Double-Decker Drum Composter

Step 7: The barrels

Now that the barrels were finished, I put the pole through the barrel and put them on the frame.

I checked everything and made sure that the barrels spun on the poles properly.

At this point, the project is complete.

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jschmadeke4life says: Aug 21, 2009. 2:49 AM

do any liquids drip out of the holes during the decomposition process?

iPodGuy (author) in reply to jschmadeke4lifeSep 3, 2009. 2:15 PM

Yes, lots.

AlaXul in reply to iPodGuyJun 7, 2010. 11:26 AM

I was wondering if the " tea " is good for anything or is it simply waste? Stands to reason that it would have nutrients in it, so add water and water the plants with it. Am I way off base?

rhodge-1 in reply to AlaXulMar 16, 2011. 5:55 PM

Try a base to hold a 1/2 barrel under one; a sloped surface of what is available to you to drain it to one side into a basin /barrel to collect it. Very good to fee plants with as a watering can tea.

iPodGuy (author) in reply to AlaXulJun 8, 2010. 4:58 AM

Yep. Water it down and feed your plants.

0087adam says: Aug 18, 2009. 9:29 PM

Could you use a flange like they use to hold railings down to hold the barrel onto a threaded pipe?

iPodGuy (author) in reply to 0087adamSep 3, 2009. 2:16 PM

I would imagine so.

fslade says: Jun 18, 2009. 6:52 AM

Did you have to reinforce the barrels at the hole cot for the poles? How heavy is it full? Won't the 2" holes distort with the weight of the compost?

iPodGuy (author) in reply to fsladeJun 28, 2009. 12:42 PM

No, I didn't reinforce the holes and I've had it packed pretty full without any distorting. 55 gallon drums are pretty heavy-duty. When I had the bottom barrel nearly completely full, it weighed quite a bit as you would expect, but it gets lighter as the stuff breaks down. I was still able to spin it however because after the first spin, centrifugal force makes it easier.