DIY Compost Bins: 5 Easy, Low-Cost Designs for Every Gardener

You don't need a pricey tumbler to make great compost. These five DIY bins use recycled materials and simple carpentry—pick one that fits your space and style.

1. Wire Circle Bin (Easiest)

Form a 3–4 ft diameter circle of chicken wire or hardware cloth; secure with zip ties or wire. Add yard waste; when full, lift cylinder, set aside, fork finished compost from bottom, return unfinished to bin. Cost: $10–20.

2. Snow Fence / Wire Mesh Pen (Portable)

Circle of snow fencing or welded wire on T-posts. To turn: unclip fence, move adjacent, fork pile back in. Great for renters. Cost: $25–40.

3. Pallet Bin (Sturdy & Free)

Four pallets stood on edge; three screwed/hinged together, fourth as removable gate. Line with hardware cloth if rodents are an issue. Add a fifth pallet as lid. Cost: Free (pallets) + hardware.

4. Concrete Block Bin (Permanent)

Three walls of dry-stacked concrete blocks (no mortar); fourth wall = removable boards in grooves. Front opens for easy turning. Add a pit beneath for worm habitat. Cost: $50–80.

5. Rotating Drum Composter (Fastest)

55-gal food-grade drum + aeration holes + internal fins + hinged loading door. Mount on frame with crank, or simply roll on ground daily. Finished compost in 3–6 weeks with daily turning. Cost: $40–100.

Bonus: New Zealand Box (Multi-Bay)

Bottomless wooden box with slatted sides for airflow, removable front. Two or three bays in a row: turn compost from bay 1→2→3, start new pile in bay 1. Ideal for continuous kitchen/garden waste stream.

Keys to Success (Any Bin)

• Balance greens (N) and browns (C) ~1:2–3 by volume.
• Keep as moist as a wrung-out sponge.
• Turn weekly for hot compost; monthly for cold.
• Chop large pieces—smaller = faster.

Start this weekend. Your soil (and wallet) will thank you.