How to Build a Backyard Compost Bin

Wood pallets are an ideal size for compost bins.

Backyard compost bins allow you to recycle organic waste that benefits your yard and garden. By composting organic yard and kitchen waste, you can reduce the amount of garbage that goes into landfills and create a rich, healthy soil additive that benefits your plants, trees and grass. Creating your own backyard compost bin is inexpensive, and can often be done with scrap materials found around your home such as old food barrels, concrete blocks and wood pallets.

Things You'll Need

• 4 wood pallets
• Nails, screws or baling wire
• 2 hinges (optional)
• Door latch (optional)

Instructions

1. Select an open area of your yard that's at least 4 to 5 feet square.

2. Scrape or dig the ground to loosen dirt, grass or other vegetation.

3. Place two pallets upright on their side, and fasten them together with nails, screws or baling wire.

4. Place the third pallet upright on its side and fasten it to the existing two to create an open, box-like structure.

5. Place the fourth pallet against the front of the box to finish the enclosure. If you'd like to secure this section but keep it movable for removing finished compost later, attach two door hinges at the top and bottom of one of the upright pallets. Attach the fourth pallet to the door hinges to make a swinging door on the front of the compost bin. Attach a door latch to the pallet opposite the hinges so you can securely fasten the door closed to keep animals or children out of the bin.

Tips & Warnings

• Start your compost pile by placing several inches of hay, straw, twigs, leaves or other dry organic material into the bottom of the bin. This bottom layer will allow air circulation as you add organic materials on top.

• According to the University of Minnesota, compost bins less than 3 feet wide and long are not large enough to generate the heat needed for decomposition, and those larger than 5 feet may not be able to get enough air and moisture.

References

• Digitalseed: Wooden Pallet Bin
• University of Minnesota: Structures for Backyard Composting