Shovel

1. Acquire a large plastic garbage bin with a secure pest proof lid. I purchased mine for $9.99, but you could easily recycle an old house hold bin.
2. Using a drill, make a series of holes in the sides of the bin. Ensure that the holes are big enough and/or plentiful enough for adequate air circulation.
3. Remove the bottom of the bin. How you accomplish this will depend on the plastic the bin is made from. You may find a utility knife will do the trick or you may need a saw.
4. Choose a discreet location for your composter that is out of direct sunlight. Dig a hole at least six inches deep and with a slightly greater diameter than the bin. Set the bin in the hole and back-fill around the bin. Compact the earth around the bin and ensure that it is secure.

Tips & Warnings

• Compost should be a combination of food waste, yard waste, and some paper elements.
• Keep your compost damp but not wet
• Stir your compost regularly