How to Use a Metal Drum for a Compost Bin

Composting is the most environmentally responsible way to dispose of dead leaves, lawn trimmings, kitchen scraps and other organic waste. Unfortunately, it can also involve a lot of back-breaking labor. Even the most dedicated environmentalist might be tempted to simply haul the dead leaves to the curb and let the municipal waste management agency deal with it. Build a compost tumbler--out of salvaged materials, if possible--and suddenly composting is not such a hard job.

Things You'll Need

• 55-gallon metal drum with tight-fitting lid, available from salvage yards and industrial sites
• 8 sandbags
• Power drill with 1-inch and 1/2-inch bits
• Permanent marker
• 5 feet of 1-inch PVC pipe
• 2 sawhorses
• 8 cinder blocks (optional)
• Pipe-mounting brackets with screws
• Power screwdriver

Instructions

Prepare the drum

1. Lay the drum horizontally on a solid, flat surface. Use the sandbags to keep it from rolling if necessary.

2. Drill a line of 1/2-inch holes along the length of the drum. Leave 6 inches of space between the holes.

3. Turn the drum 45 degrees and drill another line of holes. Repeat this process until you have 8 lines of 1/2-inch aeration holes.

4. Stand the drum upright. Find the midline, then draw a line around the drum 4 inches above the midline.

5. Drill a 1-inch hole on the line you marked. Turn the drum 90 degrees and drill a second 1-inch hole on the line. Make sure the two 1-inch holes line up exactly.

6. Insert the PVC pipe through the two 1-inch holes. Turn the pipe to be sure it rotates freely. If it sticks, remove the pipe and enlarge the holes slightly.

Set up the frame

1. Choose a location for the compost bin. The ground should be solid and level. Place the sawhorses in the location, leaving 4 feet of space between them.

2. Use the sandbags to add extra stability to the legs of the sawhorses.

3. Set the drum between the sawhorses, with the PVC pipe resting on the crossbars. The drum should swing freely a few inches above the ground. If it does not, either dig out an indentation below the drum or use cinder blocks to raise the sawhorses.

4. Secure the PVC pipe to the sawhorses using the pipe mounting brackets. Screw the brackets securely to the crossbars of the sawhorses.

5. Add compost materials to the drum and fit the lid securely. Push the drum firmly to rotate and mix the compost.

Tips & Warnings

• Frequent turning will speed up the composting process.

• Make sure the sawhorses are stable before filling the drum with compost materials. It will be heavy when full and could tip if the ground is uneven.

References

• Composting Structures
• Compost Turner

Resources

• How to Compost