How to Make a Worm Compost Bin

Overview

You can use a worm composting bin no matter where you live, even if you live in an apartment with no outdoor space. You can make a worm compost bin cheaply and easily, and it can be as compact or as large as you need. Some simple household materials and a plastic storage container with a lid are all you need. Making a worm compost bin is a simple project that you can accomplish successfully in less than one hour.

Step 1

Select the correct size plastic storage container for your worm compost bin. Make sure you have a large enough bin for the number of worms you have. Allow for a minimum of 1 square foot of surface area per 1 pound of worms, approximately 1,000 worms. Make sure the plastic storage container has a lid and is no more than 8 to 12 inches deep.

Step 2

Drill 10 holes in the lid using a 1/4-inch drill bit. Drill 10 more holes around the top sides of the container, approximately 1 to 2 inches down from the lip. The holes will allow for good air circulation.

Step 3

Tear pieces of newspaper into long, 1-inch strips to make the bedding. Soak the newspaper in water to moisten it. Add the newspaper to the bottom of your plastic storage container until you have about 8 inches of bedding material. Fluff up the newspaper and add a handful of dirt to the bin.

Step 4

Rinse your food scraps and add them to the bin. Bury the food scraps in the bedding material to avoid attracting fruit flies. You can feed your worms scraps from leftover breads and grains, cereal, fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds and filters, and tea bags with the staples removed. You can also place in the worm compost bin paper napkins and paper towels, egg shells and dead plants or flowers.

Step 5

Add your worms to the compost bin. Redworms are the best variety to use in compost bins. Avoid using earthworms or other garden worms.

Step 6

Snap on the lid and keep it on. Keep the bedding material moist and mist the bedding when needed using a spray bottle filled with water.