Pallet Compost Bin
Quickly build this easy, functional and attractive compost bin for your garden.
Project Difficulty: Easy
Safety note: We advise that you wear safety glasses or goggles when using any mechanical equipment. Protective gloves are also recommended for this project.
Materials Needed:
At least 4 pallets
Equipment Needed:
14 gauge wire
Hinges
Latch
Instructions:
Step 1: The Layout: You’re going to need 4 pallets minimum. If you decide on a slanted base (floor), you’ll need another pallet. Some people may choose a slanted base design to catch the “tea” that your composter produces when watering your compost. The “tea” can be diluted and sprayed on your plants. We don’t have a slanted base in this design. Simple is easier. We’re going with 3 sides and a door. Choose your layout. I don’t need a huge bin, so I opted to stand the sides up to narrow the bins depth. Plus, it gives me a 2x4 side to attach my hinges to.
Step 2: Piecing it Together: I’ve purchased 14 gauge wire, hinges, and a latch for my bin. If you want to pass on these items, you can still get by with just the wire to bind the pallets together. A make-shift hinge can be made from the wire.
Start with cutting the wire to a workable length, roughly 18”, and strap the side and back pallets together by twisting the wire tight. Be careful not to over do it. Too much tension and the wire will break. Two lengths twisted on each corner should be plenty.
Step 3: Adding Stability: I’ve opted to add a landscape pole to the hinge-side of the bin. These pallets are not light and I wanted the hinges to support some of the weight of the door pallet. I had originally thought I was going to put pole in both side pallets, but figured I only need the hinge-side to be supported. I hammer into the ground about 12”.
Step 4: Adding the Hardware: Once you’ve finished tying the pallets together. It’s time to add hinges. My hinges were about $6.50 from the Depot. A little better than constructing wire hinges.
Step 5: The Door: Before adding the door to the bin, I added a spacer to the bottom by using the left over scrap from the landscaping pole and attaching it with screws. This will provide some ventilation for the compost since all other sides sit on the ground.
Step 6: Optional – More Hardware: In most cases, you would be done. I’ve added a latch to keep my 2yr old out the bin.
Adapted from: http://www.instructables.com/id/Pallet-Compost-Bin/
07/18/12 | 0 Comments | Pallet Compost Bin