Commercial composters are available, but why not build your own? Mike Ferrara, known as "The Lazy Homeowner," explains how to make a composter from recycled wooden shipping pallets. Shipping palates are often available free from furniture stores, office-supply stores, hardware stores, nurseries and other businesses that handle large goods. Materials:
Five shipping pallets
Screwdriver
Wood screws
Door hinges
Chicken wire
Staple gun
Black plastic
Optional: wood stain
- Screw the pallets together to create a three-sided box. Line the box with chicken wire, which will keep out rodents, stapling the wire to the wood (figure A).
- Attach the hinges so that you can open the top of the bin. The top will prevent leaves from blowing away.
- Cover the top with black plastic.
- If you like, stain the composter.
Place the finished compost bin on bare ground. The pile will have no odor if green (high-nitrogen) and brown (high-carbon) materials are present in a 50-50 balance. To produce finished compost in as little as two weeks, turn the pile daily, and keep it moist.
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