Composting is fun. There's no doubt about it. Yet there are so many different ways to make compost that it can sometimes make your
head spin. You can build a homemade compost bin with free compost bin plans or you could just build your own
homemade garbage can compost bin. It's simple, easy to make and looks like a regular garbage can unless someone happens to inspect
it more closely. So how do you make a garbage can compost bin?
Building a Garbage Can Compost Bin
If you're getting ready to replace your old plastic garbage can with a new one and are thinking of tossing it to the curb...stop.
There's likely plenty of life left in your old beat up garbage can where it can be used as a compost bin for several years to come.
All that you need to make your homemade compost bin is an old plastic garbage can, or a new one if need be, a power drill and a few
concrete blocks or bricks to set the compost bin upon.
Measure about 8 inches from the bottom edge of the garbage can. This is where you will drill your first hole with your power drill.
At the same height that you drilled your first hole, picture an imaginary line all the way around your garbage can and along that
line measure 8 inches across from your first hole and drill another hole, repeating this procedure until you end up back at your
original hole. Once you have drilled the first line of holes, move up the side of the garbage can another 8 inches and repeat the
procedure until you get towards the top. You'll want to make sure that you drill holes close enough towards the top so that when
your garbage can compost bin is full the upper air holes are not blocked by your compost materials.
If you haven't already done so, flip your garbage can over where you can drill the holes into the bottom of your garbage can. Try to
evenly space out your holes on the bottom and don't drill too many or you'll sacrifice stability. About 10 to 20 holes should be
sufficient, depending upon the size of the garbage can.
Using a Garbage Can Compost Bin
You can place your compost bin upon bricks or concrete blocks or you can place it directly on the ground. Some people like to set
their compost bin directly on the ground where worms and other benefical organisms can quickly find their way in through the bottom
holes. Your compost will break down more quickly when you have a willing lot of volunteers helping you out, but it is ultimately
your personal choice.
Once you have found a good spot for your compost bin, you can start loading it up with things you can compost.
You can use your garbage can compost bin like a compost tumbler by securing the top and rolling it on its bottom edge. Once it
starts to get full though, you will probably have to turn your compost by hand. A good quality manure fork works well for turning your compost.
Keep your compost materials moist, but not soaking wet. If your compost gets a little dry, you can leave the top off during a good rain storm or
just add some water with the garden hose. Just be sure to keep your compost well aerated by turning it ever so often and you will have
finished compost before you know it.
