Double-Decker Drum Composter

Step 4 The barrel poles

I used galvanized poles left over from another job and cut two 5 foot lengths. These go through the holes in the posts and are what holds the barrel.

Be careful when selecting poles, since they will need to be strong to support the weight of the barrels when they're full.

Comments

[SGravel]

A PVC "sleeve" around any type of metal pipe would solve the problem of potentially leaching contaminants into the soil. It’s an extra step, but you’ll get the best results combining the two materials.

[leander37]

Oddly, PVC may be more "toxic' than any metal that might be used. Steel is predominantly Iron, which is generally beneficial in soils.

[perldrivr]

If people are worried about galvanized pipe, just use the equivalent size black iron pipe, bonus - it costs less!

[vooodooo]

what about pvc pipe? is that okay

[iPodGuy]

I wouldn't trust it.

[vooodooo]

do things compost quicker in these barrels than in a compost pile that is turned with a ptichfork?

[WVSundown]

The tumblers do make compost much faster!

[tyanger]

I've heard that you could compost just as fast with a traditional pile/bin if you turned it as often as you would a tumbler.  That's the catch and the key point though - a tumbler is so much easier to turn that you are pretty much guaranteed to turn it more than you would a traditional pile so it ends up composting faster.

For example, my tumbler is next to my garage so I turn it almost every morning right before I get in my car to go to work (and sometimes after I get home too).  Before I finished the project I was collecting waste in a large Rubbermaid plastic box with holes drilled in it, and realistically I was turning it 1-2 times a week with a pitchfork.  Of course, I would bury fresh waste as it was added, but a really thorough toss ... not very often.

However, I'm a noob and only just recently started experimenting with composting. (Actually, on reading some of these other posts - am I turning it too often?)

[WVSundown]

You're absolutely right about the bin vs the tumbler, it's the ease of use that make the tumblers compost faster. I've been composting for 30+ years and I don't think you can turn the compost often enough.

We added 3 fins (3/4" x 3/4" x 24" aluminum angle) to the inside of the barrel to keep the compost from sliding along the barrel wall during turning. It also slings the debris into the axle and helps break it up more. However, this feature creates a kick-back action when the debris hits each fin.

[iPodGuy]

Once the whole process gets going, I'd say it's pretty good.

[pjgardens]

I thought that galvanized pipe was was a no-no. Is there anything else that can be used?

[sedona007]

why is galvanized pipe a "no no"?

[pjgardens]

I think it's a great design, takes the best of everything and makes it simple. Was just curious about galvanized.

[iPodGuy]

Why is that? What's wrong with it? Any sort of pole that is strong enough would work I guess.

[red_metallic]

There is an issue with food storage if it is acidic in galvanized vessels. There is also an issue with the lead-based solder used to hold together buckets, etc. as it can leach out and be absorbed by food. In your application though there is likely little contact with the pole and there is no solder involved.

[bassmasta1010]

hey genius, this is a COMPOST BARREL!!! It doesnt matter about "food storage", and "acidic gavanized vessels"........ freakin genius

[arkbuchman]

it does matter about food storage because most people put their compost on vegetables, which become food. as plants grow they have to adsorb nutrients from the soil, so whatever is in the soil will get into the plant. so i think this is an important, and i would like to know of an alternative if there happens to be one

[iPodGuy]

The only idea I've got is PVC or ABS pipe, but it's surely not as strong as metal pipe.  Copper or cast iron probably isn't good because both will oxidize.

[vooodooo]

is pvc okay?

[iPodGuy]

It needs to be strong if you plan to pack your drum full.