Make A Compost Bin Out Of Pallets

Looking for a great weekend project that will not take your whole weekend? Have some yard cleanup to do anyway? Try this pallet compost bin we built out of repurposed pallets and zip ties. It takes less than an hour, and is actually a great compost bin, due to the way the pallets create structure to the pile, but also allow ventilation. Practically free, super fast to build, and it allows you to compost a large amount of material.

How To Build A Pallet Compost Bin:

Supplies Needed:

Pack of zip ties (18 or more)

4 repurposed pallets

A helper (optional)

Step One:

Find and select 4 pallets.

Although most any pallet will do, if you were wanting make the bin visually pleasing and/or decorative, try to find pallets of the same size with intact slats. If you wish to, you can paint the outside pallet slats with a brush or spray paint.

Pallet Finding Tip: Where do you find pallets? I have had success finding them at the back of tile shops, on the side of the road, and when I really need them, or I need large quantities, for sale pretty inexpensively off Craigslist. Be on the lookout- once you start looking for them diligently, you will be surprised how many you find, sometimes in unexpected places.

Step Two:

Before you begin putting your pallets together, you need to make your zip ties long enough to join the pallets together. String one through the end loop of another one, then when you want to “tie” them, you put the end of the first through the loop of the second. You will only be joining the bin on three sides, so nine (9) joined zip ties should be enough.

Step Three:

Stand your pallets up and place them at a 90 degree angle to one another. Try to find an arrangement where the pallet heights and widths can be put together to make a square or rectangular structure. No two pallets are alike, so you may need to move them around a bit until you find the best combination.

Step Four:

Join two pallets together. Using your joined zip tie pairs, begin joining two of your pallets together to start forming your structure. Use three long zip ties for each corner of the compost bin. (One corner is left unsecured so you will have a door. The zip ties are somewhat flexible and act as a hinge)

Step Five:

Place a third pallet at a 90 degree angle to the first two joined pallets and zip tie one corner to the first pair of secured pallets.

Step Six:

Place your fourth pallet with the first three so that you have a square or rectangular shape. You will only attach one corner her so that you will have a door, allowing you to open the bin to add or access your compost. It does not matter which corner you attach. If you are right handed, attach the final side so that you have a door that you can open with your right hand. If you are left handed, attach it so that the door can be opened with your left hand. Do not pull the zip ties on this side too tightly. You want them to be secure, but yet retain enough flexibility to allow you and close the bin from the opposite side.

Step 7:

Add leaves, lawn clippings and/or table scraps to the bin and allow to compost naturally.