Building a Tumbling Compost Bin from a Barrel
Make a Fast-Working Composter for Fertilizer and Perfect Garden Soil
With composting, plant matter is broken down and allowed to decompose under ideal conditions leaving nutrient rich soil, perfect for any garden. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, "Yard trimmings and food residuals together constitute 24 percent of the U.S. municipal solid waste stream." Putting these clippings to good use makes environmental sense plus is very beneficial to yards and gardens. There are several varieties of composters, but tumbling compost bins, or compost spinners are an easy, compact way to get the job done with minimal effort.
The Compost Bin
A plastic barrel at least 30 gallons, but 45-50 is recommended. These can be found online at sites like eBay (look for olive barrels) or at a large restaurant or feed supply stores. The barrel must have a lid that securely fastens and should have, at one time contained food or a non-toxic substance. Barrels that once contained chemicals can run the risk of contaminating the compost as it turns to soil. The lid should be tight so that when tumbling, the composter will not lose it's contents.
The Tumbling Pole
A pole such as a conduit or aluminum pipe will also be needed. This should be large and sturdy enough to support the bin and its contents while tumbling. A 1-1/2" conduit pipe or larger is recommended. This pole will be inserted horizontally through the barrel slightly higher than half way from the bottom so that, when the barrel is empty it will sit correctly with the top up. Two holes the size of the pipe will need to be drilled into the barrel first.
The barrel should then be centered on the pole and a pipe clamp attached to the pipe on each end about 1/4" to 1/2" away from the barrel. This will prevent the barrel from sliding back and forth when it is tumbling and full of compost.
Ventilation for the Compost Bin
Holes should then be drilled into the barrel about six to ten inches apart and about 1/4" to 1/2" wide. Compost needs oxygen to be able to perform its decomposing process, and the holes will allow air in and moisture to flow in and out of the barrel without taking too much soil with it.
Building the Compost Tumbler Pedestal
Two 4" x 4" x 8" pieces of lumber and a few bags of redi-mix concrete are needed to make the pedestal. The lumber posts are inserted at least two feet into the ground. Concrete is poured around it to secure it. The posts will be placed one barrel-width plus one foot apart from each other barrel. This allows the barrel to sit between the posts with six inches or more of clearance on each side.
Securing the Compost Bin Pedestal
Before pouring the concrete and finalizing the positioning, the pipe and barrel should be set on top of the posts, leveled and measured to be sure that there is at least ten inches of clearance between the bottom of the barrel and the ground. This clearance is needed when rotating the barrel. If desired, two concrete blocks can be placed in the bottom of the hole and the posts inserted into these to help support the posts while the concrete is setting up. Rocks or gravel can be added to help secure it before pouring the concrete.
Attaching the Compost Bin to the Pedestal
When the posts are secured in place and the concrete has set, attach the pipe to the posts with conduit brackets attached across the pipe and secured to the top of the posts with screws. The composter should spin freely with minimal force and not slide around or rock back and forth.
Putting Organic Materials to Good Use
The compost bin is now ready to be used by adding organic materials to the bin, tightly fastening the lid and tumbling once a week or so.
Knowing Where a Barrel Came From is Important
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Compost Makes Ideal Soil for Planting
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Vent Holes Drilled in the Barrel
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