How To Build A Compost Tumbler

Compost tumblers are fairly easy to make using simple tools and items you can find at surplus yards or even on online classified ad sites like Craigslist. Most of the homemade compost rollers and tumblers are made with either a metal or plastic 55 gallon barrel. You can usually find these barrels at local car washes or a surplus yard.

Here is a video that explains how to make a compost roller out of a large plastic barrel that was picked up at a car wash.

This is a very basic, yet effective homemade tumbler. Although this particular model does not include a stand, it wouldn’t be too much trouble to make one. If you are mechanically inclined, you could easily make a stand for your composter that would allow you to either tumble or spin your barrel.

Here is another video that shows how to make a compost tumbler out of an old pickle barrel. This tumbler also has a stand so it will actually tumble, much like the commercial compost tumblers that you can buy.

Here is the video:

This compost container is another great homemade bin that would be a great weekend project. The advantages to making a rolling or tumbling bin is the ease of mixing the compost. With standard bins or piles you will need to turn the compost regularly using a turning fork or pitchfork. A simple spin or tumble will do the same with a compost tumbler. Make sure your barrel has small holes drilled in it for aeration, your mixture needs to breathe and the little organisms that help break down the organic material need a way to enter the bin!

If you need more help finding plans to build the best compost bin, visit your local library or garden center. There are a wide variety of great plans out there for building home compost containers. You can make them as simple or complex as you wish. Once you have built your compost bin, you will find that making your own compost can be rewarding and fun!