DIY: Wooden stacking compost bin

courtesy of the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council

This 3-foot-square unit consists of five sections. You start the compost pile by filling one or two sections with organic matter, then stack on the other sections as you add more material.

TIME: Two to three hours

COST: up to $50 to $75, depending on the grade of wood (we used untreated pine in the image)

MATERIALS

  • 60 feet 1-by-6 utility wood
  • 10 feet 2-by-2 utility wood
  • 80 2-inch woodscrews
  • Optional: 1 quart of wood sealer
  • Note on wood selection: You can use reclaimed, unpainted or stained wood. If you're using pallets, ensure that they are heat treated. Current treated lumber is also acceptable. Inexpensive untreated wood will work too, but is likely to break down over time (as will pallets). Cedar will break down the slowest.

DIRECTIONS

  1. Saw the 1-by-6s into ten 36-inch lengths and ten 34-inch lengths; saw the 2-by-2s into 6-inch lengths.
  2. Lay each of 34-inch boards over two 2-by-2s, with each 2-by-2 flush with the ends of the board but offset from the top edge by 1 inch. Drive two screws through the 1-by-6s into each 2-by-2.
  3. Place one 34-inch board upside down with 2-by-2s extending upward. Place a 36-inch board against one end, flush with the top, bottom, and outside edge. Attach with two woodscrews through the 1-by-6 into the 2-by-2. Add second 34-inch board at other end of 36-inch board. Complete section with other 36-inch board, making a 36-inch square.
  4. Repeat the process for each of the remaining four sections.
  5. Optional: Apply two coats of wood sealer.

stacksketch