It's the first Wednesday of the month, and that means it is a themed Works for Me Wednesday this week! The theme for this week is "Best Tips." So, I picked one of my favorite money saving tips that I have posted about before (but not with so much detail), and help all of you out there who are hoping to start your own composting bin this year!
About a year ago, I was frustrated that I couldn’t find an inexpensive composting bin on the Internet or at local stores, I set out to make my own. This project ended up running me around $15, and was completed in less than five minutes!
I will be the first to admit that it probably doesn't work as well as a $150 composter that you can buy. But, for a tenth of the money, I'm willing to have a less efficient composter.
Materials Needed:
· Large trash can with lid that locks on
· Platform of some sort (I used a wooden plant stand on wheels)
· Screws (to attach platform to trash can)
· Drill with large drill bit
Directions:
1. Using your drill, make holes along the sides of your trash can, as well as on the lid and on the bottom of the trash can. Our trash can turned composting bin has approximately 20 - 25 holes total.
2. Again using your drill, attach the platform to the bottom of your bin. Make sure that you do not cover up the holes that you 
have made on the bottom of the bin. (Or, if you need to, just drill a few more holes in the bottom.) This platform will help to allow drainage from the composting bin, as well as to save the grass underneath your bin.
3. Collect some of the items on the Environmental Protection Agency's approved list for composting, and start composting!
4. Every couple of days, go out to the yard and put your trash can on its side. Roll it around the yard for a couple of minutes.
5. Add more items from the approved list, as you produce them.
6. When desired, use the rich, dark soil that has been produced! By the end of summer, we were able to supplement a new portion of our garden with the summer’s worth of “trash” that would have found itself in the landfill, if it hadn’t been for our $15 investment!
Check out Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Making Your Own Composting Bin
Fav or Share this post:
Labels:
going green,
WFMW
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
12 comments:
I made one last year that is very similar to yours. I didn't have lids that lock and so I had to rely on my stirring capabilities with a pitchfork. I think I will get a new can this year. Thanks for the tip.
We actually have a cement pit built at the end of our yard... not positive of it's original intent, but we use it for mulch and compost. My husband goes out there every once in a while and turns it over with his shovel.
I love this, I am so wanting to make a compost bin, but am scared. I think I can do this!
Thanks for the idea! I have been wanting to make a composter for our garden. I just knew we wouldn't get out to stir it as often as needed but my kids would love to roll a can around the yard, especially knowing it will help produce yummy veggies!
More great tips. RU sure your name isn't Martha?
Ohh,it looks great, fantastic idea!
I just have a small one. I took a 5 gallon bucket and drilled a couple holes in the bottom for drainage and have it sitting next to the back door (no lid). I just use a trowel to stir it up every few days.
We've been TALKING about composting for years, without doing anything about it. My husband keeps saying we should look on Craig's list for a used composter, etc...this might be just what the Dr. ordered. Thanks so much!
You should submit this tutorial in the Mr. Linky for "Make & Tell Monday"! Feel free to jump in every week! I love it!
http://the6oclockstitch.blogspot.com/2009/03/make-tell.html
Thanks so much for this! I've wanted to compost for years, but have been too much of a perfectionist about it. I want to go look for a trash can today... :)
Great idea! Thanks for sharing!
LOVE the idea and have been wanting to try it out -- how is it working out for you?
We'll be making one of these soon! Thanks.
Post a Comment