Backyard Compost Bin

I browsed Pinterest for easy backyard compost bins and the winner in my opinion for the easiest and most practical was the round garbage can version (it beat the square plastic bin because rolling seems easier than stirring). I wanted an easy to build and easy to maintain compost option for my small front yard garden and flower beds. Plus, after having my teenage daughter off-handedly mention that I start many projects I never complete, I have been focusing on keeping it simple so I can finish what I start (obviously mom needs to set a better example going forward).

Tonight I hauled the garbage can I bought a couple weeks ago into the dining room and got to work.

Supplies:
•32 gallon Rubbermaid garbage can with a snap on lid ($15)
•drill with 3/16″ bit
•2 bungee cords ($2 each)
Total cost = $19.00


I drilled about 60 holes around the side walls of the can, 15 in the bottom, and 15 in the lid.


I snapped the lid on and hooked it down with the two bungee cords.


It is now sitting by the back door ready to be filled by the light of day tomorrow after work. I did some research and the recommendation was about 50/50 green to brown compost. Here is a list of both green and brown compost. I plan to put a layer of brown compost in the bottom and top with green compost kitchen scraps I’ve already been collecting.

To maintain, continue to add green and brown compost and roll the can around the yard every couple days.

Crossing my fingers that I reap some nutrient rich compost for my efforts!