How to Build a Rotating Compost Bin

Fresh compost almost ready for the garden.

Composting is an ancient practice still used by gardeners and backyard homesteaders in the 21st century. By combining kitchen scraps, lawn clippings, leaves and twigs from your yard, you can create "black gold"--a homemade soil full of nutrients and rich in organic matter. Virtually any food scrap from coffee grounds to egg shells can be composted, although meat and dairy products should be avoided. Because compost matter needs to be turned every few days while it "cooks," a rotating compost bin can be a luxury for any gardener.

Things You'll Need

• Six 2-by-4 inch boards, four feet long Hammer and nails Drill Four bolts with nuts Rust-proof screws 55 gallon barrel Tape measure Pencil or marker Hacksaw Galvanized pipe, one inch in diameter, at least five feet long Two small hinges with screws Small padlock style latch with screws Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Lay out two of the four-foot boards in an "X" shape. Keep the boards perpendicular to one another and hammer one nail straight through the center of the boards' intersection. This nail is only temporary support, but it is important that it be in the direct center to leave room for the bolts.

2. 

   Drill two holes into the intersection, on opposite sides of the nail. Insert a bolt into each hole and secure by tightening a nut onto the end of each bolt. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to create a second "X" with two more boards.

3. Stand the X's up, spacing them four feet apart. This will form the sides of the composter's frame. Measure four inches off the ground and mark each leg of the frame. Attach a four-foot board between the two X's at the four inch mark, using screws. Repeat to join the other two legs of the frame.

4. Measure and mark the exact center of each end of the barrel. Drill or cut out a one inch hole at your center point. Create three to four smaller holes around the outer edges of each end of the barrel for aeration. Run a pipe through the barrel so it is extending out both ends. Place your barrel into the cradle of the two X's. The weight of compost will keep the barrel in place.

5. Mark off a 10-by-10 inch door along the center of the barrel's body and cut it out. Attach both of the hinges along the top edge of the hole and the corresponding edge of the door piece. At the center of the bottom edge, secure the lock to the door and barrel. Use either a lock or a strong piece of leather cording to hold the door shut.

6. Turn the composter by rotating the barrel. The frame should keep the composter stable while you turn it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you notice the rod sliding back and forth too much, drill a hole through the rod and place a bolt through the hole. Choose a bolt longer than the diameter of the pipe. Add a nut to the other end.

• Never include animal fats, meats, oils, bones or fecal matter to your compost. Doing so can put odors in the garden which will attract animals and vermin, as well as introduce disease to your soil.

References

• Making a compost tumbler

Resources

• The function of a rotating composter