CHEAP and EASY Composting Method.. 32 Gallon Trash Bin

This is a super easy, and affordable, method for composting. All you have to do is buy a trash can from the hardware store and drill some holes on the top, bottom, and sides of the bin. Make sure the holes are at least 1/4". You'll need a carbon source such as dried leaves, wood chips, or sawdust to layer the compost, especially after you add food scraps. However much food scraps you add to the compost, put double the amount of carbon.
If you live anywhere in the Metro Detroit area, you can contact us for garden and compost services: www.detroitgardencompost.com/...

[@RobertDaria1]

Great video. To increase aeration put a three or four inch diameter tube (the length of the garbage can) that has holes drilled intro into the length of the tube and put that in the center of the garbage can then start adding your materials. This way no turning is needed

[@peetky8645]

i used a perforated corrugated drain tube the depth of the garbage can

[@thesmirkinggrape]

@@harleyrider9923 Try adding urine to your bin.

[@jyotinanda7112]

How can center tube works properly? air flow in certer tube will be stop when we cover the bin from the top

[@shansi1931]

@@jyotinanda7112 leave a bit of room at the top, so that lid doesn’t block the airflow. Mine works really well. I do cover the top of pipe with upside down plastic aerated pot, this ensures food scraps don’t get dumped into the pipe ( especially by my kids )

[@niclayjose]

Brilliant!! Thanks

[@bob.hudson]

We have been doin this for a while it works fantastic. The way we do it is : 1 layer of carbon, 1 layer of food scraps, 1 layer of carbon in that order. The smaller the material are chopped, the fastest the process goes.

[@The.Ghost.of.Tom.Joad.]

Nice vid. It's what we do. Easy peasy, cheap, and effective. One suggestion: keep the lid on tight (we use bungee cords) and roll the bin around every day or so. It'll aerate the bin and speed up composting.

[@gardentours]

Well done 👍 You never have enough compost.

[@trendinvestor2893]

I have two of those, but I added a PVC pipe (with holes drilled in it) in the center to allow air to get to the center of the bin. I cut a hole in the lid to allow the pipe to stick out a few inches above the lid. The pipe acts like a chimney allowing warm moist air to rise while pulling fresh air in through the holes in the side of the container.

[@Sparrow420]

Great idea for larger bins!

[@jyotinanda7112]

When pipe stick with the lid so how can open the lid?

[@SproutingFam]

Good one! Will implement.

[@shansi1931]

@@jyotinanda7112 The hole circumference in the lid will obviously need to be slightly larger than the pipe circumference. And I believe the scraps will weigh down the pipe, so there shouldn't be a chance of it coming out with the lid.

[@rachelhearnesaugust3106]

Thank you so much! This is extremely helpful for someone wanting to begin this journey of composting. I'm excited to start!

[@175epi]

Great video -- very instructive and easy to follow. I was looking for a way to get started with composting, and yours was the method I decided to use.

[@BillLowenburg]

Lots of good suggestions here, and thanks for the video. I live out in the country and have space, so I just build a pile on the ground. It consists of leaves (unlimited supply), torn up cardboard (without printing on it, remove all tape), lawn grass clippings (4 acres worth), kitchen trimmings (we're veg, so lots of them) and weeds pulled from the garden and flower beds. I add layers of whatever's handy and throw on a bucket of kitchen trimmings every day - they really add up. Every once in a while I sprinkle on a bucket or two of water, and I turn the pile over maybe 3 or 4 times during the summer. Occasionally I also throw on a shovelful of dirt - not much, though. Since I'm constantly adding to it, the pile gets pretty big. I also have several auxiliary piles, but those are all leaves, weeds, and grass clippings, no fruits and veg clippings. A pile that takes all summer to build, I let sit over the winter and turn it over a couple of times in the spring before adding to the garden or mulching trees and flower beds. Don't overthink the whole process, just pile stuff up and be patient. Everyone's in too much of a rush most of the time. Just let nature do its thing and enjoy the results.

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

That's a great point! If you are not in a rush to get the compost, it can be done in a very low-maintenance manner.

[@TWBlack]

HELP!!! I'm at a complete loss for creating a "pile". I also have the space to build just a pile (no carpentry?). Do you have a problem with animals? The are I'm thinking of using butts up to the hillside tree line. I'm in the Appalachian foothills and we have everything from Coyotes to an occasional bear being spotted in those woods that I'd rather not have come down onto the property any more than they already do. I've been gardening for going on 5yrs now and definitely want a compost pile... preferably as I said just a pile. That being reiterated, I'm elderly and pretty much disabled when it comes to the physical work I can put in for a pile (all my veggies are in raised beds or containers. I have several old boxes about 18" by 36" and 2 ft deep on legs that I'll no longer use for veggies...wondering if those could be used for composting🤔. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and I thank you!!

[@zeldasmith1088]

It's exactly what I've been using for the last couple of years it works great

[@LSinclair]

I really appreciate your making this great video and reading the helpful comments, as well as your kind answers. Thank you!!!

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the content.

[@sandrahall9030]

Great video, keeping it simple. Very elegant and economical. Thanks. Also, no rats can get in.

[@HoosierSHU]

I just started this thanks to you! I have a small industrial garbage bin to start but I'll get a big one later to transfer to. I also bought local worms to add to it to help. This feels doable compared to other videos I've seen.

[@rakhimgulkairalapova9686]

😅жх

[@meggie2192]

I've seen something similar done and it worked well. They used 50 gallon barrels. It was a no turn compost, and they had square access holes cutout at the bottom to get the dirt once it was done.

[@thepearl6087]

I was looking for a way to compost that was cheap and confined. Thanks, this was very informative.

[@niclayjose]

Thank you for your invaluable guide. Much appreciated. Thanks

[@beachbum4691]

Very very helpful video, and many of the comments below are also very helpful. Thank you

[@marjoriesharp8576]

what can I say, You rock. Thank you.

[@edsonbatista9489]

Realy good. I'm Brazil and make compost in my farm. I use in many plants and i heve good results. Tanks for explanation.

[@Mityob67]

Very cool vid man.

[@uchennaW]

Thanks for sharing this 🙏🏽

[@n2bfw884]

Thanks for the great video. I learned a lot.

[@SickMy_Duck]

Michigander here! Go blue!

[@greenmantis2158]

Thank you. Great advice.

[@isaacmoss9950]

Simple and functional

[@ayubmohammodbibi4164]

Very nice video. Thanks.

[@kimwilliams7051]

Good video

[@nellyschulz7509]

Thanks for the tip

[@MalloryHasCats]

Love it thank you!!

[@auggiemarsh8682]

Most excellent, dude. Thanks a mil~

[@murrayzuckerman123]

Enjoyed video. Just subscribed.

[@jegonzales7768]

Thanks for this video

[@benlyons7752]

Thank you for the video

[@pilarmartin5051]

Excellent show l

[@kristinalowe8627]

Thank you! 😇

[@tiesabriscoe7788]

Thanks

[@kurtrain7560]

Thank you and God bless❤❤

[@chikostick28]

Great info keep on growing💯🚜💪🌰🌱🌿🌳

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Thank you, sir! And Welcome to the channel!!

[@zeldasmith1088]

I started two brand new compost piles this month...

[@twilagullatt4344]

Thank you for sharing this very informative video with me. I would love to try this compost system, but I am getting a bit up in age. Maybe my son and daughter-in-law will help me out.

[@hmbogi]

I made one of these 2 days ago. 😊

[@ljn4720]

UofM bucket, Go Blue! Oh yeah, great video

[@lordbanhmi3389]

For increased airflow, have you considered drilling a 4-5" hole in the bottom and connecting a tube made of hardware cloth mesh? Similar to some of the Johnson-Su Bioreactors?

[@karrieweb2004_JxEdEx]

Excellent video. I just subscribed. I use shredded paper for the layers, it works well for the source of carbon. I like to turn the barrels by locking the tops, then rolling the barrel around.

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

That's a great idea to roll the barrel around in order to aerate it. I also use paper sometimes, as well as the paper bags from the grocery store, and cardboard.

[@ferrous719]

I've got a small frame I can lean it on so I don't have to fight the weight

[@tonyqwabe5873]

Rolling it perfect especially for Rock & Roll fans

[@kurtrain7560]

Amazing the materials you use I have not thought of. Is potash necessary if you make fertilizer this way?

[@off-gridsimplyhappyrodriguez]

Thank you🍃🌿🌼💚

[@SproutingFam]

I like that pallet bin. I'll have to see if you made a vid for that one. Have you tried putting holes on the bottomside of this 32 gallon one to let worms come in?

[@amyharris7337]

Great video. Thanks! Simple and easy and I have extra trash cans already. Can't wait to get started!

[@paulguerrero3560]

NO NEED to put a tube in the trash can to aerate, once you put your layers in the can, when you get to 3/4 full, just shake your can to level out the layers, then take a shovel, and in the middle go as deep as you can and move the lays to one side, if you have to dig out some layers, that is OK to take out and put them on top of the compost, your compost will look like a giant donut when finish. Leave your lid loosely fitted, let some air in thru the lid. The air will get down to the middle of the Donut Hole all the way to the bottom of your compost bin, YOU WILL NEVER HAVE TO TURN OVER YOUR COMPOST. Thank You,

[@emmanuelomoniyi3566]

Thanks for the video sir. Suppose Sir if this is to be carried out without the trash bins, it possible. Or can this be carried out without any container. Thanks

[@src3360]

Omg Youre such a beautiful man, you should model 🙏

[@laurahicks9558]

Okay, at least I know I wasn't the only one.

[@Preppy_Gurl27]

TYSM

[@lisasunray6449]

Grass clippings between layers speeds up process. It gets hot in the barrel for few days. Once a month, on a sunny day, I dump my compost on the ground to let dry out for a day or two. Then mix in fresh grass clippings and return to barrel. It takes about 3 months during summer from start to finish here in Southeast USA.

[@elsawehner1702]

I like your video! Here I have a question:"Do all kinds of flies go inside the bin and lay eggs and produce lots of fly worms?"

[@susangarraway6385]

Hi, do you ever elevate yr bins and collect d liquid to dilute and wet bavk yr plants? Just an idea.

[@macpharlan6738]

This is fantastic! Can the garbage can be in the sun or does it need to stay in the shade? Thanks for sharing!

[@lemoncouture3610]

How do you keep small insects out of the compost bins? (Like ants and flys)

[@EricaLoren88]

Do these bins need to be kept in the Sun or shade?

[@ALvatar3]

Holes in bottom same size as side ones?

[@JessiesFamily]

Can I use dry birds of paradise leaves?

[@rachelmcgourney597]

does hay or straw work instead of dried leaves?

[@ryancrits8180]

Thanks! Two questions - do you have any issues with rats getting in? also how long does in take in your region to be ready for the garden?

[@lisas5913]

I'm trying it with a 2 dollar thick garden bag with holes in it

[@mariclee5134]

Thankyou sharing this video. Which area do you put your compost bin? Sunny spot or under the tree or in a shade?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

I put it in a partly sunny area. You want to make sure it has at least some sunlight as that will help the pile heat up and break down.

[@gregre052]

Sunny for sure. You really want higher temperatures.

[@lindabranch8294]

I have wooden compost bins (cold compost) want to do this . Can I take some of the material in these bins and put into trash cans like you have and just add more green/brown material? In addition once you put the compost in the square bin do you add any more water or is it considered done. Trying to learn this will be my second year gardening trying to make compost. Thank you in advance

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Yes you can transfer material from any bin into the trash can as long as it's layered properly. Here in Michigan where it rains a lot throughout the year it's not necessary to add water at the final stage. If you live in a really dry, arid climate, it might be a good idea to continue adding water even in its curing stage.

[@metube0309]

What about heavy rain? How do you protect the compost from getting soggy?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Compost needs moisture to break it down so rain is a good thing.. But you also want to make sure there are wholes underneath the bin to allow water to leave.

[@Patty-qd1lz]

When you put your finished compost in that third can, does that can have to have holes in it too?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Always a good idea to have aeration. If the compost is broken down enough then you could put store it in a bin without holes, but make sure it's in the shade.

[@kdelcastillo]

I am new to this, can you add manure to the compost? Thanks!

[@gregre052]

You CAN use manure but you will likely attract the animals you don't want to attract. Allow a couple of rats become 15 to 30 and THEN try 50 to 100!

[@cosmoscues]

Do we have to put a hole below or on sides? Some people ask to make holes below for drainage.

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Yes, holes on the bottom of the bin and on the sides. I used a drill to make the holes.

[@neverwinterfarms]

What about using shredded paper as a carbon source?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Yes that'll work

[@wandabryant6880]

Can I use the metal/aluminum/galvanized container?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Yes you can, it will probably start to corrode after about 5 years though. Also, you'll need to find a drill bit that can drill though the metal to create the aeration holes.

[@activistgranny2.066]

Nice, I started using small 20 gallon cans because they are easier for me to handle. I came up the method by accident when my can full of leaves got filled with rain water and when I poured it out and let the can sit in the partial sun a lot of the leaves broke down into beautiful compost. Now I am collecting rain water in the 20 gallon cans too because water is so expensive in CA if you want to have a garden it's quite an expense. They are going to start limiting how much water you can use based on size of household. It's about to get really ugly for the home gardeners but not the golf courses.

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Very interesting. I hope that local governments make an effort to encourage rainwater harvesting.

[@h.nguyen9992]

Activist, It's the The Big Shark Men world, all about their Bucks Banks.

[@jaykrushnapatel2634]

How long does it take tor full compost in bin in NJ winter?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

For a family of 3 it'll take about 3-4 months to fill up the bin. From that point, it'll take an additional 4-5 months before the compost is ready. The process can be sped up by turning it with a pitch fork, and adding water.

[@cziegle3794]

What about roaches and mice? Does that step of adding carbon - leaves, sawdust, whatever - help to keep them away?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Adding the proper amount of carbon will help prevent rodents, but more importantly you will need to consistently turn the pile to deter them from creating a nest. If you have a bad rodent problem and they are chewing through the plastic, then you can use a metal bin instead.

[@moon-oq4ks]

what about maggots' and grubs, are they good to have in the compost?

[@gregre052]

Worms maggots and grubs do the right job. Mostly it's change these items into items that the compost can work with.

[@eirikmurito]

Will it still compost if i use an airtight freezer without any holes as a compost bin?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

An airtight environment is not good for compost as it needs oxygen in order to decompose. Otherwise the compost will not breakdown properly and you will get a bad odor.

[@haydehabdolahian7691]

Our state is frozen at list 6 months of the year ? And my compost bin is frozen out side . I just hate throwing my kitchen scrap in to the garbage 🤷🏼‍♀️so what should we do in Minnesota for composting during winter ?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

That's ok if the compost freezes during the winter. You can still keep adding food scraps and layering it with carbon, just as you would in the summer. The compost will thaw out in the spring, and then you can turn the pile to aerate it.

[@haydehabdolahian7691]

@@sanctuaryfarms4647 thank you so much for answering my question 🙏🏾👍

[@dedonohue1]

Does the trash can need to be food grade or number 2 HDPE or can it be any trash can?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

If it's a brand new trash can I don't think it needs to be food grade. If you're getting a used one then its probably a good idea to get a food grade can because you have no idea what was in it previously. I use food grade barrels for rainwater harvesting.

[@kristina_lynn]

What if there is wheels at the bottom and the bottom of the trash doesnt sit flush with the ground? Can the worms still get in?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

It would be more difficult for worms to get in the bin if it's lifted off the ground. You can mound up a little bit of dirt underneath to make sure it touches the bottom of the bin.

[@kristina_lynn]

@@sanctuaryfarms4647 great idea thanks!

[@buipham123]

One part of food scraps (green,) at least two parts of carbon (brown.) Would that be in volume or in weight?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Volume

[@davidhudson3567]

You can solve the aeration issue by placing a 4" PVC pipe with lots of drilled holes in the center of the can. This will mimic the Johnson-Su bioreactor. Not my idea, got it from Diego Footer.

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Great idea! I'm familiar with the concept, but haven't use it myself. I'm curious, if you put the 4" PVC pipe in the center of the can, would you still keep the lid on top?

[@ArizonaBorn1358]

@@sanctuaryfarms4647 I have been binge watching videos today.. . . And he does show still putting on the lid. He says air enters from from top through holes and goes through pipe aerating center of "pile".

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

@@ArizonaBorn1358 Thanks for the information!

[@Search4TruthReality]

@@sanctuaryfarms4647 The Johnson-Su bioeactor specifies 2' between pipes and the reactor's walls. Given the size of the trash can, a 4" pipe may not be necessary. Also consider the volume you'll lose for each trash can. Not saying it won't work - just providing additional information from another KZbin creator who has built and tested reactors.

[@sophietyrrell3131]

I just leave the top off.

[@erikkrumm2910]

I have a question, I was looking to buy 2 or 3 of these cans to compost several bags of wood shavings from some trees that were cut down and chopped up. My main purpose is because I feel like its a total waste if thrown out but also to help my garden. What kind of mixture would you recommend going with this? I was planning on adding worms straight in the can as well as holes in the bottom... Thanks

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

That'll be fine, but I would also recommend layering the wood shavings with a nitrogen source such as lawn clippings, food scraps, coffee grounds, etc..

[@amysnipes4245]

What do you think about dried Spruce cones, graphite pencil shavings? If I dry nasty weeds to a crisp, do they become a carbon additive?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Never used either of those so I couldn't tell ya. Sorry! Yes, dried weeds or grass can be used as a carbon source.

[@ferrous719]

@@sanctuaryfarms4647 I thought dry grass didn't work bc it still had the same nutrients as fresh? I use cardboard ripped up

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

@@ferrous719 The nitrogen is released the longer it sits out to dry.

[@shankyxyz]

do the cans have to be away from direct sunlight or sunlight is ok?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Direct sunlight is ok, although we recommend partial shade especially if the bins are black, they will absorb a lot of heat.

[@stephanie-zq9sz]

Hello! If you only have one bin available for composting, what else can you transfer it in?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

The pallets are a great way to organize the finished product. But you can also leave it in an open pile, although you might have to continue to turn it a few more times.

[@alicenakajima6014]

I recently started to use chicken manure as an input to my compost in addition to kitchen scraps and uneaten hay and rice hull bedding. How can I tell that it is no longer hot and won’t burn my plant roots?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

If you want an exact measurement you can use a compost thermometer. Otherwise if it's too hot for you to hold in your hand then it's probably too hot for the plants. Usually if the compost is spread a few inches away from the base of the plant it'll be ok.

[@gregre052]

If it's not warm, the live guys curl up and wait for spring/summer warmth.

[@hakangoceri3129]

How long do you keep the compost

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

The compost is good for many years to come. But I would recommend putting in your garden as soon as possible. Make sure the compost has fully broken down before adding it to the garden. It usually takes about 9 months for the compost to break down fully, assuming your turning it and adding water regularly.

[@Davey1022]

What is the temperature in which it has to be kept for best success . ... does it work in winter condition .

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

The compost in these bins won't get very hot because they're too small. In order to generate heat your pile will need to be at least a cubic yard. I suggest not putting meat and dairy in the bin since you likely won't generate enough heat to kill bacteria. Yes, this works in the winter although it's more difficult to turn because it freezes.

[@Davey1022]

@@sanctuaryfarms4647 thank you .

[@user-xh3jh7mt9i]

do you need to turn the compost regularly with this method?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Not necessary if you layered the carbon-nitrogen correctly. If you wait long enough the compost will break down by itself. Turning, however, will speed up the process.

[@tparentful]

Does plastic leach into the compost as the compost heats up? Is that safe for growing food in?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

It's unlikely you would be able to generate a lot of heat with only using this size bin. Typically you need the mass of about a cubic yard for a compost pile to generate heat above 120 degrees. If plastic contamination is a concern you could use a metal bin instead.

[@BlackKettleRanch]

I'm new to composting and live in a 4-season climate. Is there any special care to composting in the Winter? Can you compost in the Winter? Thanks.

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Having a larger compost pile will help retain the heat. A 32 gallon bin will definitely freeze over the winter. It will still work, just won't be ready until the spring.

[@BlackKettleRanch]

@@sanctuaryfarms4647 Thank you.

[@gregre052]

Worst enemy that is obvious I think. It's hard to keep them warm. Not impossible but tough.

[@KanishQQuotes]

Can we use shredded paper instead of dried leaves or sawdust

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

Yes. Shredded paper, cardboard, and paper bags, can all be used for a carbon source. Always make sure to double the amount of carbon for food scraps.

[@KanishQQuotes]

@@sanctuaryfarms4647 Thanks for reply. I am in an apartment, concrete jungle, so food scraps are there but dried leaves not so much

[@gregre052]

Newspaper, shredded is fine. Greatest thing is its easy to find.

[@gregre052]

Leaves have more variation for the compost, works w. paper and That is good. Compost is good but better is better?

[@gregre052]

Oops. Don't use glossy paper.

[@ufohakunamaka6049]

Can this be used to compost pig manual

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

I'm not sure, I've never used pig manure. It'd probably be ok assuming they are eating a vegetable diet.

[@hayley346]

Hi I am a new subscriber. My question is I've had an 18 l tote with holes on top sides and bottom for a month now. I have all my browns and greens and soil as well as water. I keep putting thermometer in but it only gets. To 80 degrees. It sits on my apartment balcony resting on another tote bin lid. Is it possible some of it has turned to compost without the thermometer at the proper temp? What am I doing wrong? Does it need to be resting on soil or grass? Do I need to put worms in it? Ugh frustrated

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

You won't be able to generate much heat with such a small pile. The pile needs to be at least 1 cubic yard to generate substantial heat. You can still create compost a small tote such as you're doing, it'll just take a little bit longer, and you should also avoid composting meat and dairy since you won't be able to generate enough heat to kill off the pathogens.

[@lovingsunshine3515]

I did this method at our previous home but I didn’t know we were supposed to add water into the compost 🤔 Can you explain that? I thought the stuff being completely wet in there just creates more mushy and stinky compost.

[@ericcarve4476]

Mushy is caused by bacteria, which is a good thing. Water only increases that benefit. Dry components don’t get acted on like wet ones do.

[@tito_zee]

Should the bins be located in the sun? Or can it still work in the shade? Also, are you turning/ rotating your first bin, like you did to the second one? Thanks for the vid!

[@parkerjean769]

I would not recommend putting the bins entirely in the sun, especially if you live in a hot environment. Mine are along my fence line and receive a few hours of sunlight each day. They will still work even if they are fully in the shade.

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

The bins will absolutely work in the shade, although we recommend putting them at least partly in the sun. The first bin was not turned or rotated. The bin was layered with food scraps and dried leaves until full, and then poured into the second bin. Whenever I add food scraps, I use the pitch fork just to mix it in with the dried leaves. If you want to create compost even faster, then you can turn the compost over regularly and add water each time you turn it.

[@tito_zee]

@@sanctuaryfarms4647 Great! thanks for the info! I have to say, your video is the only one that I have found that addresses what to do after your first bin is full. I was getting frustrated because most “composting in bins” videos just show you how to get started but don’t explain what happens after. Thanks again!

[@samueljaramillo4221]

My bins are in full sun and it helps the whole things cook faster. And during the winter it helps the stuff in the bins thaw when it’s too cold and it freezes.

[@thedestroyer3879]

How long does the process take

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

About 4-5 months if you're adding water and turning the compost regularly.

[@backyardfarmingaroundbyfa1059]

Nice video. Supporting each other here. Keep it up.

[@ll-qq9qr]

Hi, if your only using leaves (no food scraps) and you drill holes all over the plastic garbage can.... is it ok if you dont have a cover on it? I have 3 large plastic garbage containers but no lids.

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

That should be fine because, since you're only using leaves, you probably won't have a problem with rodents. I prefer to cover mine to keep out the squirrels, but I put a lot of food scraps in my compost.

[@marieblalock694]

Love this idea I've been doing for several years now BUT instead of moving from one can to another, I fill it 3/4 full attach two bungee cords nice and tight then lay it down and roll it 2-3 feet back and forth and I have rich soil in half the time. Try it, works great

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

@@marieblalock694 Very interesting idea, thanks for sharing! Seems like that would be a lot less labor-intensive, which is always a good idea.

[@marieblalock694]

@@sanctuaryfarms4647 actually I live nextdoor to a hoarder. Terrible rat problem so I do have three cats that stay outside at night. But I also planted mint sporadically through my backyard rats will not cross mint it throws off their pheromones and they lose their way. That seems to be working too!

[@marieblalock694]

Also I put all my garden scraps in the cans 4 cans total

[@RobertMorrison70]

How long did it take to become actual compost?

[@sanctuaryfarms4647]

If you aerate and water the pile you can generate compost in about 4 months. Otherwise it'll take about a year

[@user-ls8ks7kv8c]

@@sanctuaryfarms4647 Thank you so much for all of this important information and responding to the various questions!!

[@fngsrck]

What kind of steps do I have to take to keep the bins safe from raccoons/rats/etc?

[@joniboulware1436]

Let them eat and stir up the pile. You can minimize the attraction to larger animals by containing the pile with a lid.

[@gregre052]

Make sure you don't add meat products and by- products. They don't come for social interaction, they want to eat.

[@gregre052]

For sure it's good to rotate the pile but it's better to give in to rats etc.