Our homemade compost bin. We've been trying to compost with just a pile but it wasn't working very well -- not enough heat, and we couldn't keep it wet enough. We didn't have $100+ to spend and thought we'd give this idea a try.
Date: 08/02/2008
Owner: chris
Size: 7 items
Drill with spade bit
I was too lazy to blur out the brand name but don't take this as an endorsement; the drill sucks, or rather the batteries do. They don't hold a charge.
Date: 08/02/2008
Views: 60
Close up of spade bit
I used a 3/4" but 1" probably would have been fine as well. The bits say they are for wood only but it went through the plastic without any trouble. And through drywall... but that was another project!
Date: 08/02/2008
Views: 51
Step 1 - procure inexpensive black trash can
The optional 'neighbor's cat' accessory is not required, nor particularly helpful, for that matter.
Date: 08/02/2008
Views: 56
Step 2 - drill lots of holes in bottom, sides, and top
The goal is to have good drainage and ventilation, but not so many holes that it would weaken the structure.
Date: 08/02/2008
Views: 52
Close up - bottom of composter
The bottom of the can after drilling holes. I bought this particular can because it was the only black one (to hold heat) and had a locking lid, but the wheels have come in handy.
Date: 08/02/2008
Views: 46
Composter project in progress
The project comes to a temporary halt due to battery drainage, and Lindsy reminds Chris that it's suppertime.
Date: 08/02/2008
Views: 38
The finished composter
Trash barrel composter, full of compost-in-progress from our pile. The lid locks, so to 'tumble' the compost we can just tip the can on it's side and roll it around a bit. We should know in a couple of weeks how well this works!
