Trash Can

jhayford 6/20/2011, 11:02 pm

Can I use a trash can for my compost heap?

BackyardBirdGardner 6/20/2011, 11:03 pm

Poke some holes in it to allow air to enter would be my recommendation.

happycamper 6/20/2011, 11:44 pm

I tried this a few years ago, many people do use a garbage can for compost. There are many videos online (YouTube) on how to make a compost bin out of a garbage can.

I had used a 1/4" bit and drilled holes every six inches around a plastic can with a locking lid and had it on the deck during winter (I rolled it bi-weekly). It made a large ball inside by spring and I determined that I did not have enough "browns" during that time of year to make it work properly. The can has now been repurposed and is used for holding the chicken manure and bedding when I clean the coop until it can be dumped in compost pile #3. I walk to compost pile #1 during the winter rather than dealing with the can, it was just too heavy to dump.

I am sure you will have better luck than I did. Happy composting!

Mamachibi 6/21/2011, 12:35 pm

Can you lay the can on it's side and "roll" it a couple times a week they way they do those fancy expensive composters?

ModernDayBetty 6/21/2011, 12:45 pm

I made mine last week out of a 20 gallon rubbermade black garbage can. I kind of hate it. I drilled a bunch of holes, which was fun, and I am using a bungie (sp?) cord to keep the lid closed. The material it's made out of makes it really difficult for the lid to stay in place while I'm trying to roll it when it's hot outside. If you're like me and just couldn't afford another project it will work for now but I definitely won't be using it as a long term solution.

A lot of online sites tell you to use a can with a screw on lid but I couldn't find any such thing. And perhaps a can made out of a different material would work better than what I got, idk.

AZDYJ2K 6/21/2011, 4:04 pm

The city I live in will give you a compost bin made out of an old municipal garbage container. They chop the bottom off of old containers and drill air holes all around it.

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