How to make a homemade composter

When embarking on a “Zero Waste” project, there are a number of steps involved in making the transition from conventional practices to more eco-conscious and environmentally sound ones.

To reduce waste significantly, several solutions exist: use reusable containers for shopping, recycle as much packaging as possible, cook products in all their forms, and so on.

But no matter how hard you try, some waste remains difficult to recycle. This is particularly true of banana peels, tea and coffee grounds, vegetable peelings and so on.

So the question remains: what to do with all these leftovers? Well, it’s simple: compost them. To find out how to compost, start by choosing a suitable spot, adding green and brown materials in alternating layers, and mixing regularly to aerate. Follow best practices to avoid unpleasant odours and attract the right micro-organisms.

If you don’t have your own composter, you can simply make your own on the DIY – Do It Yourself – principle!

Understanding the benefits of composting

Composting is an ecological practice that transforms organic waste into a nutrient-rich product for plants. By composting, you reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill and create a natural fertilizer for your garden. Composting also reduces the amount of waste sent to incineration plants, helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to these environmental benefits, composting enriches the soil in your garden, promoting healthy, vigorous plant growth.

The ABCs of composting and home composting

Today, there are composting solutions for everyone, whether you live in a house or an apartment, and whether or not you have a garden, there’s no longer any excuse for not composting. Providing practical advice on the essential steps and basic techniques can go a long way to helping you start up and maintain a composter efficiently.

First of all, in the case of an apartment or house without a garden, you can opt for a vermicomposter. A vermicomposter is a compact composter suitable for small spaces, which can easily be wedged into a corner of the kitchen.

If you have a garden or communal green space, you can opt for a compost bin. This can be done using a plastic or wooden crate, or simply by creating a heap of waste in a corner of the garden.

The main problem with commercial composters is their price, which often tends to be high.

That’s why a final solution is to make your own compost bin. To do this, you’ll need to be a bit of a handyman, but rest assured, there’s nothing too complicated about the task.

Choosing the right composting method

There are several composting methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common is heap composting, in which organic waste is piled up in a corner of the garden. This method is simple and requires no special equipment, but it can be time-consuming and requires a certain amount of space. Another popular method is in-vessel composting, which uses a container specially designed for composting. This method is faster and more efficient than heap composting, but requires an initial investment to purchase the bin. Whether you choose a heap or a bin, the important thing is to find the method that best suits your space and lifestyle.

How do you make a home composter for your waste?

The project involves making a medium-sized home-made wooden composter, with a capacity of 125 liters. Its dimensions will be 50 x 50 x 50 cm.

To build a home composter, you’ll need :

4 gratings at around €3 each
2 boards for a two-part lid, approx. €3 each
2 wooden rods, 50 cm high, to make one side of the composter removable
2 hinges, approx. €1.50 each
4 universal steel brackets, approx. €0.40 each
A box of nails (minimum 30 units) at approx. €0.30 (compatible with the pre-drilled holes in the brackets).

The total cost of the home composter should be around €25. It’s a low-cost solution, far less expensive than ready-to-install composters.

What’s more, all the components are readily available in DIY stores. There are various models of homemade composters that you can make yourself, offering ecological and aesthetic options suitable for a variety of spaces.

Assembly :

Step 1: take the 2 rods and nail them to 2 separate gratings about 3 centimetres from the fixing rods already present under each grating. This addition will create a groove which will allow one side of the composter to slide out to collect compost whenever necessary.
Step 2: nail the 3 gratings together using the brackets, taking care to position the gratings with the runners on either side. The fourth grating will be removable and will slide over the runners. Don’t hesitate to reinforce the fastening with as many nails as necessary.
Step 3: the two-part lid is made by joining the two boards with two hinges. Be sure to leave a 0.5 cm gap between the two boards before fastening them. This way, even if the wood swells in winter, the lid will still open easily.
Step 4: slide the last grating onto the front of the composter before placing it in its final position. Note that the base of the composter remains open to allow the earthworms access. To prevent the whole unit from moving, you can place a flower pot on the lid while you wait to fill the composter with kitchen waste.
Step 5: The composter is ready for use. Most organic waste can be deposited in it. As the waste decomposes, it enters a process that transforms it into a rich natural fertilizer: compost. Organic matter plays a crucial role in this process, as it is broken down by organisms such as bacteria and earthworms, creating high-quality compost.

Wooden home composter, version 2:

Rather than buying raw materials from a DIY store, you can salvage pallets here and there to create your own composter from reclaimed materials. This is the recycled version of the home composter.

Pallets must be raw, i.e. unpainted. Painted pallets are treated and may repel insects.

The wood from the pallets can be used to replace the gratings, so making a composter of this type won’t be expensive at all. On the other hand, there will be a little more work involved.

Another simpler option is to find second-hand or, if possible, donated gratings. To do this, there are a growing number of websites that operate on the principle of an online garage sale, as well as similar applications. Some platforms also specialize in donations. This makes it possible to find raw materials at lower prices, and sometimes even free of charge.

Maintaining your compost

For composting to be effective, it’s crucial to maintain optimal conditions for waste decomposition. This means turning the compost regularly to aerate the materials and allow the micro-organisms to work efficiently. It’s also important to maintain a balance between “green” waste (rich in nitrogen) and “brown” waste (rich in carbon). Well-maintained compost should have an earthy smell and a granular texture. By taking good care of your compost, you ensure that it decomposes properly and produces a high-quality natural fertilizer for your garden.

Mistakes to avoid

There are several common mistakes to avoid when composting. One of the most common is to put too much “green” waste in the compost, which can cause an unpleasant smell and attract insects. It’s also crucial not to include toxic or contaminating waste, such as heavy metals or pesticides, in your compost. Finally, don’t forget to turn the compost regularly to maintain optimal conditions for decomposition. By avoiding these mistakes, you guarantee successful composting and a quality end product for your garden.