Building a Compost Bin: Part 2 – Final Construction Details

Essentials recap: Size, heat, air, moisture—plus a few extras.

Composting is Earth's fundamental recycling process. By now you should have a three-sided wooden bin (pallets work perfectly). Let's finish it.

Floor: To Raise or Not?

Some advocate a raised floor for airflow. I'm ambivalent: it eventually clogs with compost, hinders worm access (crucial for decomposition), complicates turning/emptying, and wastes a pallet. Pallet slats provide adequate airflow alone.

Access Options

You need containment and access for turning. Simplest method: wire the fourth pallet to the frame with light-gauge wire. I've built a portcullis-style gate—practical but requires corner posts and more effort. Choose based on your materials and imagination.

Lining the Bin

If budget allows, line the interior with chicken wire (coarse or fine mesh). Keeps the heap contained and tidy.

Siting Your Bin(s)

A cubic meter seems small, but enthusiasm expands—mine grew to five bins in a row (5 m³). Not a problem: compost reduces to ~5% of original volume. Just make successive bins progressively smaller.

Choose a sunny corner away from the house and out of sight. A conifer screening hedge hides it neatly—clippings go straight into the heap. Efficiency!

Thanks for reading. À bientôt!