[lfcevans]

hi everyone.
                    In our area, they have done away with the humble black plastic refuse bin, and replace it with a brand new extra large black wheely bin. I have 2 of the old plastic bins...with lids and dont like the idea of throwing stuff away. I have seen new plastic compost bins in the local garden centre, so wondered if anyone has a design to alter a plastic bin into a usable compost bin.

basically....can I just load it up as is and give it an occasionally stir, or, are they no good a design and have to be altered.??

[Kleftiwallah]

It sound good to me, the only grit in your vaseline is that they may be too small for proper composting to take place (heating up of the rotting matter will kill the nasties).  But as they are free,  go for it.   Cheers,   Tony.

[mumofstig]

cut the bottom off, turn it upside down put the lid on (weigh it down with a brick )....and you have a small dalek !

[lfcevans]

cut the bottom off, turn it upside down put the lid on (weigh it down with a brick )....and you have a small dalek !

You had me going there ...

[mumofstig]

I mean it .........make a small plastic composter...we call them Daleks cos they're that shape.
It would look like a small one of these, wouldn't it?
http://blog.gardening-tools-direct.co.uk/2010/04/allotment-creating-our-own-compost.html

[8doubles]

cut the bottom off, turn it upside down put the lid on (weigh it down with a brick )....and you have a small dalek !

I would suggest you cut a large hole in the bottom rather than cut the bottom right off.
A 50mm rim would help keep the bottom now top in shape.

[JayG]

Have the widest end at the bottom if it's at all tapered (makes it a lot easier to lift it off the compost sandpie-style, but of course you will have to cut nearly all of the bottom off first; I used an electric jigsaw on an old water butt and it worked pretty well.)

To improve air entry, especially if it will be standing on hard ground or concrete it's a good idea to cut some holes around the circumference fairly near the bottom (not so large that mice could get in - a 3/8" flat wood-cutting bit is about right.)

[Kajazy]

I use my old one as an extra water butt!

[8doubles]

I use one dustbin for shop bought seedling compost that i have put through the shredder to 'fluff up' and have two bins chock full of assorted flowerpots.

[lfcevans]

thanks for the help everyone.
Everything will be done as suggested

I will be making my errr...Dalek this weekend. It will be standing on 2x2 paving slab, so i will have a nice Dalek shaped "compost castle at the end of the year hopefully. I will post pics when done

My wifes been asking me what can go in it, so as not to put anything in that shouldnt. I have tried to explain, but mistakes will be made I`m sure.

[Trillium]

No meat or bones at all (vermin will be your best friends if you do)

No cooked foods (repeat above)

Nothing synthetic.

[lfcevans]

I`ve made 2 compost bins.

One is nearly full already, one is empty.

Should I leave the full one and start on a new one, or should I empty it out and put it in the new one all mixed up and start filling the old one again

Hmmm What to do

Heres a pic

[arugula]

The ideal situation is more difficult to achieve with two bins, as one full and "brewing" and one being filled doesn't leave you any compost for use, whereas if you have three you can have one full up and brewing, one being filled with veg waste etc and one with lovely compost ready for use.