How to Build a Compost Bin
Every yard must be kept clean and hygienic. You can easily construct a compost bin to collect organic waste in part of your yard. You don’t want it lying around, especially if the yard is used by children. A compost bin should be kept closed at all times. This is very important. You can accomplish this by using a fencing material.
Required Materials
- welded wire
- chain link
- steel T-posts
- light-gauge wire
Required Tools
- hammer
- nails
- post driver
Instructions
- Location - Select the best place to construct the compost bin. Choose a location where the organic material can touch the earth. This is important for decomposition. Preferably choose an area which is not too close to living quarters. A spot near a yard fence or wall may work well.
- Fencing the Compost Bin - The next step is to fence the compost bin. This can be done by using either welded wire or chain link. Try to get a 25-foot roll measuring 4” for proper fencing.
- Fence Posts - To provide support for the sides of the fence, you need to use steel T-posts. A T-post is a handy piece of equipment that makes it easy to ground the structure into the earth.
- Making a Perfect Square - The next thing to do is to lay out the sides of the compost bin. You want them to measure 4 feet in length. Select four spots to drive the steel T-post into the mud. Try to position the holes so you get a perfect square.
- Drive in the Steel Posts - Use the post driver to drive the steel T-posts into the locations that are marked. In the absence of a post driver, you will have to dig out the soil manually to a depth of about 2 feet. This will help to ensure the strength of the fence.
- Fencing the Compost Bin - The fencing should be fixed between each of the steel posts. To tighten the fence, you can easily use light-gauge wires or fence ties to make the fence strong. Continue the procedure until you have three sides.
- Finishing the Compost Bin - The fourth side is to be left open and will be the entry door for the bin. The last section of the fence should open freely so you can drag it open when you want to. Therefore, only one end should be fixed to a pole with the wire-gauge. The other end can be roped or tied with a chain for security.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not cut the fourth part early on as this will affect the strength of fence. You have to fix the fence with the wire tightly so that there is no chance of loss of support.
- If you choose metal fencing, ensure safety by wearing gloves and masks.