DIY: Build Your Own Compost Bin

Posted on Jul 01, 2011

Posted by Bridget, Citizen’s Advocacy Representative

When I moved into my new house a couple years ago, I was thrilled with my huge yard and beautiful gardens. Unfortunately, my lack of a green thumb soon got the better of the property -  as did my compost. With different piles of food and lawn scraps accumulating around the perimeter of the yard, not only were aesthetics completely out the window, but I had attracted more critters than I cared to. I decided to start this summer’s goal of reclaiming my lawn by building my own compost bin.

For instruction, I turned to Brian Penley, a Tom’s of Maine consumer in Raymond, Maine, who also happens to be my college best friend. Brian built his own compost bin out of shipping pallets one year ago. His materials were inexpensive, and his instructions fairly simple.

Materials:

Four discarded shipping pallets. Pallets can be found in most industrial areas where, unlike Tom’s of Maine, many companies don’t have recycling programs. Did you know that nearly ¼ of all wood in landfills is from shipping pallets? Not only are the pallets usually free, but their inherent ventilation allows for air and water to circulate in your compost bin, aiding in decomposition of food and yard scraps.

Wire. Really, any kind will do. Brian used copper wire for his, because it is what he had lying around. I had some sturdy crafting wire that I decided to try.

A spade, edger, and saw.

Protective gloves and safety goggles.

Steps:

1. Start by using your saw to cut 12 – 18 inches off one pallet. Once assembled, this opening will be at the top of one side of the compost bin, to allow for easier access by a pitchfork or shovel, both for adding compost, and also turning over bin contents.
2. Use your spade to dig a square into the ground to match the dimensions of your pallets. Brian’s pallets were on the smaller side at 36”x36”. My pallets from our factory here at Tom’s are 40”x48”. Yours might be even bigger! The square should be approximately 8 – 10 inches in depth, and can be made more uniform with the help of your edger.
3. Place the first two pallets into the ground, and wrap wire around the top, and bottom of the corner slats to secure the two pallets to each other. Add the third, and then fourth pallet, again fastening with wire.
4. Fill in dirt around the pallets to secure your new bin in the ground.
5. Add compost! Food scraps (no meat), coffee grounds, grass clippings, leaves, and frost-bitten garden vegetables are all perfect for compost. Avoid weeds, unless you want to grow them. (Note the onions growing in Brian’s completed bin!)

Do you compost?  Why or why not?  If you do, what kind of compost bin do you use?  Have you encountered any challenges in composting?