Sourcing A Free Compost Bin

A free compost bin can be sourced several ways, many through recycling existing containers. The main advantage of this is that it puts a minimal dent on your budget. However, a free compost bin will, more often that not, be less attractive than a commercially produced one specially designed for the purpose.

Shipping Crate

Shipping crates are hardly ever the ideal size for household composting. They are either too tall that you will need a ladder to add compost or mix its contents. They can also be too small. Unless you are willing to use several small crates (which could end up taking more space than no bin at all), you will have to cut off part of a big crate's walls to create a good free compost bin. The main drawback of using a shipping crate is the space it will take up, which makes them less than ideal even in a suburban household. On a farm, however, these wooden structures' size and unfinished look could fit right in.

Garbage Can

A tin garbage can also be turned into a compost bin. All you need to do is cut out the garbage can floor. Thoroughly wet down the area where you intend to fix it. So as not to dent the edges too much (making them too crooked for the cover to fit or too sharp to be safe), try slowly pushing the edges down into the soft earth with a bunch of thick rags. You may also try to push it down by putting a board over its mouth and exerting enough pressure.

Oil Barrel

An oil barrel not only makes a great bin, it also makes a great tumbler! In fact, tumbler designs look exactly like oil barrels. You will just have to wash out the plastic barrel until ZERO trace of oil remains. Cut out one end and fix into the soft earth (as with the garbage can) or mount on a stand like a commercially-produced tumbler. Tumblers are great for speeding up decomposition and mixing fresh ingredients into old compost. To create something similar to the tumblers available in the market, drill holes at the longest diameter in the barrel center and push an iron rod through it. Fasten the rod with an oversize washer and fix with a water-resistant sealant.

Wine Barrel

Similar to an oil barrel, an old wine barrel can also be recycled into a free compost bin. What is great about it is that temperature rises faster in wood rather than plastic.

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