This week, our compost pile was moved into a compost bin. The transition was quick, easy, and frugal, since we used items we already had on hand to make a composting bin!

I have been composting for several years now, using a pile in our back yard. I am admittedly a Lazy Composter, per the instructions on that page. ;) Since someone in the neighborhood didn't like my "pile" method, we were asked to contain our compost in a bin.

I started researching options for compost bins. We didn't want to spend a lot of money on a commercial bin, and we didn't have a lot of supplies on hand. There are numerous ways to contain compost, from chicken wire fences to brick structures to wooden cribs, but I knew how quickly the cost of supplies could add up.

Once again, it was Google to the rescue. I came across this video about making a compost bin using an old garbage can! Immediately I knew we had found our solution! I had an old garbage can in the garage that could easily be sacrificed for this project!

Step 1: Find a flat location for your compost bin, and make a foundation using bricks, blocks, or stones. (See top photo.) This will provide airflow under the bin.

Step 2: Using a half-inch drill bit, drill holes in the bottom and sides of the trash can. Avoid drilling directly on the seams, as this could weaken them and cause them to split. For the holes on the bottom of the trash can, be sure to drill from the inside out to facilitate drainage. (This page also has other ideas for garbage can composting, including cutting off the entire bottom of the can and setting it directly on the ground.)

Step 3: Fill the bin using alternating layers of compost materials.

Green layer (nitrogen-rich) could include:

Food scraps (little or no dairy, meat, or oil)
Grass clippings
Weeds (without seed pods)
Used teabags or coffee grounds

Brown layer (carbon rich) could include:

Newspaper
Wood shavings
Old phone book pages
Cardboard
Dry leaves

The bin can be filled all at once, or gradually over time. We actually made two bins, and filled the first one to allow it to finish composting while we work on filling the second one.

Step 4: Water the compost using a hose or watering can, so that it is damp -- like a wet sponge.

Step 5: Put the lid on the garbage can and turn the can on its side. Roll the can to mix the compost. The compost should be mixed at least once a week, or as often as once a day.

And there you have it! A super easy, fast, and frugal composting bin. I'll update in a few months to give more of a review of how this actually ends up working out for us! :)

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Here is an update about using this type of homemade compost bin!

For other frugal tips and topics, visit Crystal's blog! :)