DIY Compost Bin Using Wood Pallets

In the words of Margaret Mead, “Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Now isn't that inspiring? So much that it got us out in the sweltering August heat to build our own compost bin.
Online References
http://digitalseed.com/composter/bins/palletbin.html
http://www.lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/projects/Building-a-Compost-Bin-0109.aspx

I say "References" because we used a combination of both designs.

Materials
- 7 pallets donated from a fast food restaurant currently under construction
- 3 2x8 pieces of wood purchased from Home Depot
- 6 paver bricks at .31 cents each
- Power Drill (We used a DeWalt power drill with an 18v battery)
- Makita Circular Saw
- 1 Box of wooden deck screws

Like any fine artist you must look at the entire canvas prior to beginning your painting. I am not an artist so consider that an assumption. Anyhow, let me show you a picture of our entire backyard so that you can monitor our progress along with us over the course of our journey to Self-Sufficiency.
Backyard (the Canvas) - Photo 1

Backyard (the Canvas) - Photo 2

How We Did It
Let me know if you want a detailed procedure and we will be glad to put one together for you. Basically, we stood the pallets up in the desired position and then binded them together using pieces of the 2x4 and a box of wood screws. I will let the pictures explain, let me know if you have questions:

Photo 1 - Position Wooden Pallets

Photo 2 - Bind Wooden Pallets Together Using Wooden Blocks and Screws

So far pretty simple right? Now the tough part was making a non-swinging hinged door system that will provide easy access while keeping large critters out. We accomplished this by using the circular saw to create angled pieces of wood that will "lock" in with corresponding pieces on the pallet acting as a door. By keeping it simple we minimized material costs.

Photo 3 - Angled Hinge System for Pallet Doors

I must admit though that taking the right pallet door on and off is a total pain in the arse so we are going to review the design and possibly make a revision or two. The last step is to add the brick pavers to lift up the pallets a little off of the grass. Hopefully this will prolong their own decomposition process. You may notice in the picture that we added the remaining pieces of 2x8 along the back side of the finished compost bin. This was not only cosmetic but to help strengthen the overall structure.

Mel Bartholomew's Quick Compost Advice

Keep everything moist, make a big pile, and keep turning it. How often? Every day if you want the finished compost in two weeks; every week for results in three months; or every month for it to be ready in a year. The ideal conditions for the fastest results are:

1. Mix - add as many different, plant-based ingredients as you can find.
2. Mash - chop everything up in to small pieces.
3. Moisten - not dry or wet, just moist.
4. Move - keep turning the pile towards the center where all the action is.

The results will be the most amazing material you could hope for in your garden. It's often called black gold because of the color of the finished product called compost.

Composting Resources

Compost Happens! - http://www.plantea.com/compost.htm

Another DIY Compost Bin - http://thehappyhousewife.com/frugal-living/diy-compost-bin/

163 Things You can Compost - http://www.plantea.com/compost-materials.htm

Florida's Online Composting Center - http://www.compostinfo.com/

NOTE: If you live in Florida your county should provide free Composting Classes and you may even get a free compost bin for attending! If you do not live in Florida your state probably provides a similar service.