Composting kitchen and yard waste is not only good for the environment, it saves money on fertilizer and helps retain moisture and improve soil condition. While there are several commercial bins and contraptions built for composting, they are not necessary for small
Composting kitchen and yard waste is not only good for the environment, it saves money on fertilizer and helps retain moisture and improve soil condition. While there are several commercial bins and contraptions built for composting, they are not necessary for small applications. A trash can is big enough for most household composting, and is easy and inexpensive to build and maintain. A round trash can also makes it possible to turn the compost mixture easily.
Mark holes around the sides and on the bottom of the bin that are spaced about four to six inches apart.
Drill the holes you marked in Step 1, using a 1/2 inch drill bit.
Place a layer of compost starter or "brown" composting material in the bottom of the trash can. The layer should be at least four inches deep. Starter or "brown" materials include old compost, wood chips, dried leaves, dried grass clippings, twigs, dead leaves and shredded newspaper. You can use any one item, or a combination of several.
Add a layer of "green" compost items as you accumulate them. "Green" items include vegetable scraps, fresh grass clippings, organic kitchen waste or any fresh organic material.
Cover the "green" layer with a layer of "brown