Rotating Compost Bin

One of the ancient methods to prepare fertilizers, composting is a biological method wherein microorganisms decompose organic material to form compost. This process is completely natural, though human beings can surely help quicken it. One such way is to build rotating compost bins.

The rotating compost bin can easily be made and paced in your garden, wherein you constantly prepare natural fertilizers for your plans. When the bin rotates, it ensures all contents are properly mixed up inside and thereby facilitating easy decomposition of the organic waste inside. It also maintains a higher temperature inside for preparing compost fast. Ideally it should take you three weeks to prepare compost in the rotating bin. Follow instructions on how to build a compost bin given below and prepare natural fertilizers, at will for plants in your garden.

Materials Required

• Hammer
• Nails
• 6 wooden boards of 4 feet in length
• Screws
• Drill Machine
• Measuring tape
• A beer Keg or 55-gallon barrel
• A galvanized pipe
• Hinges
• Saw
• Latch
• 4 pieces of nuts and bolts

Building Procedure

Building a rotating compost bin involves two major procedures - making the frame work and fixing the bin on the framework. Lets us start with the framework first.

Step 1
The framework for a rotating bin is made out of wooden boards. You will have to start by placing two 2 four feet long boards one above the other in such a manner, that they resemble the shape of an 'X'. Use your hammer and fix a nail in the middle of the point, where the boards are overlapping. Keeping the nail in the center will ensure you have enough space to fix the bolts.

Step 2
Now use a drilling machine to make two holes, one on each side, at the place where you hammered the nail. Put in a bolt into each of these holes and tighten them by fixing nails at the ends. You will now have to use two more wooden boards and attach them in the same manner you did these two. These will form the stand for your bin to be placed.

Step 3
Pick up both the 'X' shaped stands and erect them on the ground. Keep a distance of four feet between both of them. Now measure 4 inches from the ground on the stands, and mark the spot on every leg of the framework. At these markings, you will have to join two 4 feet boards, between each of the two legs of the X stands.

Step 4
Since your framework for the compost bin is completed, you will now have to start preparing for the bin itself. Use the 55-gallon barrel of beer keg for this. Determine the center of the barrel, after measuring it from both ends. At this middle portion, make a hole one inch in diameter using a drill machine or saw. For the purpose of exposing the contents in the bin to air, make four more holes along the edges on the outer side of the barrel. Pass a pipe through the barrel horizontally, extending out at each end. Fix this barrel between the two stands of your framework.

Step 5
You will then have to cut out an opening for the barrel. At the center of the barrel, make an 8-by-8 inch marking and use a saw to cut out that portion and you have the space to make a door for your compost bin. Install door hinges along the upper edge of the square and also along the edge of the door piece you are fixing. On the lower edge of the square, you need to attach a lock for the door, which is strong enough to hold the door in place.

Building a rotating compost bin is very easy and has great potential benefits. You can prepare quick manure of excellent quality all the time, at virtually no cost, ensuring your plants get necessary nourishment and grow well.