How to Build a Compost Tumbler

Learning how to build a compost tumbler at home is surprisingly easy and will save you money and time. Using a compost tumbler is a wonderful way to support our environment. You will create an all organic fertilizer which will help your plants thrive. Trash that would normally go to a land fill is reused and recycled.

Compost tumblers are easy to use for a variety of different people. Build a compost tumbler and feel pride that you are taking a step to use your own resources and you will be making the world a better place.

Enjoy!

Things You'll Need

• Garbage Can/20-55 Gallon Drum
• Drill
• "Brown" & "Green" compost material
• 2 Bungee Cords
• Optional Tools & Materials required dependent upon model chosen

Instructions

1. 

   CHOOSE YOUR COMPOST BARREL - For your homemade compost tumbler, you will need to choose a compost barrel. Common choices are either a 32 gallon trash can with lid or 20-55 gallon drum. If you choose a drum make sure it is food grade only. Make sure to wash out whichever your choice thoroughly. Consider calling up a restaurant or factory to see if they have a drum you can use.

2. 

   PREPARE THE COMPOST BARREL - Next you will need to drill 3/8" holes evenly spaced throughout the barrel. This will allow air to circulate and bugs find a way in. Both of these will quicken the decomposition process.

3. 

   LOAD THE COMPOST BARREL - Now, it's time for our "green" and "brown" materials. Starting off with a layer of compost or store bought compost is optimal, but not required. Next you will want to layer "green" and "brown materials" alternating accordingly. "Green" materials include grass clippings and kitchen scraps (such as vegetable scraps, fruit peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, cereal, bread and crushed egg shells). "Brown" material includes dried leaves, hay, sawdust, shredded paper and woodchips. Make sure to wet down the material before covering it up, it is essential to get the correct amount of water. The contents should be about as wet as a damp sponge.

4. 

   SECURE THE COMPOST BARREL & TUMBLE - Now you will use the 2 bungee cords to secure the top of the barrel. The compost tumbler should be spun one or two times a week.

5. 

   CHOOSE YOUR TUMBLING METHOD - Now that you have your compost barrel, it is time to decide your method of tumbling or spinning the barrel. This will differ depending on your physical strength and carpentry skill. The simplest way is the Roll Around Sphere, which is pretty much rolling your barrel around your yard by hand. Other types include crank-operated drums, center axle drums and base rolling drums. See resource section for further information on how to use any of these other methods.

Tips & Warnings

• For the best compost tumbler, you will need a variety of ingredients, some good old compost (or rotted manure), proper moisture concentration and good air circulation.

• Look at different types of tumblers on the market and be creative. Use others ideas with ideas of your own. Look at Google Images to see creative homemade projects. Consider browsing youtube as well.

• Once finished, post a blog about your compost tumbler with pictures of your fresh compost!

• Store bought compost tumblers will cost you up to 200 dollars and are tailored specifically to be long lasting and effective. Building a compost tumbler at home may be a process of trial and error until you find the correct formula.

Resources

• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide
• Compost Bin Ingredients Guide
• Rotating Barrel Composter
• Center Axle Drum
• Composting Video