Homemade Trash Can Compost Bin

An old trash can makes a perfect compost bin.

Backyard composting is a simple and effective way to turn leaves, yard waste and grass clippings into beneficial mulch for enriching your garden soil and for fertilizing plants and vegetables. Kitchen scraps, newspaper, coffee grounds, filters and teabags can all be broken down into rich compost for use in your garden. Commercially manufactured composters are expensive, but you can make your own out of an unused trash can for free. Consider making more than one so that while one is composting, there is always one in progress.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic or metal garbage can with locking lid
• Electric drill
• Half-inch drill bit
• Shredded newspaper or cardboard
• Kitchen scraps
• Grass clippings
• Dried leaves and yard trimmings

Instructions

1. Drill several holes in the trash can lid with the electric drill. This will provide air circulation for your compost.

2. Turn the garbage over and drill several holes in the bottom of the can. This will allow excess moisture to drain, and provide a way for worms to work up into the bin.

3. Drill five rows of holes around the sides of the can, spaced 4 to 6 inches apart.

4. Place the garbage can in an area of your yard that receives some sun each day, but not enough sun to cook the contents of your composter. Setting the bin directly on soil gives worms the opportunity to crawl up into the can and help break down the contents.

5. Fill the bin with leaves, grass clippings and yard waste broken down into small pieces. Add kitchen scraps, shredded paper, coffee grounds and eggshells. Sprinkle the ingredients with water until moist. Continue adding yard and kitchen waste as it is generated.

6. At least once a week, turn the trash can on its side and roll it back and forth to mix the composting ingredients. When the bin is full, begin a new one. Continue rolling the bin weekly for about two months. After two months, it should be ready to spread in your garden.

Tips & Warnings

• Large quantities of coffee grounds for use in composters are given away for free at Starbucks.

• Do not add citrus peels to your composter--they take too long to break down.

• Do not add meat, fat or eggs to your composter.

References

• Cornell University: Designs for Composting Systems
• University of Kentucky: Constructing a Garbage Can Composting Bin

Resources

• Homegrown: Trash Can Compost Bin