Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

How to Build a Compost Bin

September 19, 2008 by Doug  
Filed under Featured, Organic, Video







Here’s how to build a compost bin using a few free skids from behind a big-box building store, some coat hangers from the closet and 10 minutes of time. Pretty easy and pretty effective compost making.

One thing that folks sometimes don’t consider is which direction the bin is going to be viewed from. You’ll often find that the skids are damaged when you get them and you have a choice – you can repair the damage (a great idea) or you can put the damaged or older-looking skids on the sides that won’t be seen easily. Point them away from your main view-point and you’ll have a nicer looking bin.

Comments

6 Responses to “How to Build a Compost Bin”
  1. prairiepetunia says:

    I have 5 bays built out of those pallets. I used mostly baling wire to put them together, but those plastic strip ties work well too. Wire is best for the front pallet since you need to be able to remove it easily for turning. The wood on the bottom eventually gets mushy after maybe 5-6 years but then just flip them over so the top wood is now at the base.
    Thanks for the video.

    Jan

  2. Doug says:

    @prairiepetunia -
    Jan – never thought about flipping them over – I just cut up and burn in the fireplace and start fresh. Good idea to flip if they’re not part of the garden “view”.

  3. lisa says:

    Doug, Thaaaank you !! That is a superb idea!!!! but what places can i go to get those pallets?

    Lisa
    A new gardener.

  4. Doug says:

    @lisa -
    Behind most big box building stores – they give them away.

  5. Vic Austin says:

    Doug, thank you for this great tip. I actually had bought a compost bin that fell apart pretty quickly and wish her luck and to go buy another one. Funny thing is my company has a lot of these skids from time to time that they simply stacked against a bin to be taken away. After watching the video I went and got enough to build to compost bins in my garage and I may make another couple in the spring. keep it up at the great tips.

  6. Michelle says:

    I know this is an old post but I’m so impressed by your recycling to produce your compost bin that I just had to leave a comment! It just needs one person like you to come up with an idea like this and we can all save ourselves a fortune!

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