Pallet Compost Bins
Wood shipping pallets are a great option for creating highly
effective composting systems, especially when you have a lot of organic matter
to process. You can build a compost bin from wood pallets in a few easy steps.
The whole process is described here, but first take a look
at the pros and cons of using pallets to make your bins:
- Advantages: They're
free and the perfect size! You've probably seen pallets piled at
construction sites or stacked at loading docks behind businesses and
warehouses, awaiting recycling or disposal. Explain to the head
honcho you'd like to recycle some to make a compost bin. Most places pay
to have them hauled away and are happy to oblige. Look pallets over to
make sure they're in decent shape before carting them home. Here at Bob’s Production HQ we regularly
set old pallets out by the road for folks to use for just this
purpose! They usually disappear
pretty quickly so keep an eye out if you’re interested.
In North America, pallets commonly measure 40 x 48 inches,
which creates a bin size that is ideal for composting. But other options work,
as long as they provide you with a 3- to 6-foot (1- to 2-meter) square shape.
- Disadvantages: Depending
on size and type of wood, a single pallet can weigh 20 to 50 pounds (9 to
23 kilograms). Pallets aren't as easy to reposition around the yard as
some choices, but they're still faster to move and set up than concrete
blocks or straw bales.
Here is all you need to gather for this project:
- Four
same-sized pallets per bin. Pallets with narrow spaces between slats hold
back organic materials better than those with wide spaces.
- Baling
wire or nylon rope to lash pallets together at the corners.
- Wire cutters
or a utility knife to cut ties.
One person can assemble a shipping pallet compost bin,
although it goes smoother with two: one to hold the pallets upright and steady
while the other ties them together. Follow these steps to erect the bin:
- Level
the ground where your bin will be.
- Set
the pallets upright in a box shape.
- Lash
the pallets securely together at the corners with wire or rope ties.
The front pallet acts as a hinged door, allowing you to
access your compost by undoing the ties on one side and swinging it open. You
can also remove the entire pallet to have wider access when adding or turning
organic matter.
Add second and third bins to your first shipping-pallet bin
using common side walls. You need three pallets for each additional bin.