Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by teamobn
Anyone who is growing or planning to grow their own produce should be composting as well. This ensures a healthy garden and a bountiful harvest. It’s easy, it’s free and it benefits the environment, too!
To get started you’ll need a compost bin, of course! You can buy one but why not make one yourself using repurposed materials you might already have? The right or best option for your garden will depend on a couple of factors…
One of those factors is the size of the composter that you need. Consider how large your yard is and how much plant matter you will compost. How much kitchen waste can you add? Remember that you can also compost paper and cardboard, although it does slow the process.
You should also decide which of the two types of compost bins you want to have – will it be a stationary bin or a rotating compost tumbler? All compost piles require to be turned regularly to combine decaying materials and provide oxygen.
Ready to introduce some powerful nutrients to your plants? Check out our compost bin ideas below!
8 Amazing Compost Bid Ideas
Now here are some materials that make great compost bins. Have a look and read more about them to help you decide what type of DIY compost bin to make!
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1. Plastic Milk Crate
A plastic milk crate makes an excellent small compost bin for backyard gardeners. It’s a budget-friendly option that’s perfect for anyone with limited space. These crates are lightweight, durable, and easy to move around, which makes them convenient if you like to rearrange your garden or balcony setup.
One of the best features of a milk crate compost bin is its built-in ventilation. The open-grid design allows for plenty of airflow, which helps speed up the composting process by providing oxygen to the decomposing materials. Good airflow reduces the chance of foul odors, making this option ideal for suburban gardens or urban patios where space and neighbors are close.
2. Pallets
A pallet compost bin is a sturdy and versatile option for gardeners who need a larger composting system. It’s one of the most popular DIY compost bin ideas because pallets are easy to find and often free. Many stores and warehouses give them away, making this an affordable and eco-friendly project
The design is simple but effective. Pallets create a strong frame and provide excellent airflow through the gaps between the slats. Good ventilation is key to a healthy compost pile because it allows oxygen to reach the decomposing materials. This helps speed up the breakdown process and keeps odors under control.
To build a pallet compost bin, you typically need four pallets for a basic three-sided bin with an open front. Some people add a fifth pallet to create a gate or front panel that can be removed when turning the pile or harvesting finished compost. Secure the pallets together using nails, screws, or sturdy wire. For extra stability, you can attach them to wooden stakes driven into the ground.
You can build a compost bin of any size with pallets! You can even incorporate it with rabbit hutches. 
3. Garbage Can
A garbage can compost bin is one of the simplest and most effective DIY solutions for small-space gardeners. Plastic garbage cans are easy to find and usually inexpensive. You may already have an old one lying around. They’re sturdy, portable, and come with tight-fitting lids, which help keep pests like rodents and raccoons out of your compost pile. The lid also helps retain heat and moisture—two essential factors for quick decomposition.
To make a garbage can compost bin, start by choosing a can with a capacity that fits your space and needs. Drill several holes on the sides and bottom of the can to allow for airflow and drainage. Proper ventilation keeps oxygen circulating and prevents the contents from getting slimy or smelly. You can place the garbage can directly on the ground, but setting it on bricks or a pallet improves drainage and airflow even more.
4. Straw Bale
A straw bale compost bin is great, especially for wide areas since it is not a ‘permanent’ type of compost bin. This means you can put your compost mix directly on a future planting area. Since the inside walls of the bin are exposed to the elements breaking down in the center, they become part of your compost.
Eventually, you can mix the remaining straw to compost further or to spread it right away on your lot as a heavily composted mulch. Use straw, NOT hay as the latter contains seeds that can cause you problems with weed. Plus, they are usually more expensive than straw.
5. Plastic Gallon Drum
A plastic gallon drum is one of the most practical and efficient materials you can use to create a DIY composting tumbler. These drums are often made from food-grade plastic, making them safe for composting. They’re also durable and large enough to hold a good amount of organic waste. If you’re serious about producing compost quickly and have a bit more space, this is an excellent option.
The key advantage of using a plastic drum is its ability to work as a rotating compost tumbler. Turning your compost regularly is important. It helps aerate the pile and speeds up the decomposition process. A drum tumbler makes this easy. Instead of using a pitchfork or shovel, you just rotate the drum to mix the contents. This method introduces oxygen evenly and blends the greens and browns for efficient breakdown.
Building a compost tumbler from a plastic gallon drum isn’t complicated. Start by choosing a drum size that suits your needs. A 30 to 55-gallon drum works best for most home gardens. Make sure it’s clean and has a tight-sealing lid. Drill air holes along the sides and ends of the drum to allow airflow and prevent odors. Then, mount the drum on a frame or stand, using a rod or pipe as an axle so it can spin. Some people add handles or crank systems to make rotating easier. Build a double decker for more compost in a small amount of space!
6. Wine Barrel
A wine barrel compost bin is a stylish and functional option for gardeners who want their compost system to blend seamlessly with the aesthetics of their outdoor space. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t just do the job but also looks great in your garden, a repurposed wine barrel is an excellent choice.
Thick, sturdy wood used to create wine barrels ensures their strength enough to resist the elements. Additionally assisting in temperature and moisture control inside the bin is the natural materials. This is one of the compost bin ideas that makes the perfect setting for composting, allowing organic products to break down quickly with minimum work on your side.
To turn a wine barrel into a compost bin, start by drilling several holes along the sides and bottom for airflow and drainage. Maintaining a healthy compost pile depends mostly on good ventilation since it lets oxygen flow and accelerates breakdown. The drainage holes stop too much rainwater from accumulating and turning the compost overly damp or soggy.
7. Storage Bin
An empty storage bin can be easily transformed into a compact and efficient compost bin. It’s one of the practical compost bin ideas for small backyard gardeners, apartment dwellers with patios, or anyone just starting with composting on a small scale. If you have a spare plastic storage container lying around, you’ve already got the foundation for a simple, low-cost composting system.
Storage bins are typically made of durable plastic, which holds up well outdoors. Their compact size makes them ideal for small spaces, such as balconies, patios, or corners of your garden. They’re also lightweight and portable, so you can move them around easily to follow the sun or bring them closer to your kitchen for convenience.
Creating a compost bin from a storage bin is straightforward. Start with a bin that holds at least 18 to 30 gallons for a manageable size. Drill holes on all sides of the bin, including the lid and the bottom. These holes are essential for ventilation and drainage, allowing oxygen in to fuel decomposition and letting excess moisture escape. Without proper airflow, your compost could turn into a soggy, smelly mess.
8. Indoor
For those living in flats, condos, or small houses with little or no outside space, an interior compost container is a clever fix. Not having a backyard does not mean you cannot recycle kitchen waste and produce nutrient-dense compost for your balcony garden or houseplants.
Compact, odor-free, clean designs define indoor compost bins. The secret is selecting and successfully running the correct system. Depending on your area and trash generation, you can create or purchase different varieties of indoor compost containers.
A tiny plastic storage container or a bucket with a tight-fitting lid will make a basic do-it-yourself indoor compost bin. To let airflow, drill little ventilation holes along the top and sides; arrange a tray under to catch any extra moisture. One way to help eliminate smells is by including a charcoal filter within the lid. Shredded paper or cardboard allows you to coat the bottom with help to maintain moisture levels and absorb any liquid that runs off.
Conclusion
Creating your own compost bin is an easy and cost-effective way to reduce waste and enrich your garden soil. Whether you have a large backyard or a small apartment, there’s many DIY compost bin ideas that fits your space and needs. By choosing the right design, you can turn everyday scraps into valuable compost and support a healthier, more sustainable garden.
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