A few weeks ago I decided to make a DIY compost bin. My house and yard are not very big, so I wanted it to be small (and cheap to make)! I looked up a few different articles, grabbed the parts that I thought would work for me, and made my own!
And if you don’t feel like reading the steps, I have a video at the bottom!
I am a beginner at this, so definitely not an expert yet. These are just the steps that I used for my DIY Compost!
STEP 1:
Get a container to use. I got an 18 gallon bin from Walmart that was on sale for $5!
STEP 2:
Drill some holes in the lid of your bin. Try to space them pretty evenly! This will provide air.
STEP 3:
Put something dry on the bottom. I used dry leaves for mine!
STEP 4:
Put soil/ dirt on top of the leaves.
STEP 5:
Start adding food and other scraps! It does help it to break down quicker when you cut everything into SMALLER pieces.
STEP 6:
Moisten it! I made sure the soil was damp, but not too drenched. I also used lukewarm water, which I read was better than using cold water.
STEP 7:
Make sure dirt is covering the food scraps and mix it well. Stir with a stick (or your hands), and don’t forget to shake it up! This will make sure air is going through it all!
FINAL STEP:
Close the lid and let it works it’s magic!
Make sure you stir and shake it every few days to keep the process going!
If you want to learn more about this process, there are some really great articles out there. Living Peacefully at Home has a wonderful article that explains the composting process in great detail, as well as a detailed list of what is and isn’t acceptable to use!
DIY & Crafts also has a list of 35 Cheap And Easy DIY Compost Bins That You Can Build This Weekend. It is very helpful in coming up with different ideas that work best for you and your situation!
I hope this was helpful for anyone that has a desire to make a DIY Compost Bin! If you have experience with making your own, I would love to hear from you! Comment below any questions, insights, or comments! ☺️
