15 DIY Compost Bin [Easy To Make]

Have you ever wondered what to do with all that kitchen waste piling up? I faced the same issue until I discovered the fantastic world of DIY composting.

Not only does it reduce waste, but it also transforms scraps into valuable, nutrient-rich compost for my garden. 

In this article, I’ll guide you through creating your compost bin and turning trash into treasure effortlessly.

DIY Compost Bin

A compost bin is a container where you can collect kitchen scraps and yard waste to create compost. 

Compost is a rich, dark material that helps plants grow by providing nutrients. To use a compost bin, add items like fruit peels, vegetable scraps, grass clippings, and leaves. 

It’s important to turn the materials regularly and keep them moist, which helps speed up the breakdown process. 

In a few months, you’ll have nutrient-filled compost ready to enrich your garden soil, helping your plants thrive.

1. Pallet Compost Bin

Creating a compost bin from pallets is an excellent way to recycle and get a functional composting system. Start by collecting a few wooden pallets, usually available for free from local businesses.

You’ll need four pallets to form the structure, securing them together with screws or nails.

Position the pallets upright to create a square frame. For added stability, you can reinforce the corners with metal brackets.

This open design allows for excellent airflow, which is crucial for compost breakdown. If you want to keep things tidy, you can add a hinged lid or cover the sides with mesh.

It’s an easy project that you can complete in an afternoon, transforming wooden waste into a productive garden tool.

2. Trash Can Compost Bin

A trash can compost bin is perfect if you’re short on space or want a simple solution. Start with a large, durable plastic trash can with a tight-fitting lid.

Drill several holes around the can’s sides and bottom to allow for proper aeration and drainage.

Place the bin in a convenient spot, ideally in a shaded area to maintain moisture levels.

Begin adding your compost materials, alternating between green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) waste.

Every few days, give the bin a good shake to mix the contents and promote decomposition. It’s a low-cost, low-maintenance option that fits neatly into any garden or backyard setup.

3. Wire Mesh Compost Bin

A wire mesh compost bin is quick to assemble and offers great aeration for your compost pile. All you need is a roll of wire mesh or hardware cloth and some sturdy stakes.

Unroll the mesh and form it into a cylinder, securing the ends together. Use the stakes to hold the mesh in place, driving them into the ground inside the cylinder.

This setup ensures your compost heap stays contained while allowing air to circulate freely, which speeds up the composting process.

You can easily add more layers of mesh or move the bin as needed. It’s a simple yet effective way to start composting.

4. Wooden Crate Compost Bin

Repurposing a wooden crate as a compost bin is both eco-friendly and practical. Find a sturdy wooden crate, preferably with slats for good airflow. Place it in a shaded area to prevent the compost from drying out too quickly.

Begin layering your compost materials, starting with coarse materials like small branches at the bottom to aid drainage.

Alternate between green and brown layers, ensuring each layer is moist. The gaps in the crate’s slats will allow for adequate air circulation.

As the compost breaks down, you can easily access the rich soil from the bottom. It’s a charming and rustic addition to any garden.

5. Cinder Block Compost Bin

Using cinder blocks to build a compost bin is a robust and durable option. Arrange the blocks in a square or rectangular shape, leaving small gaps between them to ensure proper aeration.

You can stack them to the desired height, depending on how much compost you plan to produce.

This design allows you to expand or modify the bin as needed. It’s sturdy enough to withstand the elements and won’t rot or degrade over time.

It’s easy to disassemble and relocate if necessary. This project is ideal if you want a long-lasting composting solution.

6. Tumbler Compost Bin

A tumbler compost bin is perfect for those who want a more hands-off approach. You can either purchase a premade tumbler or make one from a large, sealable barrel.

Drill aeration holes around the barrel and secure it to a sturdy frame that allows it to rotate.

The tumbling action helps to aerate the compost, speeding up the decomposition process. To use, simply add your compost materials and give the tumbler a spin every few days.

It’s efficient and keeps your compost neatly contained, making it a great choice for small gardens or urban settings.

7. Plastic Storage Bin Compost Bin

Turning a plastic storage bin into a compost bin is an excellent DIY project for beginners.

Choose a large bin with a tight-fitting lid. Drill holes in the lid and around the sides for aeration.

Place the bin in a convenient spot, ideally in a shaded area. Start filling it with alternating layers of green and brown waste.

Keep the compost moist but not too wet. Stir or shake the bin every few days to mix the materials.

This compact composting solution is perfect for small spaces and can be easily moved if needed.

8. Brick Compost Bin

Building a compost bin from bricks gives you a sturdy and attractive structure that blends well into your garden.

Arrange the bricks in a square or rectangular shape, leaving small gaps between some of them to ensure proper air circulation.

Stack the bricks to the desired height, and consider using mortar for added stability.

This design allows for easy access to the compost and can be expanded or modified as needed.

A brick compost bin is durable and weather-resistant, making it a long-lasting addition to your garden. It adds a touch of rustic charm to your outdoor space.

9. Milk Crate Compost Bin

Milk crates make for a lightweight and stackable compost bin solution. Start by collecting several milk crates and line them with a mesh or fabric to keep the compost materials contained while allowing for airflow.

Stack the crates on top of each other, ensuring the liners overlap slightly to prevent spillage.

This setup allows you to easily add or remove layers as needed. It’s a versatile option that can be scaled up or down depending on your composting needs.

It’s easy to disassemble and move, making it a great choice for renters or those with limited space.

10. Wooden Pallet and Wire Mesh Combo Bin

Combining wooden pallets with wire mesh creates a compost bin with excellent structure and aeration.

Start by constructing a three-sided bin with pallets, securing them together with screws or nails.

Use wire mesh to create a fourth side and cover the bottom, allowing for good air circulation and preventing critters from entering. This design offers easy access to your compost while keeping it contained.

The wire mesh ensures the compost gets enough oxygen, speeding up the decomposition process. It’s a sturdy and efficient solution that can handle a large volume of compost.

11. Chicken Wire Compost Bin

A chicken wire compost bin is an affordable and easy-to-assemble option. All you need is a roll of chicken wire and some wooden stakes.

Form the wire into a cylinder or square shape, securing the ends with wire ties.

Use the stakes to anchor the wire in place, driving them into the ground inside the structure. This setup provides excellent airflow, which is essential for composting.

It’s lightweight and easy to move, making it a flexible option for any garden. It’s cost-effective, allowing you to start composting without a significant investment.

12. Straw Bale Compost Bin

Creating a compost bin from straw bales is both functional and visually appealing. Arrange four straw bales in a square, leaving one side open for easy access.

This setup provides excellent insulation, helping to maintain the right temperature and moisture levels for composting.

As the compost breaks down, the straw bales will also decompose, adding organic material to your garden. It’s an eco-friendly solution that works well for large-scale composting.

It’s easy to set up and dismantle, making it a convenient option for seasonal composting projects.

13. Laundry Basket Compost Bin

A laundry basket compost bin is a great way to repurpose an old basket and start composting. Choose a sturdy basket with plenty of holes for aeration.

Line the bottom with a layer of newspaper or cardboard to prevent spillage. Start adding your compost materials, alternating between green and brown layers.

The basket’s holes allow for excellent airflow, which helps speed up the decomposition process.

Keep the compost moist and give the basket a shake every few days to mix the materials. It’s a simple and effective solution for small-space composting.

14. DIY Wooden Slat Compost Bin

Building a compost bin from wooden slats gives you a sturdy and attractive structure.

Cut the slats to your desired length and assemble them into a square or rectangular frame, securing them with screws or nails. Leave small gaps between the slats for airflow.

This design allows you to easily access the compost and monitor its progress. You can also add a hinged lid for added convenience.

It’s a versatile option that can be customized to fit your space and composting needs. It adds a rustic touch to your garden.

15. Bamboo Compost Bin

Using bamboo to create a compost bin is an eco-friendly and stylish option. Cut the bamboo into equal lengths and arrange them in a square or circular shape, securing them with rope or wire.

This setup provides excellent aeration and drainage, which are crucial for composting. Bamboo is a sustainable material that blends well into any garden setting.

It’s lightweight and easy to move, making it a flexible option for small spaces. Plus, it’s a great way to add a touch of natural beauty to your composting area.