In addition to the health benefits of the freshest food, many people are turning to gardening as an economical way to provide food for their families. In order to keep costs down, they are also looking to composting as an inexpensive alternative to high priced fertilizers and soil additives. Due to space constraints or to reduce complaints from the neighbors, it may be advisable to build a bin for composting. However, this need not be an elaborate construction, built of expensive materials. It is possible to build a cheap – or even free – compost bin.
Wooden Pallet Compost Bin
One very easy and inexpensive type of compost bin is made from four wooden pallets. By asking at companies that ship or receive goods on these pallets, it is often possible to get older or slightly damaged pallets for little or no money. Simply take four of these pallets, stand them on edge and fasten the corners together by nailing, tying or wiring. If desired, one side can be wired or hinged to form a gate to allow access for turning or removing the compost. Or, since it isn’t fastened to the ground, simply lift off the bin to get at the compost.
Compost Bin from an Old Trash Can
While there are any number of pre-made, expensive compost tumblers on the market, it is possible to make something similar with an old plastic trash can. And, if an older trash bin isn’t available, they don’t cost very much at the local discount center. It is best to use one that is about 32 to 55 gallons, dark in color, round and with a locking lid. Simply drill a good number of holes in the entire bin to allow for drainage and air movement, fill with organic waste, lock on the lid and start composting.
Cheap Compost Bins
To make the compost, check every few days to make sure that there is enough moisture. As wet as a wrung out sponge is good. Leave it in the sun to heat up and speed composting, but don’t let it overheat and dry out. Add new material as it becomes available, and turn it on its side and roll it around a few times per week to mix and aerate. This last part is why the locking lid is so important. Depending on what’s been added, finished compost can be ready in just a few weeks.
Wire Compost Bin
Another inexpensive type of composting bin is made of plastic or wire fencing material, something along the lines of chicken wire or snow fencing. Simply cut a length of fencing to the proper length for the size of bin you want. A quick, rough way to calculate is to use the desired diameter and multiply times three. Thus, a nine foot piece of fencing will give a bin that is just under three feet in diameter. Just fasten the two ends together to form a cylinder and fill.
This type of compost bin is a little more open than many others. Since air flow is maximized, the compost may dry out in hot or windy weather. Check and water as needed. Also, since it is so open, it may not heat up enough to kill all weed seeds. Simply cover with a tarp to heat it up. This can also help protect against too much moisture when it rains.
Use What’s Available
The basic idea of a compost bin is simply to provide an enclosure, so this is an opportunity to be imaginative in the use of recycled materials. Walls made of old cedar fencing or built of concrete blocks with air spaces between are also inexpensive solutions. The idea is to reuse whatever is at hand and keep the trash out of the landfill and the money in your wallet.
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