45 DIY Compost Bins To Make For Your Homestead

DIY compost bins are easy to make for your homestead. With this list, you’ll discover 45 different types of compost bins to choose from!

The Ultimate Guide For DIY Compost Bins

Are you into composting? If not, you should be! Composting is a great way to reduce waste right on your homestead. Get started with composting by building one of these 45 DIY compost bins. Looking for a particular style? We’ve got it all. The list has everything from super-sized to mini, from modern to rustic, and from budget-friendly to elaborate. Keep scrolling to find your favorite type of compost bins.

 

1. Pallet Compost Bin

Made from repurposed pallets and zip ties, if you have both then this project would come practically free yet very functional. Super fast to build, it will take less than an hour and you have a properly-ventilated compost bin thanks to the pallet’s structure.

 

2. Compost Bin For Garbage

If you want a compost bin you can have fun spinning around, flipping, and rolling to mix, then this compost bin for garbage is tailored perfectly for you. Gather your supplies: trash can with lid, drill, 2 bungee cords, and of course someone to share the fun when making this compost (your kids or hubby maybe). Simply create holes around your trash can and lid. Attach the bungee cord to secure the lid. Your bin is ready to use!

 

3. Easy Compost Bin

No more throwing away kitchen scraps ever again! This easy compost bin will make your life easier and happier. Made out of milk crates, weed blocker, paper bags, and a hot glue gun, and with just a bit of time, you’ll change your life for the better.

 

4. Simple Compost Bin

Want to start vermicomposting but space is an issue? This simple compost bin will work even in the tiniest place. The great news is the bin is under $5, all the more reason for you to get started with vermicomposting in your own space.

 

5. DIY Compost Tumbler

You will need equipment and cutting skills to build this compost bin. Its wooden frame horizontally supports a 55-gallon drum. A hole cutter was utilized to make holes into the drum’s base and top which allows the PVC pipe to be horizontally threaded and works as the drum’s revolving shaft. The exposed PVC ends are attached into to drum’s wooden holder to avoid movement and to support hand turning. Holes for air circulation were created into the drum and a cut-out entryway is secured with hinges and bolting hooks. Auxiliary additions incorporate wooden bolster shafts and stabilizers to protect the plastic drum’s shape and integrity. There is sufficient room underneath the wooden frame to fit a tray or bucket for quick and easy compost harvesting.

 

6. Kitchen Compost Bin

Search for a sealable container, cover it up with a decent piece of paper and leave the cover. With the use of a driller, create holes in the cover. Your easiest kitchen compost bin is ready for business – it is definitely rewarding to create such DIY compost bins.

 

7. Concrete Blocks Compost Bin

This DIY compost bin is uniquely created using concrete blocks. Depending on your needs you can easily make the necessary adjustment for changing seasons, added ventilation, or pest control.

 

8. Lumber Compost Bin

To build this lumber compost bin, look for wooden lumber planks and cut it to your preferred height and width. Once done creating the base, the upper and side panel, use screws or glue to assemble all pieces. Don’t forget to create a removable lid so that it is easier for you to work with your compost.

 

9. Low-Cost Compost Bin

This low-cost compost bin is very manageable. You can easily remove any side, and transfer it from one place to another. Made out of inexpensive fence pickets, this is an ultimate easy garden project.

 

10. DIY Plastic Bin

You can make this DIY plastic bin using a large plastic container with a tight lid. You can use what you already have or buy a new one. Use a drilling machine to punch 6-8 holes so that the compost will have enough air when kept inside. After making your bin, you need some bedding for your plastic bin. You can use paper bags or newspapers. Your amazing worm compost bin is good for business!

 

11. Cardboard Box Composter

Perhaps not the toughest solution but without a doubt this the easiest and cheapest DIY compost bin. Grab some large cardboard boxes from your local grocery store. The box’s cover can be closed to avoid excess rainfall from penetrating. You can also line the bottom of the box with bricks to hold its form. The box will eventually compost itself, this is only for a short-term solution and might be great during the dry season.

 

12. Efficient Wooden Compost Bin

Create the end panels – use screws to join the wooden slats together. Make sure to leave enough space for removable planks. Create the center panel just as you adjust the end panels. Make sure that all the wooden panel are aligned in a row.

 

13. DIY Compost Bin From Hardware Cloth

This DIY compost bin from hardware cloth was made as a functional garden accessory that also doubles as a piece of art. How cool is that?

 

14. Double-Decker Drum Composter

This amazing double-decker drum composter can be made by hand. It will allow you to easily turn the compost that in return will help the composting process go a lot quicker.

 

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15. Decorative Brick Compost Bin

If you’re looking for a compost bin design that will also improve your backyard aesthetics, your search ends with this decorative brick compost bin. It will give you a permanent compost structure as well as to spruce up the look of your yard. A sure winner indeed!

 

16. Perfect Compost Bin

Who does not want a compost bin that is simple to make, easy to use, yet very much effective in producing compost? If that’s what you’re looking for in a bin, you’d better examine this perfect compost bin and build one for your garden.

 

17. Used Tire Compost Bin

Utilizing old tires as a compost bin is an ingenious way for recycling and providing continuous assistance to Mother Nature! I know there are lots of used tires lying around junkyards, so what are waiting for, collect a few and stack together 4 or more tires to create a simple compost bin.

 

18. Wire Mesh Compost Bin

If you want to keep it simple and don’t want a lot of construction, this wire mesh compost bin is perfect. Easy to make out of wire hardware or chicken wire.

 

19. Old Shower Door Compost Bin

Keep protecting the earth through recycling. Make use of that old shower door of yours that has been lying around and transform it into a compost bin. The glass shower door will work like a greenhouse and add some heat to the compost, allowing it to decompose quickly.

 

20. Cedar Board Compost Bin

This cedar board composter has baseboards that slide out, making it easy for you to harvest finished compost from the end of the pile but still able to continue to add items to compost at the top of the pile.

 

21. Composter Drum Style

This composter drum style rotates, allowing the compost matter to have enough air which also minimizes odor in the process and making the composting process a bit faster.

 

22. Ultimate Compost Bin

It’s hard to tell through these pictures just how tough and stable this ultimate compost bin is but this is ready for tons of composting for many years to come.

 

23. Watte Composter

A compost pile or composter can an eyesore that ruins your garden landscape. So is a big container that has “composter” written all over it even if it has precious black gold in it. When I found this watte composter idea, I just fell in love with it. It’s simply thin long branches woven together. The materials are all natural, which complements the garden.

 

24. Corrugated Iron Composter

If you are into vermicomposting and want more out of it, a plastic container won’t be enough. That is where this corrugated iron composter falls into place and the best thing is it won’t cost you an arm and a leg despite being very sturdy. And for your wood frame, wood pallets will do the magic, low cost or even free. Be careful, though, that your pallets are safe to use and won’t cause any harm to your precious worms.

 

25. Wine Barrel Compost Station

If you can get a wine barrel without breaking the bank, then perfect for you and for your garden. There are plenty of ways you can make use of wine barrels in the garden. As a matter of fact, wine barrels can be very stylish in the garden most especially the real ones. Using wine barrels can be best for indoor composting or at least under the protection of a roof to make it last longer.

 

26. Willow Composter

Who does not love something that comes for free? Look around your homestead environment, I’m sure you have what it needs to create this simple DIY willow composter. Made out of branch cuttings from bushes or trees, easily weave them together to create this wonderful bin. Learning this skill could make a huge difference around your garden. Aside from compost bins, you can also build fences, garden edgings, and raised beds with this material.

 

27. Wire Screen Compost Bin

What I like the most of this amazing composter and raised garden bed is how wire screens were utilized to create this double purpose DIY composter. I can grow climbing vegetables in them, such as cucumber and beans. I’m sure they love the nutrients they’ll get inside. And while my vegetables are growing around the wire trellis, the compost at work will not be an eyesore because it will be kept hidden.

 

28. Metal Drum Compost Tumbler

Metal drums are one of the most useful materials when it comes to repurposing in the garden. However, they’re not ideal for worm composting because they rust and release heavy metals that might harm your worms. However, they can be best as compost tumbler because they can rotate easily. Plus, with the additional fitted car tires on both ends, you can easily roll it over to mix the compost items.

 

29. Log Compost Bin

The idea of this DIY log compost bin is basically the same with the game stack sticks. Simply stack unused logs in your garden over the other, secure it, and your DIY composter is ready in no time. This is perfect for piling up weeds and fallen leaves that you plan to use for winter composting.

 

30. Wire Mesh Composter

This wire mesh composter simply shows the versatility of wire mesh when it comes to composting. You can easily fashion it into a compost tumbler. Use old bike wheels to form its frame, simply wrap the wire around. Your compost items can be easily loosened up and mixed this way. But, it would be best to cover it up a little more to avoid your finished organic compost from spilling all over.

 

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— Homesteading (@HomesteadingUSA) March 16, 2017

 

31. Straw Bales Compost Bin

If straw bales are readily available in your homestead, then straw bales composting is must try. The bales are also organic so it will also decompose, so this is just a temporary solution.

 

32. Indoor Vermicomposting Bin

Composters are not always made for the outdoors environment, just like this indoor vermicomposting bin that you may have a good spot in your kitchen. It looks like a funnel form worm container. This plan gives you easy access to separate worms from compost. Plus, it does not require more than a day to get the finished design.

 

33. 3-Tier Worm Compost Bin

To create this 3-tier worm compost bin you’ll need 3 stackable plastic bin, lid, plastic sheet, and a cork. Create a couple of holes at the peak of the bin for air to get through and ventilation. Then, at the base create a bigger hole to fix the tap. Use the plastic sheet as cover for the bin. You can now start composting.

 

34. Plastic Crate Composter

If you find a milk or plastic bread crate, don’t hesitate to grab it. It can be transformed into a unique compost bin which allows lots of air to enter. If you’re not satisfied with the size of one milk crate, stack a few together using a wire, string, or plastic twist-ties to make multiple tiers for bins. Line the crate with mesh, cloth, or landscape fabric to suppress the compost.

 

35. Large Compost Bin

If space is not an issue and materials for composting are overflowing, then a large compost bin is what you need. Imagine how much you can save if you got this kind compost bin in your homestead! I so love the size and the production capacity of this bin.

 

36. Teapot Compost Bin

A compost bin doesn’t need to be ordinary. Take a look at this teapot compost bin it does not only helps with composting but also becomes a wonderful ornament for the garden.

 

37. Wheelbarrow Compost Bin

An old wheelbarrow could become a perfect compost bin for the garden. If the wheels are still in good shape, well you’ve got yourself a portable bin, and will also aid in mixing the compost when necessary.

 

38. Wooden Pallet Planks and Wire Mesh Compost Bin

Wood and wire: easy to find, inexpensive, and durable. So what more could you ask for? This DIY bin is made only of wood and wire, easy cheap and measures a good 3-feet tall by 3-feet wide. Wire mesh is put around the frame to ensure enough air is circulated to speed up the composting process.

 

39. Rotating Barrel Composter

A rotating barrel is an amazing idea since it provides an easy way to combine new compost materials thoroughly with the already composting materials. This process allows a faster decomposition.

 

40. Super-Sized Compost Bin

If you compost a lot, I’m sure you would love to have a bin that has a traditional look of a farmstead silo. Build your silo to have a super-sized compost bin.

 

41. Wood Barrel Compost Bin

If a food-grade barrel doesn’t appeal to you, I’m sure you’ll love this wood barrel compost bin. It’s all natural and you can customize it to your heart desires.

 

42. Mini Worm-Composting Bins

These mini worm-composting bins are a great project for kids. We want to teach kids early about the importance of composting, so this is it.

 

43. 5-Gallon Bucket Compost Bin

What can you get from a 5-gallon bucket? A 5-gallon black gold! So if you have a 5-gallon available, make the most of it by transforming it into a compost bin for your kitchen or garden.

 

44. DIY Kitchen Counter Compost Bin

A kitchen compost bin is basically used to store scraps until it’s ready to be moved to an outdoor compost bin. You can purchase this type of bins for $10 or you can simply DIY it with items already in your house. Use a hole puncher, scissors, utility knife, or drill to create holes for aeration. Then store inside a cabinet or include to your countertop decoration. Just make sure to empty it regularly to lessen odors.

 

45. Open Compost Pile

Composting does not really require any building. You can actually create an open compost pile anywhere in your yard or dig a pit to keep your compost out of sight.

 

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Composting is a truly democratic method of recycling, doable no matter where you live and what size your home is. Exactly how you compost will vary depending on your state’s regulations, climate and amount of rainfall. Choose the right bin for your need and start composting today!

Which DIY compost bin will you make for your homestead? Let us know in the comments section below.

Want to know how to improve your soil? Check out here Homesteader’s Guide to Soil Improvement and achieve your soil’s full potential!

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This post was originally published in March 2017 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.