How To Build a Compost Bin Out of Pallets

Introduction

Living a waste-free lifestyle isn't easy and doesn't happen overnight. However, small changes can add up and help you and your family produce less trash that ends up in a landfill. Speaking of landfills, that's where most shipping pallets end up. So do Mother Earth a solid and double down by composting your food scraps and yard waste in this bin made from recycled pallet wood.

First, a note about pallet wood: Pallets can be contaminated by what was stored on them, where they were used or how they were treated. Skip pallets with suspicious stains or signs of pest infestation, especially if people or pets will be touching the wood or it will come in contact with a food source.

Once you've got the wood you need, you won't need many tools and this can be built in an afternoon. And while a compost bin is a great start, here are 10 more ways to cut down on the amount of trash you generate.

I designed this compost bin to suit a household of one or two people. At 42 inches square, it has ample room for turning and will produce enough black gold for a small raised garden bed. If you produce more compostable waste than that, simply scale up the size of the bin.

Remember, always wear the appropriate safety gear when making projects!