Double-Decker Drum Composter

Step 10 Summary

I really had a good time making this project. It was easy enough and the design was quite simple. Now, by next spring, I should have some great compost for my garden so I can grow some healthy plants.

I can't wait for spring to come on full-force!

Comments

[HARSHAD BHATT]

WHAT ARE FEED STORES?

[Muzhik]

In farming communities, "feed stores" sell farming supplies, including feed for various animals: chickens, horses, sheep, etc.

[Jules0988]

So you made these over a year ago - how long did it take for you to get some good compost? Love your design and what a great idea. My husband is going to be busy next weekend - building me one ! I will be happy to assist him though. Thank you for sharing a great idea with us -

[iPodGuy]

I just used some of it last month. It was ready before that, but I let it build up.

[Jules0988]

I like your little greenhouse in the second picture. Did you build that also ?

[iPodGuy]

I assembled it, but it came in a kit. We had one snowstorm that demolished it this winter.

[bonnie0128]

Isn't it hard to empty the top barrel? I am only 5'4".

[iPodGuy]

I'm a bit taller than that, but I guess it would be a little tough. Remove the bottom barrel and turn the top to dump out into a wheelbarrow or something perhaps.

[foiler]

Be careful about the barrels you acquire. The best ones are marked 'food grade'. I believe there is a color code involved also. Blue barrels I believe are OK any other color I would make sure they weren't used for some dangerous to your health chemical. Some chemicals bond to the plastic barrel and can never be completely removed which would leach out into your compost. I've found many barrels offered at industrial auctions. Check your area for such. Just check before you buy that they are OK to use for your purpose.

[peanutbutterancheese]

on that note, for those who don't know where to get any barrels, a plastic garbage can with the lid firmly sealed on should work fine. garbage cans are generally required to be of a plastic which doesn't break down under outdoor conditions, so contamination won't be a problem. and I do mean "firmly sealed". like with bolted plates. it doesn't have to be water tight, but it has to be pretty strong or your tumbler could fall apart and cause a mess.

[iPodGuy]

I have serious doubts about using trash cans with this design. The barrels are made with thicker plastic than trash cans. I believe the weight of the compost being balanced on the pipe would break the trash can. However, if somebody were to try it this way, I'd love to see the results after the composter had been in use for a season or two. If a person were to attempt it, I'd caution them to use lids that lock on well (since the natural tilt of the can would make a bulk of the weight end up at the lid) and purchase garbage cans with the thickest plastic possible (Rubbermaid's "Brute" trash cans, for an example).

[peanutbutterancheese]

I will be able to help you with that, in a season or two, as I'm making one in a week :)

[iPodGuy]

Cool. If it really works out, I'll make a mention of it in the instructions.

[boydogs]

This is a great project! There is no dirt on earth like kitchen compost ... it's black gold!

[ultio]

The barrels are available at most feed stores. Its a sweet design. I am going to try this myself.

[iPodGuy]

Feed stores! *slaps forehead* Never thought of that!

[runinman]

great concept and design! I've been looking a bit for barrels like these and haven't had any luck yet. where did you find your barrels?

[iPodGuy]

I get them from work after we're finished with them. Perhaps try craigslist or freecycle. Check buildings in your area such as schools also. Those drums is what we get our chemicals in and we always have extra empties.

[JimAtlanta]

BRILLIANT!

[newbeak]

Nice design.Are they hard to turn when full? I thought it would help to screw a few projecting handles on the ends of the barrels to make them easier to turn.You don't say,but are the barrels plastic? They appear to be in the photos.

[iPodGuy]

Well, I wouldn't jam pack them all the way full. About 3/4 is the most I'd do, but the compost will reduce in volume as it breaks down. I don't think they would be extremely hard to turn, but yes, extra handles might make a difference. My barrels have a lip on them that makes them easy to grasp. Also, yes the barrels are plastic. 55 gallon size.