Easy DIY Compost Bin

 

I tried composting a little over a year ago. I even bought this super-cute hanging kitchen compost bin, but the project ended in abysmal failure, mostly because I had no idea what I was doing.

However, after attending a composting workshop earlier this month and doing a bit of research on my own, I felt empowered to give composting another try. Here’s how I made an easy DIY compost bin for my patio!

Supplies

• Plastic tub or bin
• Drill or electric screwdriver with drill bit attachments
• Dried leaves
• Dirt (I used some $3 topsoil from Walmart)
• Perlite (optional)
• Food scraps (more on this further down)

Instructions

1. (Optional) Mark where you’d like to drill small holes in the top and bottom of your bin. I made about 20-24 holes on top and bottom. I also drilled two small holes on each side out (just to be over sure my compost is well aerated).
2. Drill your holes and clean any plastic debris out of your bin.
3. Create your “compost lasagna.” Start with a fair number of dried leaves, top with a little dirt, food scraps, and perlite for aeration. Repeat. I got some great advice from Val Nolan, owner of Motherherbs Organic Nursery in Cedar Hill. She told me you want 4 parts of carbon-rich materials (i.e., dried leaves, woodchips, or straw) and 1 part of nitrogen-rich materials (i.e., food scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, etc.) Be sure to top your compost lasagna with the dried leaves.
4. Water your compost, but not too much! Another gem Mrs. Val told me is that you want your compost to have the same consistency as a “freshly rung out sponge.”
5. Be sure to sit your compost someplace where it can get some sun and air. Stir it occasionally, water as needed, and be sure to layer your carbon and nitrogen-rich materials as you go!

Other advice

Not all food items are compostable. Meat and dairy products should never be added to your compost bin. Also, in my opinion, you should avoid composting bleached paper or paper with ink on it. Yes, it will break down in the compost, but bleached paper and ink contain harsh chemicals that I don’t want in my food or my body.

For added reinforcement, here’s a helpful picture:

Happy composting!