How to Make Your Own Small Composter

Overview

Many urban and suburban dwellers would like to compost but feel that they do not have the room for a large composting bin or system. Composting can be done, however, in apartments as well as in small yards and can be used to produce soil additives for houseplants and container gardens or to simply cut down on the waste that is sent to landfills.

Step 1

Drill several holes using the drill and drill bits, into a plastic storage bin or clean 5-gallon bucket. If the bin is to be stored inside, restrict the holes to the bottom of the bin and the lid only. If the bin is to be stored outside, drill holes in the sides as well.

Step 2

For indoor bins, place the bin into a large plastic tray with no holes. Check all sides of the tray to be sure that the bin fits well inside the tray, preferably with a few inches of clearance on all sides. This is the catch tray for any liquids that may drain from the bin. If you will be storing your bin outdoors, this tray is no necessary.

Step 3

Place four half-brick pieces under the bin to raise it up and out of the drainage tray. Be sure that the bin is still evenly spaced above the tray so that all liquid drains into the tray. If the bin is going to be placed outdoors, the bricks are optional, depending on the drainage in the composting area. Compost bins should be able drain easily.

Step 4

Place composting materials into the bin, starting with dry (or brown) materials and alternating with wet (or green) layers.

Step 5

Sprinkle a cup or two of water over the materials to dampen the compost and mix the contents spread the moisture evenly through all materials.

Step 6

Place the lid onto the bin and secure it firmly. Open the lid and turn the contents once each week.