Are you looking for some compost bin ideas to jumpstart your brain?
Is it a good idea to research some ideas before you get started building?
What are some suggestions you can consider for building your own compost bin?
When you’re looking to build a compost bin in your backyard, it’s a good idea to give yourself some different ideas to work with before you begin. This way, you’ll feel inspired and have some understanding of composting bin ideas that work, too.
In this article, we’ll show you thirteen excellent methods for making your own composting bin in the backyard. These ideas are sure to help you feel prepared for building your compost bin, no matter which style you choose to go with. Take your time, check out our suggestions, and pick your favorite below!
JUMP TO A SECTION:
Option #1
Crate Compost Bin
Construct a wooden compost bin with chicken wire lining for this simple but effective crate-style compost. This style looks nice in a backyard and is easy to maintain.
Option #2
Two Trash Bins
One of the most traditional methods of composting at home is by using two trash bins. One can process with the other fills up with compost. By putting a metal pipe through both of them, you can easily turn and aerate them both at the same time.
Option #3
Mesh-Wall Compost Bin
Build a wooden crate with mesh walls and a hinged lid for this compost method. This style of compost bin looks great in any backyard or small garden and fits in well with its surroundings.
Option #4
3-Bin Composting System
This method involves three separate bins for different types of composting materials. Using this method, you don’t have to worry about one bin filling up while you still need to compost other items.
Option #5
Rubber Bin
This very simple composting method simply requires a rubber garbage or storage pail. Drill holes into the bottom and sides of the pail to allow the compost to both breathe and drain. Then layer your composting materials inside and close the lid tightly. You may want to use a lock or bungee cords to ensure the lid stays shut.
Option #6
Rustic-Style Compost Bin
This rustic compost bin is made of slatted wood without much else involved. It’s easy to build this type of compost bin either with wood pieces or with a wooden pallet that can be broken down and used for lumber. Line it with chicken wire to prevent the compost from spilling out and you’ll be good to go. You may also want to add a hinged and latched lid if you have a pest issue.
Option #7
Inside Compost Trash Can
This trash can is not a composting bin itself, but it’s a good solution for anyone looking to collect compost waste in the house for a few days before moving it to the outside bin. This can clips onto the inside of your cabinets so you can easily tuck it under the kitchen sink. This way, you don’t have to smell the food waste, and you can prevent pests, kids, and the family pet from finding their way into the compost trash, too. Just remember that you will need an additional outside composting bin to process any waste thrown away in this trash can.
Option #8
Composting Pipe
This is a unique composting method revolves around the use of worms. For this method, first drill some holes into the sides of a PVC pipe. Then place the PVC pipe in the ground, surrounded by rich soil that contains worms. Fill the pipe with composting materials and top it off with a pipe cap. From there, all you have to do is let the worms go to work for you! You may also choose to paint or otherwise decorate the PVC pipe to make it look a little nicer in your backyard as well.
Option #9
Wooden Slat Composting Bin
Build a stylish wooden slat composting bin that you won’t feel embarrassed about in your backyard. This bin is classy and sophisticated, and it’s not too hard to make either. As long as you are able to cut or purchase several plants of wood of the same length and width, you can hammer or screw this bin together without much trouble. Add a hinged door to make it easier to reach the compost inside, and be sure to put the bin on legs for easier drainage and aerations as well. You can even paint the outside of the bin if you choose.
Option #10
Wooden Barrels
If you happen to have access to old wooden barrels or casks, then you can easily put together a composting bin with one of these as the main vessel instead of a garbage can. This offer works much the same way; just layer your compost inside and make sure the barrel has holes drilled in the bottom to allow the liquids to seep out when necessary. By running a metal tube or pipe through the barrels, you can make it easier to turn the compost and aerate it once or twice a week as needed.
Option #11
Chicken Wire
If you’ve got plenty of backyard space to work with and you don’t mind your whole compost pile remaining visible at all times, this chicken wire method may work for you. To make this type of composting bin, simply wrap a length of wire mesh into a circle and use zip ties to secure it in place. You can then top it with another type of wire mesh to prevent pests from finding their way inside. Just make sure to create some type of hinge for the lid, so you can open it easily without having to cut off zip ties every time.
Option #12
Plastic Milk Crates
If you have a few spare milk crates—or you know where you can get them—you might want to try this plastic milk crate option. This style of compost bin is easy to make by simply stacking three milk crates together. The crates are then lined so the compost can’t fall through the holes, and they are topped with a plank of wood to prevent odors from escaping as well as pests from invading. This is one of the most cost-effective methods on the list, but it may be difficult to maintain over long periods of time.
Option #13
Three-Layer Bin
This three-layer composting bin allows you to place different types of composting material on each of the layers. This way, it’s easier to keep track of the measurements of each of your composting layers, and it’s easier to maintain the proportions as well. This bin is made of wood and features four wooden legs that allow it to stand up off of the ground. Because of this, it’s less likely to attract pests than some other types of composting bins on the list.
Conclusion
So what do you think? Are you ready to try one of these styles? And are these ideas better for at-home composting or for more large-scale operations?
If you’re looking for a way to keep your composting safe and secure in your backyard, any of the suggestions on the list above are sure to help. However, these styles of composting are not suited to large-scale operations in most instances. Some of them may be able to be adapted to process larger quantities of compost, but most of them are intended for smaller quantities.
With that in mind, remember that most of these composting suggestions can easily fit into your backyard. If you’re looking for something you can make room for with ease as well as something you can build yourself, pick one or more of the choices above and see for yourself how easy composting can be!