Build Compost Bins For Free?

I have given a few ways we can all learn how to build a compost bin and if we want to build compost bins for free or very little money then there is nothing stopping us apart from our own motivation. For some of us that is the problem, the motivation. It is all too easy to put off the work until another day. If you read through some of the posts here then you can certainly build compost bins for free. There are ideas for a few ways to do this, all using free materials or materials that are very cheap. The best composters are still up for debate. Wooden compost bins are probably the cheapest but they have a finite lifespan. The wood will gradually rot away. You don't really want to treat the wood too much as this will leach in to the compost and that is far from ideal.

Learning how to build a compost bin for our needs depends on our finances and the goals we have in mind. Are we going for large scale composting or do we just have a few kitchen scraps at the end of each day? These questions need to be answered before we decide what compost bins we will build. Of course, there are alternatives to learning how to build a compost bin. The alternative is to buy one. Only a few days ago I wrote about what I think is by far the best compost bin to buy. Forget simple upright barrels, you want the tumbling compost bin from Amazon if you are going to buy a compost bin. They are remarkable. Compost in 2-3 weeks is an incredible claim but true with these great composters. If you can't face making a compost bin then this is what I would recommend.

Back to the question that this post poses.

Should We Build Compost Bins For Free?

I have stated previously that I am a rather frugal kind of guy. If it is cheap or free then I am all for it. To build compost bins for free is definitely what I am in to. The problem with building a free compost bin is that sometimes we are left with a less than perfect end result. Searching and scrounging for free materials may mean we make many sacrifices to either the design or the quality of the end product, or both.

I think the lessons I have learnt from building quite a few compost bins for free now is that sometimes it pays to be a little less frugal. It may only mean spending a small amount but it could actually mean that the compost bins that we build will last so much longer that we will save money in the future. We may be talking about buying a few quality uprights or some galvanized nails or screws, sometimes it pays to not be quite so cheap.

Something to think about anyway. Maybe we should spend a little on certain materials just to ensure that the composting bins that we build last a few years longer. Of course, you can just go out and buy one! Hardly counts as building compost bins for free though!