The “Foods” and “Shop” kids at our local school are planning to start composting. A group of seniors and their awesome teacher, Diane are coming over to check out our compost bins. So, as long as I am sharing with them, why not blog it.
We have lived in our current location for three years. We have now benefited from compost bin 1 of 3. Here’s the set up.
The first bin (left) has just been emptied and ready to use again. The second bin (center) contains scraps from last year. The third bin (right) contains scraps of this year.
Through trial and error we have found the design of three bins to work quite well.
The first bin was built as a stand alone. Additional bins were attached the next two years.
Each bin is on a base of a pallet (love those pallets!). Check around and you will most likely find free pallets being discarded from stores. Over the pallet we stapled chicken wire, small gauge so stuff doesn’t fall through. Putting the compost scraps on the pallets provides for much needed ventilation. The pallet also provides a 4X4 area which seems to be the maximum for a low maintenance bin size.
Next, put up posts of the four corners of the pallet. Now run chicken wire around 3 sides. We attached the chicken wire with zip-ties. My husband loves those things. The zip-ties will probably hold up for 3 years. I would suggest using a heavier gauge wire for the front. It is not necessary but we used it Upon releasing one side of the front, it acts like a gate so you can dig in the bin with less strain.
So, here are some more photos of our design. I’ll talk about contents and stuff in the next installment.
bin one emptied and ready to go again
bin two contains last years scraps and yard waste
bin three contains scraps and stuff from this year
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