5 Easy DIY Compost Bin Ideas with Downloadable Instructions

Composting is a wonderful way to reduce waste, enrich your garden soil, and connect with nature. Building your own compost bin can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to customize the design to your needs and space. This guide presents 5 easy DIY compost bin ideas with downloadable instructions, making composting accessible to everyone.

1. The Classic Three-Bin System

This system is popular for its simplicity and effectiveness. It utilizes three separate bins for different stages of decomposition:

• Bin 1 (Active): For fresh kitchen scraps and yard waste. This bin is actively decomposing, with regular turning.
• Bin 2 (Curing): For partially decomposed materials from Bin 1. This bin allows the compost to continue breaking down while also drying out.
• Bin 3 (Finished): For fully decomposed, rich compost ready for use in your garden.

Materials:

• Pallet wood or lumber (for the frame)
• Wire mesh (for ventilation)
• Screws or nails
• Optional: tarp or plastic sheeting (for covering the bins)

Instructions:

1. Cut the pallet wood or lumber into the desired dimensions for each bin. You'll need three rectangles that are slightly taller than the width of your pallet (to allow for a handle). 2. Use screws or nails to assemble the frames for each bin. 3. Secure the wire mesh to the sides of each bin for ventilation. 4. You can create a hinged door for each bin for easier access. 5. Place the bins side by side, ensuring the finished compost bin is at the end of the line.

Downloadable Instructions:

Download a detailed PDF with diagrams and instructions for constructing a three-bin compost system here.

2. The Tumbling Compost Bin

A tumbling compost bin makes composting even easier by providing consistent aeration and mixing. This design is perfect for smaller spaces and urban dwellers.

Materials:

• Two 55-gallon drums (or similar sized barrels)
• Hinges
• Strong handle (for turning)
• Screws or bolts
• Optional: drill with a hole saw (for ventilation)

Instructions:

1. Cut a rectangular opening on the side of one drum for loading and unloading compost. 2. Attach hinges to the drum with the opening, and connect it to the other drum. 3. Secure the handle to the lid of the top drum for turning. 4. Drill ventilation holes on the sides of the drums (optional). 5. Place the bin on a sturdy base and begin composting!

Downloadable Instructions:

Download a detailed PDF with diagrams and instructions for building a tumbling compost bin here.

3. The Easy Pallet Compost Bin

This simple design utilizes readily available pallets to create a quick and functional compost bin.

Materials:

• One pallet
• Chicken wire or hardware cloth (for ventilation)
• Staple gun or wire ties
• Optional: tarp or plastic sheeting (for covering the bin)

Instructions:

1. Remove any loose boards or nails from the pallet. 2. Secure the chicken wire or hardware cloth to the front and back of the pallet to create walls. 3. Attach another piece of wire mesh to the bottom of the pallet to allow drainage. 4. You can add a tarp or plastic sheeting on top for protection from the elements.

Downloadable Instructions:

Download a detailed PDF with diagrams and instructions for building a pallet compost bin here.

4. The DIY Compost Tea Brewer

This option provides an excellent way to extract beneficial nutrients from compost, creating a liquid fertilizer that can be applied directly to your plants.

Materials:

• Large plastic container (5-gallon bucket or similar)
• Compost (from a finished compost bin)
• Old T-shirt or cloth (for filtering)
• Hose or watering can (for applying the tea)

Instructions:

1. Fill the container halfway with water. 2. Add compost to the container, ensuring it's submerged in water. 3. Cover the container with the cloth and secure it with a rubber band. 4. Allow the mixture to sit for 24-48 hours, allowing the compost to release nutrients into the water. 5. Strain the compost tea through the cloth into another container. 6. Apply the compost tea to your plants.

Downloadable Instructions:

Download a detailed PDF with diagrams and instructions for building a DIY compost tea brewer here.

5. The Bokashi Bucket

This method utilizes effective microorganisms (EM) to break down food waste quickly and effectively, producing a nutrient-rich compost.

Materials:

• 5-gallon bucket with a lid
• Bokashi bran (contains EM)
• Heavy-duty trash bag (for lining the bucket)
• Optional: drainage holes drilled in the bottom of the bucket

Instructions:

1. Line the bucket with the trash bag. 2. Add a layer of Bokashi bran to the bottom. 3. Add food scraps in layers, alternating with Bokashi bran. 4. Compact the layers and continue adding scraps until the bucket is full. 5. Close the lid and allow the process to continue for 2-3 weeks. 6. The resulting fermented food waste can be used as an additive to your regular compost pile or directly in the garden.

Downloadable Instructions:

Download a detailed PDF with diagrams and instructions for building a Bokashi bucket here.

Remember to adjust the size and design of your compost bin to suit your space and needs. By following these simple instructions, you'll be well on your way to composting at home and enjoying the benefits of nutrient-rich compost in your garden. Happy composting!