DIY Trash Can Compost Bin

$20
10 Minutes
Easy
Composting is a great way to reduce the amount of waste that goes into trash fills each day and it makes the highest quality of soil in which you can use to nourish your growing garden (no matter how big or small!). I put off starting a compost bin for 2 years because I thought it would be difficult and expensive.
Lo and behold, this DIY trash can compost bin is the total opposite! Using tools you most likely already have on hand, this DIY project takes 10 minutes... flat. Read on the link to see the complete tutorial and my secret to creating compost, fast. --> http://www.healthyrootshappysoul.com/diy-trash-can-compost-bin
First you'll want to drill holes in the bottom of the trash can. The more holes, the better aeration.
Second, you'll want to drill holes along the "sides" of the trash can (I know, round things don't have sides). I did about 4-5 rows around the trash can.
Drill a few holes on the top as well.
This is a better glimpse of what your holes should look like when you've completed them all.
There you have it! A simple, quick DIY compost bin! You can secure the top of the bin with bungee cords and roll it on it's side OR you can take a shovel and mix it every few days to get things moving along.
Healthy Roots, Happy Soul
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  3 questions
  • Barb Neumann Barb Neumann on Jul 21, 2016
    do you roll to mix the waste? How do you keep the lid on?
  • Connie Connie on Apr 14, 2017

    How do you keep fire ants out and how do you keep it turned or mixed?

    Every time I try a compost the fire ants take it over.

  • Vickie Meinen Vickie Meinen on Apr 01, 2022

    Why can't I get to your blog post? I tried to copy/paste the link mentioned at the beginning of this article and also tried the "go" button

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  • Marilyn Marilyn on Apr 28, 2019

    I will definitely do this Project - I bought a tumbling composter and it took me 4 hours to assemble -- instruction stated 'can be assembled in 30 minutes' NOT --- this Project I am sure will be much less expensive and work just as well. Thank you for this great idea. Marilyn

    • Gabrielle Falk Gabrielle Falk on Nov 06, 2019

      I also purchased a tumbling compost bin on a stand. Even before it was half-way full of scraps, it was so heavy that I could not turn it around. Gave it away.

  • Peachez Peachez on Mar 13, 2020

    This is brilliant! I had been thinking about getting a tumbling compost bin (thank goodness I didn't after reading the above comments!) so this garbage can is perfect!! I also found simple latches that can be attached to the lid/base so that I don't have to worry about the bungee cord when rolling! Thanks again for this idea.

    • Kat Kat on Sep 13, 2020

      Where did you get the latches?

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