Build A Compost Bin

Did you know that according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, lawn waste and wet garbage make up about 25 percent of the 1,500 pounds of trash that the average American generates per year? Every year we throw away 24 million tons of leaves and grass clippings that could be composted to conserve landfill space. In order to compost though, you need a composting bin. Here's how to make a two-bin composting bin:

Materials needed:

4'x4' posts
5/4" x 6" pressure-treated (or cedar) decking boards
2"x4" pressure -treated lumber
drill, with drill bits and driver bits
carpenter's pencil
measuring tape
circular saw
2-1/2" rust-resistant screws
long clamps
safety glasses
work gloves

1. Use a circular saw to cut 4x4s into six 40" lengths. Your blade won't extend far enough to cut the 4x4s in one pass, so you'll need to turn the 4x4s over to cut all the way through. The 4x4s will form the corners and center supports for your compost bin.
2. Next, cut 5/4"x6" decking boards into six 72" lengths. These will make up the back of your compost bin.
3. Cut decking boards into eighteen 36" lengths. These will make up the sides and center divider of your bin.
4. Start by creating the back of the compost bin. Lay out three of the 4x4s on a work surface, and use 2-1/2" rust-resistant screws to attach the first slat to these posts. Make sure that the edge of the board is flush with the top of the 4x4s (figure A). Two of these 4x4 posts will serve as side supports, the third post will serve as a center support.
5. Continue attaching the next slats to these posts, using a 1" spacer to maintain a consistent gap between each set of slats. You may find it helpful to clamp the boards in place to hold them steady (figure B).

6. To assemble the sides of the bin, first stand the back panel upright, and have an assistant hold the top slat in place while you secure it with screws. Then place another 4x4 post in an upright position and attach the slat to the post, making certain that the board is flush with the end of the post (figure C).
7. Continue attaching the decking boards with rust resistant screws, maintaining your 1" spacing. Repeat the process on the other side of the bin. Once both sides are in place, the structure will stand up on its own. Then you can attach the center panel in the same manner.
8. Before beginning your gates, attach a 6' decking board to the front bottom of the compost bin (figure D). This board will help stabilize the two-bin unit.

9. Take measurements to confirm the width and height of the gates. Cut the boards to size, using 2x4s for the side supports and center braces. Make 45-degree angle cuts on both ends of the center braces (figure E).

• The support will extend from the bottom of one side of the gate to the top of the other side so that the side and center braces form an "N" shape (figure F).

10. To build the gates, lay two side braces 28" apart and begin attaching the slats with galvanized screws. Maintain a 1" spacing between each of the slats so that the composting materials will have adequate oxygen.
11. When the slats are all attached, attach the center brace to the back of the gate (figure G).
12. Attach the hinges to the gate using 1-5/8" screws, and attach the gate to a 4x4 post using 3" screws (figure H).

13. Finally, attach latches to the gates and bin (figure I).

* The minimum effective size for a compost bin is 3' by 3' and the maximum effective size for a single bin is 5' x 5'.

* You can put leaves, grass clippings, old fruits and vegetables, coffee grinds , and egg shells in your composting bin. You can also include pine straw and pine nuggets, although these usually take longer to break down. Don't add meat, grease or eggs because they might attract pests.

* Oxygen, water, carbon and nitrogen are essential for good composting, so you may need to add water occasionally. Carbon and nitrogen can come from manure or fertilizer.

* Place your bin at least two feet away from any permanent structure. It should be partially shaded and near a water source. Don't place it too close to your garden because it might attract slugs.