Composting is a simple, low-cost way to turn kitchen and yard waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment while reducing household trash. You can start with basic supplies you likely already have, and build a functional DIY compost bin in about an hour. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you begin composting at home, whether you have a backyard, a small patio, or a balcony.
We built a simple plastic bin compost system using supplies on hand. There are more elaborate composting systems available, but this basic option is a practical way to learn the process and begin producing usable compost quickly. The steps below are straightforward and flexible — adapt them to your space and materials.
Steps for Making Your DIY Compost Bin
- Find a plastic storage bin
- Drill holes for airflow
- Create a dry, “brown” base
- Add a layer of soil
- Add food scraps and green material
- Mix and maintain moisture
Step 1: Select Your Bin
Choose a plastic storage bin with a tight-fitting lid at least 24 inches tall. A secure lid keeps moisture in and pests out. A 30-gallon bin works well for many households. Darker colors can help retain heat, which speeds decomposition, but choose a size and color that suit your space and aesthetic.
Step 2: Drill Holes for Airflow
Use a handheld drill to make 8–10 small holes in the bottom of the bin and another 8–10 holes in the lid. Air circulation is essential because microorganisms that break down the material require oxygen. A small drill bit, such as 3/16″, is ideal for this task.
Step 3: Create a Brown Base
Start with a layer of “browns” — dry leaves, shredded paper, or small twigs — to help absorb moisture and provide carbon to the composting mix. Fill the bottom about one-eighth to one-quarter full with this dry material to form a breathable base.
Step 4: Add Soil
Add a layer of garden soil or topsoil over the brown base until the container is about half full. This soil introduces microbes that help decompose organic matter. It’s fine if the soil is free of worms — decomposition will proceed without them, though worms do speed the process if present.
Step 5: Add Food Scraps and Greens
Now add your “greens”: fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, eggshells, nutshells, paper, and yard trimmings. Avoid adding dairy, meat, oily foods, or pet waste to a basic backyard bin, as these can attract pests and produce unpleasant odors. Compostable lint, shredded paper, and similar materials can be included in moderation.
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and filters, tea bags
- Eggshells and nutshells
- Shredded paper and cardboard
- Yard waste such as grass clippings
Step 6: Turn and Mix
Mix the contents gently with a shovel or stick so greens are buried under a layer of soil or browns. Turning your compost periodically improves airflow and speeds decomposition. You don’t need to stir daily; occasional mixing every few weeks is sufficient for a small bin.
Step 7: Keep It Moist
Spray or sprinkle lukewarm water until the mix is damp but not waterlogged. Compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge — moist, not dripping. Excess moisture can cause foul odors by limiting oxygen and encouraging anaerobic conditions.
Step 8: Choose a Location
Place your bin in a shady, convenient spot away from direct sun so it won’t dry out. If you don’t have a yard, a porch, balcony, or patio works fine. Positioning the bin near a door or a regular route makes it easier to add scraps consistently.
Step 9: Collect Scraps Indoors
Use a small, airtight container under the sink or on the counter to collect food scraps between trips to the compost bin. A sealed container prevents odors and pests, making it easier to transfer material to the outdoor bin regularly.
When Is Compost Ready?
Compost readiness depends on bin size, materials added, and how often you turn it. It can be ready in a few months or may take up to a year. Signs your compost is finished include:
- Original food scraps are no longer recognizable
- A pleasant, earthy smell rather than sour or acidic odors
- No noticeable heat; the pile matches ambient temperature
- Dark, crumbly texture that is not wet or clumpy
Finished compost can be used as mulch, mixed into potting soil, or spread over lawns as a natural soil conditioner. Reserve about one-third of the finished compost to restart the bin or set up a second bin so you can continue adding fresh material while the first batch matures.
This simple method offers an affordable and effective way to compost at home. In our experience, the basic setup cost less than $10 and provided a practical introduction to home composting. If you want to scale up later, you can build larger bins or use repurposed pallets to create a bigger compost pile.
**This post was originally published on August 21, 2008**
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