Hey all, as stated in the title, I’m wondering if I can use this old garbage bin for composting. I’d clean it and add holes for air and make a door at the bottom. I figured I’d ask you first to see if this is a good idea or not. If it helps any, I live in northwest Louisiana.
by Oceanlover1
8 Comments
Yep, I did. Just drill in a bunch of small holes on each side like you said. Aerating can get tricky but I just turn mine with a spade. Some people use augers
Yes, I’ve done it. That said I’d highly recommend a pile instead if you have the space. It’s hard to turn in the bin and not having contact with the ground isn’t ideal.
interested in hearing the replies
I’m planning something similar using an old garbage bin, to make an DIY Aerobin. Will have a central pipe for aeriation so hopefully I don’t need to aerate it.
Have not figured out how to make a rodent-proof door on the bottom for removing finished compost…
I had one; it became impractical for turning, but it was 100% doable. It worked fine. It will be heavy, and I always laid it flat on the grass to take stuff out with a rake, and then I turned it upside down to get the rest out of the bottom. There was always some stuff that I couldn’t get out.
I would worry if you want bugs and worms in it (just from the “how are they gonna get in?” Standpoint). I bought a big plastic box online that has no bottom and doors on the side that I have a hard time keeping closed. Also, not sure if you are expecting to move it around, but once full of dirt/water, them things are heavy. Otherwise, go for it
Yes you can! Don’t over water it or it will get gross, go heavy on browns. These are great for leaf mold which is basically just composted leaves and a touch of added water and N added.
Make one of these for $4 to turn it. [TheArtofDoingStuff](https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/make-your-own-compost-turner/)
I would suggest lining the inside with something that’ll keep rodents out (e.g. hardware cloth)
I do….6 of them