How to Make a Compost Barrel
Composting is an easy and environmentally friendly way to improve the quality of your soil. It is just as easy to build a composter at home if you have some time and a few supplies. The following is just one way of making a compost bin. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Large Barrel (plastic)
- 5ft Metal Pipe
- 2 -2 hole straps
- 2 -2x4's
- 2 Hinges
- Small clasp
- wood screws
- Circular Saw w/ wood blade
- Drill / Driver
Instructions
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Start by finding a large 55 gal. plastic barrel. Many companies sell them online but check around locally to avoid paying shipping. You need one that is completely enclosed or at least has a lid that can be permanently attached.
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Find the center of the top and bottom of the barrel and drill a hole the same diameter as your metal pipe.
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Cut a square out of the side of the barrel about 12 inches x 12 inches and keep the piece you cut out. A circular saw works well for this.
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Now drill 20-30 pencil sized holes all over the barrel. These are for ventilation so you may want to put some on the top and bottom of the barrel as well.
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Next reattach the piece you cut out with the hinges. Attach the hinges with 1/4 inch screws and make sure that the flap opens to the left or right when the barrel is standing up right.
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While you're at it go ahead and attach the clasp as well. Put it on the opposite side of the flap from the hinges so it will keep the door securely closed.
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Now you need some legs for you barrel. The easiest way to do this is to use some 2x4's and make a squared-out "A" pattern.
The legs should be about 4 feet tall and the cross pieces should be 2-3 feet long. You should have two tall peaces (legs) and two cross peaces for each set of legs. Make sure you use two screws at each joint to make sure they don't wiggle. You also may want to attach one or two support pieces that connect the two sets of legs. Just make sure you have enough room between the legs of your barrel when it is on its side.
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Now it is time to assemble every thing. Put the pipe through the barrel and place it on it side on the legs. Use your two hole straps to secure the pipe to the center of the legs.
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You are all done. Now you can start filling your barrel with yard cuttings, vegetable scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds etc. Put some water on it and give it a few turns every day and you will have some fresh organic compost in no time.
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