Omar Khalid
Making a compost bin out of a plastic container is an easy, beginner-friendly, and affordable project. It is a great way to recycle food and yard waste, which make up more than 30% of the trash we throw away. By composting, you can lower your carbon footprint, reduce methane gas emissions, and benefit your garden with nutrient-rich compost. To make a compost bin, you will need two plastic containers, with one having a lid. The containers should be at least 18 gallons in size, and you will need to drill holes 1-2 inches apart on all sides, including the bottom and lid. You can then use wire mesh or hardware cloth to line the interior of the bin to keep out rodents. The second bin can be placed underneath the first bin to catch the liquid that leaches out, which can be used as a fertilizer called compost tea.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic storage containers, plastic bins, plastic totes, trash bins, buckets |
| Size | No smaller than 18 gallons |
| Lid | Required |
| Ventilation | Drill holes 1-2 inches apart on all sides, including the bottom and lid |
| Odor | Change ratio of compost material and ensure the lid is tightened |
| Location | Outdoors or indoors in a utility area, preferably within reach of a garden hose |
| Compost Materials | Leaves, fruit and vegetable peels, rinsed eggshells, paper egg cartons, coffee grounds, tea bags, shredded paper, paper napkins, towels, toilet paper rolls, grass clippings, etc. |
| Moisture | Water each layer of compost, ensuring the mixture is just damp, not soggy |
| Temperature | Above freezing |
| Turning | Turn compost mixture at least once a week or once a month with a pitchfork, shovel, or winged aerator |
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What You'll Learn
Drilling holes in the plastic container for ventilation
Drilling holes in your plastic container are essential for ventilation, which is crucial to the composting process. Without enough oxygen, the bacteria and worms inside the bin cannot break down the organic material effectively. To achieve this balance, you should drill holes in the top or sides of the bin.
When drilling holes, it is important to go slow and use a sharp drill bit to prevent cracking. You can use masking tape on the area you will be drilling and draw lines and marks to guide you and ensure your holes are symmetrical. The size of the drill bit is not important, but larger holes may require you to line the interior of the bin with wire mesh or hardware cloth to keep out rodents.
There are alternative methods to drilling holes, such as using a soldering iron or heating and pushing through a metal rod, a screwdriver, or a nail. However, these methods may be messier and leave melted residue around the holes. Drilling is the best method for creating clean holes, especially if you use a brad point drill bit with a sharp centre and cutting edges at the perimeter.
If you are concerned about staining from leachate, you can place your bin on paving slabs or a tray that can drain into the grass or soil. Additionally, consider drilling holes only in the bottom few inches to control airflow and contain heat. You can use blocking or a grate to keep air pulling in through the bottom without compacting, and to absorb any leachate.
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Using two containers to catch compost tea
Making compost tea requires two containers, with one container placed inside the other. The inner container should have holes in it, while the outer one should not. The holes in the inner container allow compost tea to drain into the bottom container. The liquid that collects in the bottom container is the compost tea.
To make compost tea, first, drill holes in the bottom and sides of one of the containers. The holes will provide airflow and oxygen, which are necessary for breaking down the compost matter. The holes also allow excess moisture to drip into the second container, preventing your compost from becoming oversaturated. Place the container with holes inside the one without holes. The inner container should not go more than halfway down the bottom container to ensure that the drainage holes are not sitting in the tea.
Add your compost materials to the inner container. The ideal mix for compost is 25-30 parts carbon (browns) to 1 part nitrogen (greens). Browns include dry decomposable materials such as leaves, twigs, and other carbon-rich materials. Greens include most kitchen scraps and green materials such as grass clippings and vegetable scraps. Every time you add greens to your bin, be sure to also add a bunch of browns. Chop up your compost materials into small pieces so they break down quicker and are easier for worms to consume.
Once your inner container is full, you can begin the process of making compost tea. Cover the compost with water and let it sit for about three days. After the compost has steeped, strain the compost tea into another container. The compost tea can be used as a liquid fertilizer in your garden.
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Choosing the right size and type of container
When it comes to size, it is important to consider the amount of compost you want to produce. While a larger bin may seem like it can hold more compost, it is important to remember that efficient composting requires the right balance of waste, moisture, and oxygen. Therefore, a bin that is too large may make it difficult to achieve this balance. On the other hand, a bin that is too small may limit the amount of compost you can produce and can also make it difficult to turn and aerate the compost mixture. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bin that is no smaller than 18 gallons, which will provide enough space for the compost to decompose effectively while also allowing for proper aeration.
The type of waste you plan to compost will also influence your choice of container. Round or square plastic bins are commonly used for composting food waste due to their small size. However, if you plan to compost larger amounts of yard waste, such as grass clippings or leaves, you may need a larger container or a second bin to accommodate the volume of material. Additionally, consider the durability of the container. Composting involves moisture and heat, so choose a container that can withstand these elements, such as a sturdy plastic bin.
The location of your compost bin will also play a role in determining the size and type of container you choose. If you plan to place your bin outdoors, consider using a container that can be easily connected to a garden hose to moisturize the compost layers. Also, choose a bin with a secure lid to prevent unpleasant odours from escaping and to keep out pests. For indoor composting, opt for a smaller bin that can fit in your utility area or under the sink. Make sure the bin is made of food-safe plastic to avoid any potential chemical leaching into your compost.
Lastly, consider the accessibility and functionality of the container. Choose a bin with a wide opening or a removable lid to allow for easy filling and mixing of the compost materials. You may also want to look for a bin with a small door at the bottom for easy removal of finished compost.
By taking these factors into account, you can choose the right size and type of container for your compost bin, ensuring a successful and efficient composting process.
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Adding the correct ratio of brown and green materials
To make compost, you need a mixture of dry (brown) and moist (green) organic materials. 'Brown' materials are carbon or carbohydrate-rich, while 'green' materials are nitrogen or protein-rich.
The ideal ratio of brown to green materials is around 2:1 or 3:1. However, you don't need to be too exact. If your compost pile is not heating up, add more green material, which will help it heat up as it feeds the microorganisms in the pile. If your compost is too hot, add more brown material to cool it down.
Brown materials include dry or woody plant material, such as sticks, leaves, paper, cardboard, and bedding material. Green materials include wet or recently growing materials, such as grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and fruit leftovers.
You can create a compost bin using two plastic storage containers. The containers should be at least 18 gallons in size, and one must have a lid. Drill holes throughout the containers, spaced 1 to 2 inches apart, to allow for air circulation and drainage. You can then begin adding your brown and green materials, using the lasagna method of layering the materials. Remember to keep the bin moist, and turn the compost mixture regularly to aerate it.
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Using a worm bin for small-space composting
Worm bins, also known as vermicomposters, are a great option for small-space composting. They are inexpensive, easy to maintain, and can be set up in just 30 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating and maintaining a worm bin for small-space composting:
Choose a Container
Select a plastic or rubber bin that is approximately 15 inches deep, 25 inches wide, and 5 inches high. You can repurpose old plastic containers or purchase a new one. Ensure the bin has a lid, which can be made of plastic, plywood, or cloth. If using a plastic container, choose one that can withstand moisture and heat.
Drill Holes
Drill ventilation holes in the bin to allow for air circulation. Space the holes 1 to 2 inches apart, drilling on all sides of the container, including the bottom. Use a drill bit of any size, but if the holes are large, cover the interior of the bin with wire mesh or hardware cloth to prevent rodents from entering.
Prepare the Bedding
Fill the bin with shredded paper (avoid shiny or coloured paper) to a depth of about 3 inches. Moisten the paper by soaking it in water and then draining the excess liquid. Add a pound of dirt, ensuring it is free from harmful chemicals. The moist paper and dirt will create a comfortable environment for the worms.
Add Worms
Introduce a pound of red wiggler worms to the bin. These worms are excellent at consuming waste and can be sourced from online worm growers or other worm bin owners. Avoid invasive species such as the Asian Jumping Worm. Feed the worms fruit and vegetable scraps, burying the scraps under the bedding. Avoid meats, bones, oils, and dairy products.
Maintenance
Keep the bedding moist and aerated. If it dries out, spray it with water, and if it becomes too wet, add dry newspaper strips. Fluff up the bedding once a week to ensure adequate air circulation. Feed the worms once a week, providing them with food scraps equal to approximately three times their weight. Monitor their food intake and adjust as needed. Cover all food scraps with dirt and moist paper to prevent attracting fruit flies.
Harvesting
When the worm bin is full, encourage the worms to move to one side of the bin by feeding them there for a couple of weeks. Once they have migrated, harvest the compost from the other side and use it in your garden or potted plants. The liquid that accumulates in the bottom of the bin, known as "worm tea," is a nutrient-rich fertilizer that can also be used for your plants.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheapest way to make a compost bin is to repurpose scrap materials such as plastic storage containers, trash cans, buckets, or barrels.
Plastic containers are widely available and can be easily repurposed into compost bins. They are also inexpensive and can withstand composting pressures.
First, find a plastic container with a lid. Drill holes 1-2 inches apart on all sides of the container, including the bottom and lid. Use wire mesh or hardware cloth to cover the holes and keep rodents out. Place the container within a second container to catch any liquid that seeps out.
Maintain a balanced ratio of dry (brown) and moist (green) organic materials, ensuring proper aeration and moisture. Avoid meat, seafood, dairy, oils, toxic plants, and other materials that can hinder the process.
Compost in a plastic bin takes around three months to be ready for use. You can harvest the finished compost by running it through a sifter and separating any large pieces that still need to decompose.
