10 DIY Compost Bin Ideas

Are you ready to compost? Do you cringe at the thought of spending a ton of money buying a fancy tumbler with wheels? Well, I do too! So I did some research to find some DIY compost bins that wouldn’t break my budget.

I thought I would share them with you to save you time. Obviously, these are not all of the designs I found. However, I feel like these are the ones that seem easy and inexpensive.

Remember the fancy tumbler with the wheels that I mentioned? I bought one of those several years ago and I never had success with it. It was difficult to spin or move once it was 1/4 full. Then the metal parts rusted and it was almost useless.

I really like several of these compost bins but I am planning on choosing one of the wooden designs. Mainly because I am considering making the compost pile available to the chickens to forage through. They all look like great options, so it’s possible we make several!

1. Pallet Compost Bin

This is a great option because there is no building required and it only uses pallets and zip ties. I have pallets in the storage building so this wouldn’t cost more than a few dollars for the zip ties.

You can find the complete building instructions for the Pallet Compost Bin here.

2. Hinged Top – Two Section Compost Bin

I really like the look of this one and you could make it with or without the hinged top. The front slats are removable for easy turning and removal of your compost.

You can find complete instructions as well as a downloadable Google SketchUp file for Madeleines Compost Bin here.

3. Double Opening Compost Bin

This is a very nice looking design that will allow for plenty of air flow and easy access to turn and remove the compost. The instructions call for a few cuts that may be difficult for unskilled builders like myself. However there is a materials list and step-by-step instructions.

You can find the step-by-step instructions for the DIY Compost Bin here.

4. The Ultimate Compost Bin

This compost bin has all the bells and whistles. It is elevated, made from cedar, has a wire mesh lining, removable slats, and a roof! I’m trying to be practical as I fight the urge to tell my husband that I HAVE TO HAVE THIS.

The owner of this compost bin lives on rainy Vancouver Island and obviously needs a roof and an elevated platform. It’s not as damp here in Oklahoma, so I probably don’t need either of those features.
This is still my favorite and I might just make a few modifications to make it my own.

You can read how to build the Ultimate Compost Bin here.

5. Concrete Block Compost Bin

This is a great option if you have a bunch of concrete blocks laying around. Or you can make it fancy by following the Materials Needed list from Allan Block. It also doesn’t require much building so it can be completed in a weekend.

You can get the complete building instructions for this Concrete Block Compost Bin here.

6. DIY Compost Tumbler

I really like the look of this compost bin and the functionality of use. The bonus for me is that we have several barrels laying around that are not being used.

I love that I can put the wheel barrow under the opening when I am ready to remove the compost and easily take it to the garden.

There are very detailed instructions for building this DIY Compost Tumbler here.

7. Tumbling Composter

I added this version of a compost tumbler because it requires less material and fewer building skills. It still gives the capability to load the wheelbarrow under it and keeps rodents out as well.

The only problem that I see with both tumbler options is that the compost may dry out if not properly cared for.

You can find out how to build this Tumbling Composter here.

8. Trash Can Compost Bin

I love that all you need for this compost bin is a drill and a platform. I also think it would be a good idea to spend a little more money and get a trash can with wheels so that you could move it around more easily.

Check out how to make your own Trash Can Compost Bin here.

9. Wire Frame Compost Bin

I love this wire and landscape cloth option because I have both materials on hand. This is a fast and easy option that seems to be foolproof and extremely functional.

You can find a more in-depth look at how to construct a Wire Compost Bin here.

10. Indoor Compost Bin

I would be far less likely to take my scraps to the compost pile every day than I would be to put them into this bucket. Mine is in the garage, right outside the door. It doesn’t smell and hold’s quite a bit of .

I highly recommend that everyone who composts should make one of these buckets.

You can find the simple instructions for making an Indoor Compost Bin here.

Bonus Compost Link

This is a great resource that I found on building the right compost bin. I hope to be a composting expert soon, but until then I’m happy to share others’ knowledge with you.

Building the Right Compost Bin will give you 6 options to choose from.

What To Consider Before Building A Compost Bin?

There are several key issues that you should consider before decided which compost bin is right for you.

• Location – How much space do you have available?
• Functionality – How will you turn your compost?
• Critters – Do you have rodents or critters that you need to keep out?
• Cost – How much do you want to spend on your waste?
• Available Materials – Related to cost, do you have anything that you can re-purpose into a compost bin?
• Skills – Make sure that you have the skills (or a friend) to complete the project.

You can download my free project planner to help gather the materials that you need and keep track of the building instructions.

Composting in the Winter?

Did you know that you can keep your compost going in the winter? With a few easy changes you can keep your compost heated and have rich compost ready for your spring garden.

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