How to Set Up a Compost Bin

Compost from kitchen scraps and yard waste helps gardens grow.

Composting is a natural way to recycle more of your household trash and benefit your yard at the same time. You can only recycle organic material that was originally from a living plant or animal--for example, plants, grass clippings and food scraps. As this matter begins to break down, worms and micro-organisms turn it into a nutrient-rich substance called humus. When humus is added to the soil, it creates an excellent, chemical-free fertilizer for yards and gardens. Setting up a compost bin is not difficult, if you follow some simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic or wood compost bin
• Lid
• Organic waste matter (leaves, grass clippings, food scraps, etc.)
• Pitchfork or shovel

Instructions

1. Choose a style of compost bin. One type of bin is made of molded plastic, larger at the base than at the top and open on the bottom. Other bins are made of wood and shaped like boxes that are open on both ends. Each style has different advantages; molded plastic bins keep in moisture and keep out wind, but wood bins allow more air flow. When the bins are open on the bottom, compost can interact with the worms in the dirt. It is also important to have a lid on top to keep out small animals and to contain any unpleasant odors from the decaying matter.

2. Dig up and remove the sod and grass under your compost bin. Place a layer of sticks, twigs or chopped brush on the bottom layer inside the bin, just above the ground.

3. Mix together some damp leaves, grass clippings and a small amount of dirt. You can also add other natural waste, such as coffee grounds, crumpled newspapers and food scraps. You can include both uneaten food and discarded cores and peels from fruits and vegetables.

4. Add moisture to the top layer. Some people collect rainwater for their compost. Others have worm farms and use worm urine for the top layer, which is believed to aid most in decomposition. Cover the compost bin.

5. Take off the lid once every five to seven days and turn the compost with a pitchfork or shovel. Make sure to stir the compost down through several layers. Put the lid back on and repeat again every week until the compost is dark brown and has a strong, earthy smell.

Tips & Warnings

• Some companies manufacture compost bins that automatically stir the compost for you.

• The compost pile should reach a temperature of about 140 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit after one or two weeks.

• The pile may settle after a couple weeks; this is normal.

• Some items you should not put in your compost pile include bones, dog and cat manure, fat, oils, dairy and meat or fish scraps.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Create a Compost Pile
• Discovery Planet Green Composting Basics