Build compost drum yourself

Build compost drum yourself

Compost drums are available in stores. 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 base and cover through which the PVC pipe will be fed.

To ensure that the compost bin is adequately ventilated, drill numerous small holes on the sides that should be approximately 2.5 cm in diameter.

Saws A small flap that you can attach to the bin with the hinges. Through this flap you can pour 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 the compost drum to rotate

The pipe with the drum is placed over the sawhorses. Fill in

Compost starter or add a few scoops of ripe compost to the bin. Since the barrel composter is not on the ground, no microorganisms can settle on their own.

After each refilling, turn the bin several times so that the materials mix well again.

Occasionally check that the compost material is still sufficiently moist. If necessary, you should spray the material with a little water. Compost must not be kept too wet or too dry.

This way the bin becomes sufficiently hot

In order for the compost to rot well, high temperatures must arise inside. Therefore, put the compost bin in a warm location, preferably in the sun.

If the bin itself is very light, you should paint it dark with the appropriate color. This absorbs sunlight and the contents heat up faster.