Chloe Zhang
Plastic composters are a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to recycle food and yard waste. They are easy to assemble and can be made from two plastic storage containers. To begin, find two large plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Drill holes for ventilation and drainage in one of the containers and place it inside the other. The holes will allow airflow and oxygen to break down the compost matter. Next, add your starter dry materials such as leaves, thin twigs, and food scraps. It is important to maintain the right balance of dry and wet materials and turn the compost mixture regularly to aerate it. Finally, place your composter in a convenient spot, such as outside your back door or near your vegetable garden, and start adding your food waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | under $20, some under $10 |
| Materials | Two large plastic storage containers with tight-fitting lids, both the same size |
| Tools | Drill, wire mesh or hardware cloth, watering can, winged aerator |
| Time | 3 months |
| Maintenance | Drill holes for airflow, turn compost, maintain moisture, add worms |
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What You'll Learn
Drilling holes for aeration
Drilling holes in your plastic composter is a great way to ensure aeration, which is critical to the composting process. The holes allow air to circulate, aiding the bacteria that break down organic materials and speeding up the composting process.
When drilling holes for aeration, it is important to space the holes about 1 to 2 inches apart, and drill on all sides of the container, including the bottom. This ensures that air can reach all parts of the compost. You can use any size drill bit, but if you use a larger one, consider lining the interior of the bin with wire mesh or hardware cloth to keep out rodents.
Another option for aeration is to use perforated pipes. You can use PVC pipes with holes drilled into them, or rolled-up chicken wire. The pipe should be long enough to reach from the bottom of the pile to the top. This method allows air to move down into the compost pile, increasing airflow.
Additionally, you can create aeration by using bulking agents such as sawdust, which trap air in the compost, creating Free Air Space. You can also poke holes in the compost itself with a bar or stick, creating vertical and horizontal channels for air to move through.
Remember, good airflow is crucial to successful composting. By drilling holes and using other aeration techniques, you can ensure your compost gets the oxygen it needs to break down materials efficiently and avoid unpleasant odours.
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Choosing a location
The next thing to think about is convenience and accessibility. You'll want to place your composter near a source of compostable materials, such as outside your kitchen door, so it's easy to add kitchen scraps. Alternatively, if you're composting garden waste, consider placing it near your vegetable garden or lawn so you can quickly dispose of weeds, trimmings, or grass clippings.
Another factor to consider is aesthetics. If you don't want your composter on display, you can choose a more discreet location, such as inside a garage or storage shed. However, keep in mind that you'll still need easy access to add materials and maintain your compost.
Lastly, think about the conditions your compost needs. Composting requires a balance of moisture and airflow. Ensure your chosen location provides some protection from the elements, especially if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Too much rain or wind can affect the moisture and temperature levels in your compost, impacting the decomposition process.
Remember, the location you choose should not only be practical but also suit your personal preferences and lifestyle. By selecting the right spot, you'll make composting more convenient and enjoyable.
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Preparing food scraps
When adding food scraps to your compost bin, it is important to maintain a proper ratio of "brown" to "green" ingredients. "Brown" materials, such as shredded newspaper, cardboard, dried leaves, sawdust, or wood shavings, provide a source of carbon. "Green" materials, such as food scraps, plant debris, grass clippings, and fresh leaves, provide a source of nitrogen. A good rule of thumb is to add about two to three times the volume of "browns" to the volume of "greens". This will help to avoid a gooey mess of food scraps and will also reduce the attraction of critters.
You can also add moisture-rich items, such as fruits or vegetables, to your compost bin if the contents are very dry. If the contents are too wet or smelly, you can add shredded newspaper, sawdust, or dried leaves to absorb the excess moisture. It is important to turn the compost mixture and aerate it occasionally. You can do this by giving the bin a quick shake or using a "winged compost aerator" to mix the ingredients.
Additionally, consider layering the brown and green materials, similar to the "lasagna" method, to ensure proper aeration and faster decomposition. For the fastest results, all materials should be no larger than 3 to 4 inches in size. You can also add a few sticks or larger wood chips to the bottom of the bin to provide more aeration.
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Layering with dry materials
To assemble a plastic composter, layering with dry materials is a crucial step. Here are some detailed instructions for this process:
First, it is important to understand the concept of "browns" and "greens." Browns refer to dry materials that provide carbon, such as shredded newspaper, cardboard, dried leaves, sawdust, and wood shavings. Greens, on the other hand, are moist materials that provide nitrogen, including food scraps, plant debris, and fresh grass clippings.
When layering your composter, always start with a base layer of brown materials. This initial layer should be about 4 to 6 inches thick and can consist of twigs, wood chips, or mulch. This base layer serves multiple purposes: it absorbs excess liquids, raises the pile, and promotes airflow at the base.
After the base layer, you can begin the "lasagna" method of layering. For every part of green material you add, make sure to add two to three parts of brown material. For example, if you add a layer of food scraps (greens), cover it with a thicker layer of dried leaves or shredded paper (browns). This layering technique prevents a gooey mess, discourages pests, and ensures proper aeration.
Occasionally, sprinkle water on the layers to maintain moisture. The ideal moisture level is similar to that of a wrung-out sponge. You can also add moisture-rich items, such as fruits or vegetables, to increase dampness if needed. However, if your compost becomes too wet or smelly, simply add more shredded leaves, newspaper, or sawdust to absorb the excess moisture.
Finally, finish with a top layer of soil or compost to reduce odours. This layered compost will break down over a few months, depending on the size of your bin and the size of the material pieces. The compost is ready when it turns a rich brown colour and crumbles easily.
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Maintaining moisture
Maintaining the right amount of moisture in your composter is crucial for the composting process to be effective. Here are some tips to help you maintain moisture in your plastic composter:
Location
Place your composter in a shady location, preferably undercover, to protect it from the drying effects of the sun. In nature, decomposition occurs in shady, cool, and damp conditions, so emulating this environment will help retain moisture.
Biocover
Apply a thick layer of biocover material, such as wood chips, leaves, weeds, or straw, on top of your compost. This layer acts as armour, protecting the compost from drying out and reducing the effects of wind. The biocover should be at least 6-12 inches thick to effectively shield the compost underneath.
Moisture Content of Materials
When adding materials to your compost, aim for a mix of dry (brown) and moist (green) organic materials. The ideal ratio is about 25-30 parts carbon-rich material (browns) to one part nitrogen-rich material (greens). Dry materials can include shredded fall leaves, shredded newspaper, sawdust, or wood chips, while grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and fruit scraps are good sources of moisture.
Watering
In hot and dry weather, regularly add water to your compost to prevent it from drying out. You can use a water trailer or a simple spray bottle to moisten the contents. Ensure your compost has the consistency of a wrung-out sponge, damp but not soggy.
Aeration
Aerate your compost by giving the bin a quick shake every one to three days. This blends in air and distributes moisture, creating an ideal environment for decomposition. However, avoid turning the compost too often, as this can disrupt the formation of beneficial microorganisms that aid in the process.
By following these tips, you can effectively maintain moisture in your plastic composter, creating the optimal conditions for your compost to thrive.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need two large plastic storage containers with tight-fitting lids, both of the same size.
Drill holes for airflow and oxygen to break down the matter. Drill ⅛-inch sized holes every three inches along all four sides of the plastic containers. On one of the containers only, drill holes on the bottom of the container too.
The holes allow for airflow and oxygen to break down the matter.
Place one bin inside the other. Place the container with the base holes inside the other bin. The bin should lock into the lip of the other, suspending it slightly higher.
This creates a gap inside, so any excess moisture will be able to drip into the second bin, helping to ensure your compost doesn’t oversaturate or leak.
