Composting is an excellent practice for reducing waste, fostering a healthier environment, and creating nutrient-rich soil for your garden or potted plants. While some new compost bins are hundreds of dollars, you could also make your own at minimal cost! Below, we explain some of the best ways to make a compost bin without spending money.
1. Utilize Household Items
Start by looking around your home for unused plastic bins or old containers. These can serve as excellent compost bins with a few simple tweaks. Drill small holes in the sides and bottom for aeration and drainage to ensure your compost doesn’t turn into a soggy mess.
Place the bin in a convenient spot, ideally near your kitchen or garden, and begin layering green and brown materials. This method is practical and keeps plastic out of landfills—a win-win!
2. Repurpose Old Tires
If you or someone you know has just gotten new tires, don’t just throw them away; keep them and use them as compost bins! Creating a bin is one of many useful and creative ways to repurpose old tires, and it’s one that prevents them from filling up landfills and becoming an environmental burden.
Stack two to three tires on top of each other to create a cylinder. The stacked tires provide insulation, maintaining the heat needed for efficient composting. Fill the center with a mix of organic material and cover it with a tarp or plastic to keep moisture in while preventing animals from digging through your compost.
3. Repurpose Wood Pallets
Another way to make a compost bin without spending money using things you can often find for free is with wood pallets. Many businesses with inventories (such as construction sites, furniture stores, and grocery stores) discard wooden pallets when they’re done with them, making them easy to find in large quantities!
Arrange four pallets in a square or rectangular shape, securing them with nails or rope to form an enclosure. This setup provides airflow and space for turning the compost. Add a hinge to one side for easy access.
4. DIY Worm Composter
For those primarily composting kitchen scraps, a DIY worm composter is an efficient option. Use an old storage box or a couple of plastic tubs. Drill ventilation holes and fill the bin with moist shredded newspaper or cardboard.
Add worms (red wigglers are best) and start feeding them your kitchen waste. Worms accelerate the composting process and produce rich vermicompost. This method is perfect for apartments or homes with limited outdoor space.
5. Trench Composting for Garden Waste
Trench composting is an ancient technique that requires nothing more than a shovel. Dig a trench in an unused area of your garden, fill it with organic waste, and cover it with soil.
Over time, the material breaks down in place, enriching your garden soil. This method requires no structure or special equipment and is great for handling large amounts of garden waste. You may need some help digging the trench, but isn’t that what family and friends are for?
Start Composting for Free Today!
Composting is a practical, eco-friendly practice that can significantly reduce household waste while enriching your garden soil. By crafting a compost bin from materials on hand, you can start this rewarding habit without spending a dime. Begin your composting adventure today and contribute positively to the environment!
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