A two-bin home compost system made from storage bins and cans.
Hannah Stacked Bin System by Open-Source-Imports
https://thediyjunky.com/@open-source-imports/hannah-stacked-bin-compost-system
Licence: CC-BY-SA-4.0
Adapted from: https://www.appropedia.org/Hannah_Stacked_bin_system
Original author: User:Hcantrell
Original licence: CC-BY-SA-4.0
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Household size | 2 people |
| Storage bins | 18 gallon |
| Drill bit | 5/16 in |
| Hole spacing | 2-3 inches apart |
| Total stated in source | $36.00 |
I created a compost system for a 2 person household in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. I wanted the system to be simple, easy to use and made from things around the home. The upkeep of this system is straightforward.
In this household there are 2 people who accumulate a fair amount of green waste and yard trimmings along with food scraps from the kitchen. One major concern was deer being able to access the bin, and a want was for quick compost turnover with ease. This was the reasoning for the 2 bin method that would not only insulate but allow for airflow to get to the compost from all corners.
| Criteria | Constraints | Weight (1-10) |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | System should be easily built and used by anyone in the household. It also should be hassle free to clean, turn and move around the yard. | 9 |
| Functionality | Able to take in compost from a home that cooks often so has plenty of food scraps as well as garden and lawn waste. Stands up to midwest climate. Keeps food scraps away from deer and squirrels. | 10 |
| Appropriate | Use materials that were around the house as a quick daytime project and also materials that would otherwise be considered waste. Minimizes cost. | 10 |
| Move-ability | This system is not needed to last a long time but rather should be able to be deconstructed quickly in case of winter storms or discontinuing the project. | 8 |
| Part | Size / spec | Qty | Unit cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 gallon storage bin w/ lids | 3 bins | $4.50 ^[Source: Walmart. The source row totals these three at $9.00 rather than $13.50] | |
| Paper bags | For insulation | 2 bags | $0.00 ^[Source: grocery store, listed at no cost] |
| Roll of duct tape | 1 roll | $4.99 ^[Source: Walmart] | |
| Cans | Taped end to end as spacers | 8 cans | $2.00 ^[Source: grocery store] |
| 6 pack of bungee cords | 1 pack | $7.99 ^[Source: Target] |
Required total: $42.48
Figure 1: First design drawing: stacked bin system
Design your project and make adjustments for the materials you have access to.
Figure 2: Gather materials.
Gather your materials. This specific system required: a drill with a 5/16 drill bit (small holes are best), 2 storage bins, 1 lid, 8 cans taped/glued together end to end, 2 paper bags for insulation, 2 bungee cords to secure from pests such as deer and racoons.
Figure 3: Drill holes.
Drill holes in one of the storage bins in all of the sides, bottom and lid all 2-3 inches apart.
Figure 3: Place cans
Tape 4 pairs of the cans together end to end, place one pair in each corner of the bin without holes.
Figure 3: place insulation.
(Optional) Place torn paper bags in the bin between the cans. This is to insulate the system.
Figure 3: Put the bins together.
Place the empty bin with holes into the bin without holes on top of the cans and insulation.
Figure 3: Secure system.
Secure the system with 2 bungee cords.
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| Daily | Turning compost — 3-7 days a week |
| Weekly | Adding food scraps and browns (carbon materials) as needed |
| Weekly | Checking temperature and moisture |
| Weekly | When enough compost has accumulated, stop adding food scraps and continue turning and monitoring temperature and ratios |
| Monthly | Harvest finished compost |
| Monthly | Possible cleaning of bins |
| Yearly | Cleaning of bins |
An at home composting system is achievable for just about anybody who has the desire. With trial and error of what works best for you, it can be easy to create a compost system that is tailored to your climate and needs.
Compost not decomposing
Cause: Compost not heating
Fix: Add insulation in first bin
Compost is smelly
Cause: Insufficient aeration or carbon to nitrogen ratio
Fix: Add holes for aeration, be sure carbon to nitrogen ratios are good.
Animals getting into the bin
Cause: System not secured
Fix: Secure with bungee cords; if smaller pests like rats are your problem look into purchasing vermin mesh and enclosing system in that.