Build a Compost Bin from Wooden Pallets

Customize a backyard compost bin from reclaimed materials in just a few hours.

If you’re serious about reusing unwanted materials and you’re eager to start composting, this is the project for you. By building a compost bin out of discarded wooden pallets, you will have a sturdy container for concocting your compost cocktail for less than $20.

You can find wooden pallets for your compost bin almost anywhere: Just ask around at factories, warehouses, stores—even your office building. (We found the wooden pallets for this video in the Urban Farm storage room.) Best yet, most people will give you their unwanted pallets for free because you’re saving them a trip to the garbage dump.

Because you’re building the compost bin yourself, you can add features that fit your needs. We added L-brackets for extra support at the base of the compost bin, a hinged door to give us easier access to the pile, and garden netting around the outside of the bin to better contain the compost materials. If you want to save money or time, you may decide to skip the hinged door but keep the garden netting, or you may forego the L-brackets for simple ziptie attachments.

Get the directions for building your compost bin by watching the video above, and get composting.

Give us your opinion on Build a Compost Bin from Wooden Pallets.

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Wouldn't it be more effective to put the netting on the inside? That is how I do it, as I have had a big problem with the "ingredients" falling out when I had it on the outside. This is an issue for me, as all of my composting and gardening is done on cement. Thanks for the great video, though! I have shared it with all my FB friends.

Steve, Torrance, CA
Posted: 1/1/2011 12:25:42 PM

Forget the bottom pallet, use heavy duty zip ties or wire and forget the netting. I have 3 of them and it took me 30 minutes to set up all 3 they work great and can't beat the cost!

Doug, King Ferry, NY
Posted: 12/31/2010 1:00:13 PM

The problem with the bottom pallet can be solved with the garden netting or chicken wire. Just staple it to the bottom. Also, the door doesn't seem necessary--it would save some money and time if that part was omitted. If you slipped a large tray through that bottom pallet, too, "compost tea" can be collected, watered down, and sprayed onto plants--the beneficial microbial content of it is ever so helpful.

Austin, Chicago, IL
Posted: 9/19/2010 10:12:19 AM

I agree with Wendy, I would leave off the bottom pallet. Also, I would make the "door" the full pallet or at least make both halves moveable in order to ease removal and turning of the compost. Also, your list of materials should include the straping hinges and garden netting. The idea is good and I am building a series of these for my farm with the adjustments I have suggested. If this bin is too large for a smaller yard perhaps it could be divided in half and two smaller bins created?

Debbie, Ranger, TX
Posted: 9/16/2010 8:44:41 AM

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