- Build your own compost drum
- What do you need for the compost drum?
- Instructions for building the compost drum yourself
- Hang compost drum to rotate
- This way the barrel gets hot enough
If the need to turn over the compost frequently is too tiresome for you, you can make it easier on yourself. A compost drum rotates and mixes the compost all by itself. How do you build a compost drum yourself?
A compost drum makes the job much easier
Build your own compost drum
Compost drums are commercially available. However, they are quite expensive. You can also build the drum yourself with a few simple materials.
What do you need for the compost drum?
- Plastic bin (75 to 200 liters)
- lid
- PVC pipe (approx. 125 cm long)
- drill
- two sawhorses
- small hinges
- possibly handle
Instructions for building the compost drum yourself
Drill holes in the bottom and top for the PVC pipe to pass through.
To ensure that the compost bin is sufficiently aerated, drill numerous small holes on the sides, which should have a diameter of about 2.5 cm.
Saw out a small flap that you can attach to the bin with the hinges. Through this flap you can fill fresh material into the bin and remove the finished compost. With very large drums it makes sense to attach a handle. Otherwise they are very difficult to turn.
Hang compost drum to rotate
The pipe with the drum is placed over the sawhorses. Fill in compost starter or add a few scoops of mature compost to the bin. Since the barrel composter is not on the ground, no microorganisms can colonize by themselves.
After each refill, turn the bin several times so that the materials mix well again.
Check occasionally that the compost material is still sufficiently moist. If necessary, you should spray the material with a little water. Compost must be kept neither too wet nor too dry.
This way the barrel gets hot enough
In order for the compost to decompose well, high temperatures must be generated inside. Therefore, place the compost bin in a warm location, preferably in the sun.
If the bin itself is very light, you should paint it dark with an appropriate color. This absorbs the sunlight and the contents heat up faster.
tips
Another undeniable advantage of the rotating compost bin is that rats and mice have no access. In addition, the compost material cannot dry out as quickly.