How to Make Composting Bin

Compost Bin

A compost bin is a structure that holds compost and facilitates the decomposition of organic matter through proper aeration and moisture retention. Bins can be made from several different kinds of materials. One of the more basic designs uses hardware cloth or chicken wire to construct the bin, with wooden posts for stability. The organic matter produced by a composting bin for disposing of scrap vegetable matter can be used as fertilizer. The entire project can be completed for $25-$50.

Things You'll Need

• Safety gloves and goggles
• 12-foot length of 36-inch wide hardware cloth
• Metal stakes
• Heavy-duty metal ties or clips
• 3-4 four-foot tall wooden or metal posts
• Wire or tin snips
• Pliers
• Sledge hammer

Instructions

1. Plan the location of the compost bin by keeping in mind that it will not be a very mobile unit. It's best to choose a permanent location before beginning installation. Choose an area that is relatively level. Wear safety gloves and goggles.

2. Roll out the hardware cloth (a type of metal mesh similar to chicken wire) and form a circle. This will form the sides of the compost bin. It will stand about 36-inches high and hold the organic matter in place. You may use the wire or tin snips to trim the hardware cloth to a smaller size. Use metal stakes to secure the hardware cloth to the ground.

3. Tie the heavy-duty wire tires or clips around each of the hardware cloth's ends so they are tightly secured together. Use one clip every 5-6 inches to ensure that the sides hold securely together when organic matter is introduced. Once this step is completed, the result will be a compost bin that forms a completed circle (or square, if you prefer).

4. Drive three or four wooden or metal posts into the ground with the sledge hammer along the inside perimeter of the newly formed hardware cloth circle. These posts will act as additional support when the bin is at or near capacity. For additional support, use larger posts and secure them in the ground with concrete, similar to the installation of a mailbox post.

5. Fill the compost bin with vegetable scraps and yard waste. Stir the material every few days to ensure even composting. In 3-4 weeks you should have some free organic fertilizer.

Tips & Warnings

• Use galvanized or non-galvanized hardware cloth or chicken wire for your bin, but keep in mind that non-galvanized wire will not last as long. A wire bin made without posts is not only easy to lift and move, but it will provide easier access to compost at the bottom of the pile, which finishes quicker.

• Use work gloves and proper eye protection when working with hardware cloth and/or chicken wire. The metal edges can be very sharp.

References

• Compost Bin construction plans

Resources

• How to build a compost bin