How to Build a Compost Bin with Free Wooden Pallets

The rise in both home vegetable gardens and the desire for green living lead to a need for organic compost to feed and fertilize the plants. Classic compost heaps lump yard and kitchen waste together in an untidy pile that doesn't retain the heat necessary for quick decomposition. Besides, it just looks messy.

While there are commercially available compost bins and tumblers, these may cost more than what is in your gardening budget. For an earth-friendly and cost-effective method of containing compost and turning it into rich, dark soil, consider free wooden pallets.

Wooden pallets can be found free at some warehouses and businesses. A glance at the local paper may locate places giving away free pallets, or you can drive past a warehouse district and see if they have any stacked for offer. They are sturdy platforms made from wood that work well for construction projects around the house.

A compost bit built with free wooden pallets does not need a floor. If you want to prevent excessive drainage, you can lay down a couple of boards across the bottom or a tarp with holes poked into it. Some drainage is ideal or the compost will turn into muddy soup. Likewise, a tarp to cover the wooden pallet structure can prevent excessive drenching when it rains. This is especially important if you have some form of floor to the compost bin. Prevent standing water at all costs.

Construct the compost bin structure with four free wooden pallets and some right-angle metal brackets and screws. Simply screw the right-angle brackets to the flat edges of three of the wooden pallets to form an open box shape. The last wood pallet can be attached on one side with a pair of sturdy hinges and a simple hasp on the other. This will allow you to open the compost bin to put in yard and garden waste, turn it and reuse the compost more easily.

This wooden pallet structure can be placed in any out of the way space in your yard and garden. Keeping it in close proximity to the vegetable garden is a good idea. To use, simply layer yard and kitchen waste with some newspaper if desired. Add water to make sure the compost stays moist. Turn the compost semi-regularly depending on the heat that builds up and the materials used. In no time at all, you will have rich, organic compost to spread on your gardens to improve the health and growth of all plants.