Aug 02 2006
… I’d manufacture state-of-the-art compost bins
I like the idea of composting. Even though I’m as red-state as they come, I think recycling is cool. I love the idea of turning discarded crap into something useful.
Urban composting is kind of a pain. I feel like most compost bins aren’t really designed for urban composting. Over a year ago, I attempted to build a compost bin that would solve the main problem most compost bins have - there’s no way to remove the finished compost from the bin while other scraps are still breaking down.
So, I designed a bin made from a large wheeled garbage can with a porous cylinder in the upper part of the can that lets compost drop through to the bottom of the can. The can has a hinged door at the bottom that allow the compost to be scooped out.
However, the implementation of that design had some problems.
Some problems
The original bin I made used a lot of wood to construct the cylinder. After a few months, the sides of the cylinder rotted enough and the handle pulled away from the side of the cylinder.
So recently, I finally got around to rebuilding the compost bin. This time I used plastic and metal parts instead of wooden ones. I posted a series of photos on flickr showing how I did it.
We have a three part bin. Dump yard and veggie scraps into one bin for a while, then move on to the next. It works pretty well (and would work even better if we remembered to mix the compost up more often). Maybe not the best solution for someone with a very small yard, but it works for us.
That’s really cool what you did. How much did it end up costing you roughly, and where did you get the trash can and other key parts?
And I think it’s interesting that you made the comment about being red-state and caring about recycling. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we often define ourselves politically, religiously, etc. Am I a conservative Christian or a Christian who’s conservative? Think about the placement of the modifier. Frankly, I think Christians, whether they are red-state or blue state, have a pretty clear mandate to be stewards of the environment.
WOW! You are a genius; an eccentric one, but a genius nonetheless.
You need to patent that and figure out a way to get it manufactured. American Inventor…look out!
Scott, I estimate I probably spent $130 on all of the parts - which in hindsight, is a bit more than I wanted to spend. Most of it was due to the big 96 gal. trash can. However, if I were doing it again, I’d probably buy one from Walmart that’s a little smaller, but about $50 cheaper. I think I’d also make the inner cylinder out of a 5 gal. bucket (with a lid) ’cause those are made of thicker plastic and would get rid of the need for the PVC cylinder supports.
On the issue of Christian stewardship, I think many Christians just don’t think of recycling as a stewardship issue. Our culture has done a good job of hiding what happens to our trash after we wheel the cans to the curb. I think while most folks think recycling is a good idea, they just don’t see a problem with how garbage is currently disposed of, and therefore aren’t motivated to make an effort to “fix” things.
But, let me confess, I think the reason I recycle isn’t ’cause I want to be a good steward. It’s probably more ’cause I enjoy the feeling I get from knowing I recycled. I’ll selfishly admit, it makes me feel a little superior.
That’s very cool! I would love to compost!! Are you guys still using it - is it holding up and all?