Sofia Martinez
Composting is an excellent way to create nutrient-rich fertiliser from kitchen and garden waste. It can be done at any time of the year, provided the temperature is above freezing. Plastic bins are a popular choice for composting due to their convenience and low cost. However, some people are wary of using plastic bins due to concerns about potential chemical leaching and restricted airflow. To compost in a plastic bin, you will need two plastic storage containers, with the primary bin having a capacity of at least 18 gallons and a lid. Drill holes about 1-2 inches apart on the sides and bottom of the bin, and 3-4 inches apart on the lid. This allows for airflow and the activity of beneficial bacteria. You can then start adding your compost materials, such as food scraps, plant debris, grass clippings, and paper. Remember to maintain the correct ratios of green and brown waste and ensure proper aeration by turning the compost monthly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Plastic compost bins are relatively inexpensive, with some DIY options costing $5 or $10. |
| Size | Plastic bins are smaller than other options, with sizes ranging from 150 to 400 litres. |
| Shape | Round or square bins are most suited for composting food waste, while tumblers are rotating cylinders that can be turned to mix compost materials. |
| Airflow | Plastic bins may have limited airflow, but drilling holes in the bin can improve this. |
| Location | Plastic bins can be kept outdoors on level ground or in a well-drained area, or indoors in a utility space, garage, or basement. |
| Maintenance | Bins should be turned over or aerated with a pitchfork, shovel, or winged compost aerator at least once a month. |
| Materials | Bins should be filled with a mix of green and brown waste, including food scraps, plant debris, grass clippings, shredded paper, and cardboard. |
| Time | Compost in plastic bins can take 6-12 months to fully decompose, while tumbler bins can produce compost in under 30 days. |
| Advantages | Plastic bins are convenient, widely available, and can be used to collect "compost tea," a nutrient-filled liquid that can be used as fertilizer. |
| Disadvantages | Plastic bins may be slower to produce compost due to their small size and difficulty turning the compost. |
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What You'll Learn
Drill holes in the bin to allow airflow
To make compost in a plastic bin, you need to ensure there is adequate airflow. To do this, you must drill holes in the bin. First, secure the lid on the tote and flip the bin over so that the bottom is facing up. Load a drill bit into your hand drill and begin drilling holes approximately 1-2 inches apart in both directions. Drill these holes on the bottom and sides of the bin. Flip the bin over so the lid is facing up and drill more holes in the lid, keeping them 3-4 inches apart. The size of the drill bit is not important, but if you end up making large holes, consider lining the interior of the bin with wire mesh or hardware cloth to keep rodents out.
The holes you drill will allow airflow in and out of the bin, which is necessary for the beneficial bacteria that will break down the materials inside. You can further improve airflow by aerating the bin. Do this by giving the bin a quick shake every day or so, or by turning the contents over with a pitchfork or shovel once a month. You can also use a ""winged compost aerator" to mix the outer contents towards the centre.
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Add food scraps, plant debris, and grass clippings
Food scraps, plant debris, and grass clippings are all green materials that can be added to your compost bin. When adding these materials, it is important to ensure they are chopped into small pieces to speed up the decomposition process. Fruit and vegetable trimmings can be chopped with a knife or blended, while leaves can be shredded by running a lawnmower over them a few times.
To avoid a gooey mess, for every one part of green material, add two to three parts of brown material such as shredded newspaper or cardboard, dried leaves, sawdust, or wood shavings. This will also help prevent attracting critters. You can also add moisture to the pile if necessary, especially during the summer when compost can dry out.
If you are using a plastic bin for composting, it is important to drill holes throughout the container to allow for air circulation and drainage. Space the holes 1 to 2 inches apart on all sides of the container, including the bottom. To prevent rodents from getting in, you can line the interior of the bin with wire mesh or hardware cloth.
To further improve your compost, you can add grass clippings, leaves, tea bags, coffee grounds, egg shells, and vegetable peels. Additionally, shredded paper can be added to the top of the bin to reduce the number of gnats and flying insects.
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Mix in shredded paper, cardboard, or dried leaves
Shredded paper, cardboard, and dried leaves are all "brown" materials, which are high-carbon materials that are essential for effective composting. When adding "greens" such as food scraps, plant debris, or fresh grass clippings to your compost bin, it is important to also add "browns" to avoid a gooey mess and to produce a well-balanced compost product.
Shredded paper can be added to your compost bin in layers. Start by laying down sheets of shredded paper, wet them, and then cover with a layer of soil. You can then build up your compost by adding alternating layers of "green" materials, "brown" materials, and earth. This is known as the "shred and spread" or "lasagna" method. Shredded paper can also be used as bedding material for worm composting or vermicomposting.
Cardboard can be used in a similar way to shredded paper. Start your compost pile or bin with a layer of soaked and/or shredded cardboard, along with other "brown" materials. Sprinkle with water to create the right environment for microbes and fungi to break down the waste. You can then add a layer of "green" materials on top. Continue making layers in this way until you reach your last layer of "greens".
Dried leaves are another important "brown" material for composting. When adding "greens" to your compost bin, always ensure that they are covered by a sufficient amount of dried leaves or other "browns". Chop or shred the leaves before adding them to your compost bin to speed up the decomposition process.
By mixing in shredded paper, cardboard, or dried leaves with your "greens", you will improve the aeration and moisture balance in your compost bin, leading to faster and more effective decomposition.
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Aerate the bin by shaking it or using a garden fork
Aerating your compost bin is an important step in the composting process. It helps to speed up the decomposition process by introducing air into the mixture. There are several ways to aerate your compost bin, including shaking the bin or using a garden fork.
Shaking the bin is a quick and easy method to aerate your compost. Simply give the bin a quick shake every day or so to help mix and fluff up the contents. This method is especially useful if you are dealing with a small compost bin.
If you are using a garden fork to aerate your compost, there are a few techniques you can use. One method is to use the fork to turn the outside of the pile inward, working your way around the pile. This can be done by inserting the fork into the pile, levering it up and down, and then pulling the compost towards you. Another technique is to use the fork to stab and twist, creating holes in the compost both vertically and horizontally. This method can be more difficult with a narrow-handled fork and a small bin opening. Additionally, you can incorporate larger wood chips or sticks at the bottom of the pile to help provide aeration. These materials will trap air and speed up the decomposition process.
For those with limited space, a ""winged compost aerator" can be purchased online or at a hardware store. This tool is designed to easily turn and mix the compost, introducing air into the mixture. Alternatively, a compost stirrer or rake can be used to mix new materials with old, helping to keep the compost hot.
Aerating your compost bin is crucial to maintaining a healthy decomposition process. By shaking the bin or using a garden fork to turn and mix the contents, you can introduce air and speed up the breakdown of materials.
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Use compost when it's brown, crumbly, and sweet-smelling
Once your compost is brown, crumbly, and sweet-smelling, it's ready to use. You can use it in your garden beds or as a top dressing for ornamental plants or lawns. Compost can change the pH and nutrient levels of the soil, so it's a good idea to test the soil a few weeks after adding compost.
If your compost pile has a bad odour, it may be too wet or need more air circulation. To fix this, add more brown, dry material, such as shredded newspaper, cardboard, or sawdust, and turn the pile. You can also try drilling holes in your plastic bin to increase air circulation. If you do this, make sure the holes are no larger than 1/4 inch to prevent rodents from getting in.
Another way to reduce odours and flying insects is to add several inches of shredded paper to the top of your bin. Spray the paper with water until it's moist, but not soaked. This will create a barrier that makes it harder for insects to find the food source, while also providing a nesting and food source for worms.
If your compost pile is not heating up, mix in greens and turn the pile. You can also try relocating the oldest compost to a separate area to cure or stop adding new materials to the pile. After curing, the pile will shrink to about one-third of its original size.
Finished compost will be dark, loose, and crumbly and will smell like fresh soil. Most, if not all, of the materials in the compost pile should be decomposed.
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Frequently asked questions
Round or square plastic bins with lids are most commonly used for composting food waste. The bins should be no smaller than 18 gallons.
You need to drill holes about 1-2 inches apart on the bottom and sides of the bin to allow for airflow. If your holes are large, consider lining the interior of the bin with wire mesh or hardware cloth to keep out rodents.
You can put anything in your compost bin that you would in a normal compost pile. This includes fruit and vegetable peels, rinsed eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags, shredded paper, grass clippings, etc. Chop or shred the contents into small pieces so they break down quicker. For every green item, add 2-3 brown item to avoid a gooey mess and create a well-balanced compost.
To aerate the bin, turn the compost over with a pitchfork or shovel once a month. You can also aerate the bin by giving it a quick shake every day or so. If the contents are very wet or smelly, add shredded newspaper or sawdust to the bin.
