You may have started to hear more and more about composting in recent years, but make no mistake — this is not a buzzword. Composting is an important way to cut back on your garbage output by separating your organic wastes from your disposables and recyclables. This helps keep materials away from landfills and also can provide nutrients for your garden if you’d like. Composting may be trendy right now, but we hope that it sticks around for a long time because it’s good for the planet and for communities, too.
Some cities offer curbside compost pickup, but there are still many places where this service is not available. The good news is that you don’t need to wait for a curbside service in order to engage in composting. You can make your very own composter in your backyard by following one of the wonderful DIY tutorials below.
$10 Compost Bin
One of the main reasons to make your own compost bin is because of how affordable it can be! However, it’s only really cheap if you put effort into sourcing out an inexpensive compost tutorial. If you go about it the wrong way, you will end up spending more than it would cost to just buy a bin at the store.
Look no further, then, than this very easy compost bin that can be made from a large plastic storage container. You’ll need to stir it once in a while, but there is really not that much work involved. This is a great option for somebody who has a beginner’s knowledge of what composting entails and isn’t looking for something fancy.
Storage Bin Compost Bin
You know those giant storage containers that you can find at the hardware store? They’re usually used to organized Christmas decorations or old pieces of school work, but you can also use them to make a compost bin. We bet you didn’t know that you don’t need to use organic materials to make the receptacle for your compost. You can use plastic too. Check it out here.
The “Easiest Compost Bin”
This is the self-proclaimed “easiest compost bin ever”. We can’t really corroborate this claim as made by Better Homes and Gardens, as we haven’t tried all of the compost bins that are out there, but even if it was complicated we wouldn’t be able to tell because their instructions make it seem so easy.
Cedar Compost Bins
There are few smells on Earth that are as fresh and pleasant as the smell of cedar, so of course, it’s going to make a wonderful material for a compost bin. As we mentioned earlier, compost bins can sometimes carry foul smells and one of the best ways to mask this is through using a strong, pleasant natural scent that will overpower them.
This simple tutorial can show you how to make a compost bin out of cedar. They also share some interesting information about how adding compost to soil can improve the overall soil quality and improve plant growing conditions. They don’t provide detailed plans for the cedar compost bins, but anyone who has tried woodworking before should recognize how to put together this simple bin arrangement. You can buy the cedarwood at your local hardware store, though you may also be able to source recycled wood from an eco-center in your area.
Milk Crate Composter
This milk crate composter is vertically stacked for your convenience. It makes it a lot easier to mix and tend to your compost bin when you don’t have to uncomfortably bend down to get to it. The inspiration for this compost bin was the vertical terracotta composter, which we will also feature in this list later on.
By using milk crates, you can cut down on most of the expenses that are often associated with making your own compost bin. This is good news for anyone who feels intimidated by the financial costs that are commonly associated with composting, at least in the beginning. Milkcrates are actually the perfect materials for composting, as they come with built-in air circulation and are perfectly stackable, as the article points out.
Cheapest Compost Bin
Sometimes the most important factor in deciding which kind of compost bin to DIY. If you’re looking for something low cost — and we mean low cost — then this is the right option for you. It shows you how you can make a compost bin from a giant bin that retails for less than $5.
Compost for Beginners
This is the right compost bin tutorial for you if you are a total beginner who feels overwhelmed. Not only will it walk you through everything that you need to do step-by-step, but it also uses minimal materials that you likely already have around the house. In fact, this composter is so easy to step up and requires such little prep work that we hesitate to even call it a DIY project.
The easy aspects of this tutorial aren’t just about setting up the compost bin. They also refer to using the compost bin as well. For example, this compost bin is designed in such a way that you will not have to rotate it as you do for other compost bins. We also love the way that the article goes through and explains what you need to know about the dos and don’ts of composter, including what brown matter and green matter you should include in your compost.
Terracotta DIY Composter
We promised that we would feature this one! While it is not as simple or bare-bones as the other options on this list, that happens to be exactly where its charms lie. After all, not everyone wants messy compost in their backyard, and in order to encourage everyone to adopt this practice that is so friendly for the environment, we are going to have to find ways to make compost bins appeal to everyone.
So, if you’re into the idea of terracotta pots, you’re going to definitely want to check this tutorial out. It definitely loos storebought, but you can make it on your own for a fraction of the costs.
Mini Compost Bin
Not every compost bin has to be designed for use in the backyard. Some people don’t even have outdoor spaces, so they will instead compost using a community initiative. This miniature compost bin is great for kitchen use and can be made from a recycled coffee jar.
Three Section Compost Bin
What’s better than a standard compost bin with one section? How about a compost bin with three different compartments! That’s exactly what goes into this “unwaste station”, as it’s so aptly known, which is designed for versatility in small spaces.
Wire Compost Bin
If you have a bit of wire hanging around, you can use it as a composter. This might be a good idea for folks who live in apartments and don’t want to install any kind of e
Straw Compost Bin
Here’s a great one for anyone who lives on a farm (or just has a really big lawn and wishes they lived on a farm). It’s made from straw, which actually makes the ideal natural compost material because it traps in heat and humidity. If you don’t have hay on hand, you can get it at a home supply store in a rural area.
Pallet Composter
Pallets are so useful for so many different things, which is great because they are so easy to find. If you do your research, you can even find companies in your town that will give pallets away for free. Here is how you can make a giant composter out of pallets.
Cardboard Box Compost Bin
Have you ever found yourself with a giant cardboard box hanging around that you’re not sure what to do with? Maybe you bought a large appliance or piece of furniture and can’t bring yourself to throw the box out just yet. After all, there must be some kind of good use for it.
We have good news for you: you can actually use a cardboard box to make a compost bin! It may not work as a permanent solution, but it’s a great way to get a start. Cardboard boxes are especially well-suited to be a compost bin because they are bio-degradable.
Angled Compost Bin
If you live in an area where wildlife is abundant, you may be concerned about the possibility of your compost bin attracting animals. While half of the battle of keeping animals away is avoiding adding dairy or meat products to your compost bin, it’s understandable if you also want to try out other safeguards that can help keep unwanted guests out.
This DIY angled compost bin is designed to do exactly that. The idea is a little bit complicated, but don’t be afraid — these directions are very easy to follow.
Composting is not only an important way to do your part for the environment, but it’s also a great way to provide nutrients for your garden and cut back on the amount of garbage that you’re putting out at the curb.