DIY composter tumbler - 55 gallon barrel project

Here's how I build a tumbling composter out of a 55 gallon blue barrel. These barrels are generally very available to most folks and are very robust and will last many years in the elements with no problems. Maybe this will give you an idea to make your own composter for all of those kitchen and yard scraps that keep piling up! Thanks for watching:)
#diycomposter
#diycomposttumbler
#homesteadonomics
My supplier of choice for southern arizona and the Tucson areas to get barrels, IBC totes, etc, is Justin LaBoa and can be reached at 520-329-2929. He has a great selection and all containers are cleaned with 250 degree water and hi pressure. The containers I have bought have had zero residual smells or residues.

[@chadjones3244]

Dude... I've been watching compost tumbler videos all evening and you sir, this video takes the cake.

[@stevegrenier2169]

I was about to post the same thing. One guy spent more time talking about cutting angles and made it more about a carpentry lesson than he did a composter and it was like 45 minutes long. I was currious about two things. A good way to mount the pipe to the 55 gallon drum and also about venting. He nailed it all in 5 minutes. Thank you for a great video

[@cowsgomooatme4845]

I built some of these exactly as you describe, the only difference is I used pressure treated lumber due to my environment, I like these because they are easy to tumble, and easy to empty into a wheelbarrow. Thanks for sharing.

[@mlagerstedt]

We just built this! It's amazing. Thank you so much!

[@chelinfusco6403]

We just discovered your channel and we are enjoying it immensely. So sorry for the delayed comment. We watched all 7 of the greenhouse videos and the rainwater collection system for your home. We are so impressed. Now we need to find the videos on how your home was built... those walls... so thick. Nice. Thank you for sharing and hugs to your little one.

[@cybergeek70]

Your idea of compost tumbler is superb. No need to stir; and once compost is complete, it can be taken out in a bucket straight away. I made a compost tumbler with an oval shape blue colour barrel with dimensions: uprights 35" crossbraces 24" and feet 34". And voila the compost tumbler has come out very nice. Thank you very much for this lovely piece of video.

[@danielbesingi7698]

Beautiful! thanks for sharing, I'm now convinced to build something like this

[@MethosCRC]

Thanks a lot. I made two tumblers based on your design and they work like a charm.

[@MichaelPaulHenderson]

Rolando, what's the good word on operation and results?

[@natet.5738]

Thanks for the easy instructions. I just completed mine and started using it immediately. Only time will tell if I have enough air but other than that... it works just perfectly.

[@homesteadonomics]

Awesome to hear Nate! Glad to hear that... keep it moist and tumbled every so often and I think you'll have good results. If it seems too wet then add some holes... of course that will depend on your climate, etc,. Joe

[@evanalsop3419]

Thank you for this video! I just started my garden, and I wanted to build my own compost tumbler, but I couldn't find any plans online that I liked. So, I kinda gave up. Well, later that week, I wanted to show my mom some of your videos and how amazing your channel is, and I came across this! Now, I would really love too build this!

[@homesteadonomics]

+Evan Alsop That's so cool Evan! Congrats on starting your garden:) If you go to backwoods home magazines website and search for my name... joe mooney.. there is an article on there about how to build this composter with cut dimensions, etc,. .... and so cool that you watched some vids with your mom too! Joe

[@vivekbulbule1370]

I just made one using your video as guide line. Thank you for the great idea.

[@homesteadonomics]

***** Awesome to hear Vivek! I think you're gonna like it:) Joe

[@justmeandmypreferences]

I like this design so much better - end to end - rather than on its side...seems so much easier to clean out! Thanks for the diy instructions. Can't wait to find a barrel like yours so I can make mine own compost bin.

[@compostsfertilizers5471]

Thanks for sharing. This is just too good too easy. I'll give it a go.

[@knitnpaint]

This is the best design I have seen so far. I think I will make one.

[@homesteadonomics]

+knitnpaint Thanks Knitnpaint! I actually have an article on the backwoods home magazine website if you want more detailed plans, etc,. just go to backwoodshome.com and search for j mooney:) Joe

[@SpectacularEntertain]

We made one yesterday, already using it. Love it!!

[@piotrr5439]

does it work?

[@SpectacularEntertain]

@@piotrr5439 yes, works perfectly and easy to handle.

[@Gioaparicio]

pretty easy to do, Thanks for showing us how to do it.

[@nitant02010539]

Bro, this is the most simple and useful compost tumbler I have seen. Great work done here👍

[@rdmss]

Best composter and best no BS video. You kept it simple. No explanation of NKP or other "pretend" rocket science unnecessary for the video. This composter uses very little space. I put some cool rollers on mine. You can make some little additions to the inside (flappers) to make it mix quicker and clean the sides but other than that very cool.

[@homesteadonomics]

+Noway Getname Thanks NG! It's a pretty simple design and works well for me... I like your idea on the flappers though... also, if you want to check it out, I have an article on backwoodshome.com where I give more detailed plans about this composter. thanks for watching! Joe

[@bonsukan]

Interesting comment on the flappers. What material would you use and where would you affix them on the tumbler? Dave

[@randyarmstrong1339]

Another excellent video! Thanks! I was going to build a different design until I saw this one. Very Cool!

[@homesteadonomics]

+Randy Armstrong Thanks Randy! If you want more info on it, I have an article on backwoodshome.com that has cutting diagrams, and a step by step description too:) Joe

[@randyarmstrong1339]

Whoa! I will check it out. That's cool! I used to subscribe to that magazine! I actually bumped in to one of your vids on another site, as well! You're building up quite a reputation and resume! :) And rightfully so. You have great stuff! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@miniliebenberg9644]

I just found you today on my feed! I subscribed and thank goodness it’s Sunday because my husband and I have been binge watching 😁

[@ConcernedMushroom]

Super video! This is going to be my next weekend project

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks! glad you liked it! Joe

[@programmingchicago]

This is what I was looking for. Not for composting, but to make a soil sand mixer. So if I don't drill holes, since I won't need them, this should work well. Although I am not as handy, but I can try.

[@flycastinginstrn]

glad I found this! so much easier than trying to cut a hole in the side of the barrel...especially for those of us who are better at ideas than execution with power tools 🤣 thanks

[@mikenicholson2548]

Nice job why to come up with quick and inexpensive ideas.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks Michael! I'm always looking for the 'better (and cheaper;) mousetrap!' for my projects, etc,.

[@paulgargan6134]

Great project

[@homesteadonomics]

thanks Paul! Joe

[@anildeshmukh4694]

I like your project thanks for guide

[@castors_fog]

That was awesome! Thank you!

[@Estrella21]

Great project! I bought a cheap tumbling composter from Home depot after I kept finding mice and rats in my larger compost bin and it started to fall apart after I put had it about half way full. So I bought a worm bin but I have way too many kitchen scraps for the worms to keep up with, plus I keep it inside and don't want to bring in leaves etc from outside. I wish I could make this compost bin. I have absolutely no skills in any kind of drilling or woodwork even though I love watching This old House and other shows where people build or fix stuff.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks so much Nbella21, If you ask the folks at home depot or Lowes I bet they'll do the basic cuts for you. they probably won't do the angled cuts but those are more for looks and you could do them by borrowing a hand saw. Other than that, all you'd really need to do is borrow a drill with a couple bits and then a hammer and nails. Thanks for watching and good luck if you try to have a go at it. I think you'll do better than you think:) Joe

[@Khaliqsim]

Thank you so much. I am almost done w my project, soon to upload!

[@RandWFarmstead-TonyWalsh]

Interesting and thanks for sharing.

[@Jmas369]

I built this out of a 22 gallon barrel works great.

[@hagechin]

Interest project. Thanks for sharing. What kind of compostable material do you put in the tumbler; how often do you turn the drum; and how quickly does it turn into compost?

[@blackberryhideout5793]

Nice video, and great new music. :)

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks Jessica! I liked your new post as well... wanting to do a vid with Marley next:)

[@lindabrown7374]

Really nice!

[@homesteadonomics]

+LINDA BROWN Thanks Linda! Joe

[@Huggs67]

Just watched another video that showed a different construction of the base. He stated that a barrel of this size full of compost can get pretty heavy and tip and/or hard to spin. Since the making of this video have you had any issues with spinning when the barrel gets full or tipping? If so, did you make any modifications?

[@jayheld7783]

Awesome. Thank you!

[@bonsukan]

Hi Joe, I noticed that you also added additional retention pins on the pipe (to keep the tumbler centered on the pipe). Do you have any problem with the tumbler (if not on level ground) sliding over the head of the nails?

[@Dom59878]

Cool video, I have 4 of those barrel that I use for rain collection and I been thinking to convert one to a tumbler, I am going to use your design but I will make the uprights and feet one inch shorter so that two 8 feet boards will do.

[@homesteadonomics]

+Domenico Giammona Thanks Domenico! I think that should work just fine:) Joe

[@tsirkucp]

nice plan.based mine off this one and built it in less than an hour.! i really dont understand why everyone is cutting doors and putting in hinges? WAY easier with a removable lid !

[@AbzRa860]

I wish there was a list on the description

[@johnnowicki8474]

I enjoyed your video. What are your thoughts on PVC leaching into the soil? Any thought on a substitution for PVC?

[@frankbullitt4556]

cool idea

[@sarahhutchinson8659]

@homesteadonomics thanks so much for the video. Do you think there would be an issue if i used pvc pipe for the pivot instead of a metal pipe?

[@craigwollman3709]

Is that a Geico gecko at 4:47 on the right side of the video? I think this is amazing. How is the odor when you open it each time to dump in your scraps? How long does it take until you have usable soil?

[@xukeepax1286]

this design makes way more sense than sideways commerical ones

[@Lot_2023]

HOW?

[@theabstractcompany]

Thanks for sharing. My only concern with this design is regarding the holes at the bottom and top. Won’t the compost tea/ juice leak from there?

[@sarahmunromaddonna6264]

I have a black barrel like this that has one end cut off. I am trying to think of how I could make one of those pass through composters, where the good dirt falls out the bottom. I feel like it's my only option since I can't make a tumble composter without the ability to close off the lid portion. Any suggestions?

[@yntrutb324]

nice job.....!

[@homesteadonomics]

+Gangadhar Uppalapati Thanks Gangadhar!

[@thehotseat4498]

How do you keep the holes from elongating from the weight of the compost material?

[@kimmcamp]

Where do you get the locking rings for the top. Your video is awesome

[@iandavidharwin]

What did you use as the axle that goes thru the barrel?

[@chevy6299]

Awesome !!! But after 3.5 years how has it held up and when full how easy is it to turn.

[@savedfaves]

It’s rotating on a middle axis, so imagine if even full would still be reasonably easy to turn.

[@CheapskateGarage]

@@savedfaves Half-full would be the problem.

[@matase]

I think i like this vertical design the best, however is it easy to turn when the bin is very full?

[@myramoran8170]

How dose the retention pin work? It looks like it will fall out when barrell is turned. How is the rod secured?

[@TwoOnesTanks]

How'd you cut the fence post?

[@GlobalCop]

Do the retention pins go through the fence post? It didn't look like the holes you drilled went all they way through the fence post. Thanks.

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes, they go through the wood and then through the galvanized pipe to keep it from sliding out. they only go in just enough to punch through one side of the pipe. Hope that helps:) joe

[@PredApex]

How do you shovel compost out of it with that pipe in it? just dump some out?

[@jonbray6861]

Hey Joe, was wondering how the barrel has held up where the metal tube inserts? Has it warped or stretched at all if you're still using the same one? I'm undertaking the project as we speak and wondered about its longevity? Thanks! Jon.

[@homesteadonomics]

+Jonathan Bray Hey Jonathan... just went down and looked at both of mine and they look completely fine. the hole has virtually no wear that I can see.... and the bar has no bend or sag either. Now, that's not to say it couldn't depending on what someone is putting in there. If a guy filled it with sand or pure dirt... I'm sure it would sag and show significant signs of wear. But for normal composting stuff, like food scraps, chicken poo, etc,.... I think it'll be totally fine:) Joe

[@jonbray6861]

+homesteadonomics Awesome, thanks very much Joe, love the vids!

[@dynagusmandonat]

Cool if you had one more you could build a cement mixer

[@tpl608]

You should show a series of compost in this every week until done

[@CallMeAl82]

If you drill holes into the barrel for aeration as you recommend in your article, could you do without the PVC aerator? I live in a moist climate. Also, would PVC work for the center post? Looks to be 29" for that post, based on the length of your spacers, right?

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes, you could probably do with out the aerator, but you'd probably want to do more exterior holes. As for the center post (pivot?)... PVC would probably be way to weak for the weight of soil. And yes, I believe 29" was about the length. But you might want to check the article just to be sure... i think it's one of the free articles on backwoodshome.com:) thanks for watching Joe

[@LukeMahan-xr4xx]

What diameter pipe is that? Thank you

[@JohnSmith-ep3sf]

Seems easy enough

[@homesteadonomics]

John Smith Very easy for sure! Great project that you can do on a Saturday morning and be filling it by lunch time:)Joe

[@peteandjanis]

wow great video dude ! I have a bunch of barrels I've been saving for different projects but this is something I'm going make .Nice job sir keep up the great work .

[@homesteadonomics]

+peteandjanis Thanks Pete!

[@alanpeterson2160]

Well done ! I'm starting small with 5 gallon buckets while I research larger units. Do you prefer this end-over-end tumbler versus the tumblers that lay horizontally ? Thanks for sharing the video !

[@homesteadonomics]

Hi Alan...yes, I do... they are harder to turn but I feel they more adequetly mix the material inside versus the horizontal ones which seem like it just kind of 'rolls' the compost. but I think either is great:) .... however, this style makes creating an opening easier since the opening is already there and it can be tilted in a wheel barrow:)Joe

[@juandiegomartinezgonzalez550]

dawn rick!! lets jump....

[@sanchew9861]

R u. Sure it is e z to turn the tumbler after filled up the compost material?

[@piotrr5439]

brilliant! ultimate lazy man compost tumbler :D

[@litahsr.8226]

how long does it take to become fresh new compost for garden? (chick poop)

[@ericlewis77]

surprised you didn't mention the lizard that ran by during the last explanation ☺

[@homesteadonomics]

haha.. we have those fast littel guys running here everywhere... I probably didn't even notice him as I was probably looking through the camera screen;) Joe

[@vikas64233]

For compost lichet how and from where to collect?

[@rasoolthamer1]

Thank you ... I suggest that you show us the production and usefulness of this work

[@tammylewis8556]

On one of the grid shows someone made a tumbler using a bike to turn. Flip your compost while you exercise. Wish I could find someone to design one

[@davidamundson3509]

Exactly what I needed. \

[@tanvibarman8781]

wow awesome exc ellent job done but what about linchen do you collect it? Isn;t it messy?

[@homesteadonomics]

+Beautiful World Thanks BW!

[@kevinkirley2219]

How long is the pipe itself and what diameter?

[@moi7748]

Found a massive rat in my compost this morning, so I think I’ll make one of these as I think the rat will have difficulty getting in, and I can get barrels like that at work for free. Thanks for sharing 😀👍

[@Stavrossspand]

Will the pvc pipe hold the weight?

[@beavertaco8951]

Is there a down side to using a metal drum? You have access to them for free just curious

[@trmwyldshade1482]

I think that may be the least complex but also efficient design that I've seen. I'm going to downsize it to a 5 gallon bucket, as I live in an apartment with a balcony.

[@crystalmunson959]

Can you use white barrels?

[@micheleharrison6307]

I live in the country and I rack a lot of leaves my problem is that I want to seperate the sand from the leaves, so that can replace the sand in my yard I use a round sifter with a net and shake it off but its time consuming. how can I build a netted barrel to seperate the leaves from the sand?

[@homesteadonomics]

+Michele Harrison Hi Michele, I think you might be able to drill larger (1" +) holes and line the inside of them with some wire screen. I'd think a lot of the sand would fall out during the tumbling process. However, if you are in an arid environment like mine then the bigger holes might dry the material out too quickly. Anyways, hopefully that might be a solution to the sand:) Thanks for watching! Joe

[@favorybenjamin6967]

Thank the best😊👍👍🤍💞

[@D1it4FN]

How well does this design hold up when you have a load of compost inside the barrel?

[@johnmoore9787]

I wondered if it would get to heavy

[@samanthanicholson9015]

thanks

[@homesteadonomics]

No prob Somantha! Joe

[@lindatruax8749]

LOOKS LIKE A SOMETHING THIS GRANDMA CAN DO THANKS

[@urlocalcultleader3385]

WHY ARE YOU YELLING

[@ingridgualberto789]

What the linseed oil do

[@jb8932]

Does it get too heavy to turn by hand? I wanted to make a couple for my older mother.

[@craigwollman3709]

It's balanced when empty but I can imagine it would get very difficult to rotate when it's 1/3 full, at least for a weaker person. Compost tends to be pretty heavy.

[@seexcool]

Vedio is nice.. but can u give little more information on the PVC fittings and its installation process.. Thank you.

[@nickbachman663]

Would this work with 2x4's as opposed to 2x6's, or would that make the structure too weak? Would the boards be too narrow for the 1.5' pipe or screws? I found a good deal for wood on Facebook Marketplace. someone is selling 38" 2x4s in bundles of 50 for $40 (80 cents each!). if not, I will get two 10-foot 2x6s for $7 each on FB marketplace. Is $7 a bad deal for a 10-foot 2x6? Thanks for the video!

[@homesteadonomics]

I’d thinking would be fine if you used a smaller diameter pipe lol 1-1.25”. To allow for more wood on either side. I’d also ad some 45 degree backing too.

[@samanthanicholson9015]

what is a good start for composting? what kind of stuff can go in there?

[@homesteadonomics]

Hi Samantha... I put mostly chicken poop and straw in my barrels but pretty much any clippings and veggie scraps can go in a compost barrel, pile, etc,. Joe

[@samanthanicholson9015]

Thank you this idea is cool, simple :0)

[@terretulsiak]

Is there a reason you didn't design it to turn sideways- rolling around rather than ...dumping end to end?

[@homesteadonomics]

That is so i can dump it in a wheel barrow with the open end :)

[@paulsmith8356]

What about the lid? Are You going to have to remove the band each time You empty the barrel? I suggest that You add a hinge to one side and a clasp to the other side of the lid to make emptying easier.

[@homesteadonomics]

Paul Smith Thanks for the tip Paul! However these particular lids aren't strong enough to hold a 3/4 full barrel full of compost without bending when being tumbled... without the ring holding all sides that is:) There might be some other styles of barrel that have thicker lids but these are a little bit thinner. Overall, it takes about 5 seconds to take the ring and the lid off and about 10-20 to put it back on.... so it's not too bad. But it's a very good idea and maybe could try it by reinforcing the lid a bit with a small piece of wood. But anyway, thanks for the tip and for watching:) Joe

[@mark9ze]

WOW.....

[@homesteadonomics]

+mark9ze Thanks Mark!

[@adolphjanssen6580]

forgive my ignorance , but what's the point of making the bin tumble, maybe for easy emptying?

[@homesteadonomics]

its to help mix the contents as well as emptying it... if it didn't tumble the bottom of the compost would compost at a different rate as the other contents. it also helps to ad air to the mix

[@AstroGremlinAmerican]

Rapid composting requires aerobic bacteria which need oxygen. The alternative is turning with a fork, very laborious. Ignorance forgiven! I had no idea how important aeration was until I got a compost ball.

[@Derwood_McSlovich]

Such an awesome idea. How much does it cost you. Also I recently sent out a Shavette to a guy in Arizona. He's from Cottonwood.

[@homesteadonomics]

Hey Eddie, The barrel will range between $18-30 bucks depending on what was in it, etc, and where you get it from. And the wood I believe was about $12. Add in about 2 bucks worth of hardware, $3.50 worth of PVC and a junk fence pipe for free. So in total you could do it for say $35-45ish depending on how you source your materials. My first composter I built for only about $23 due to 'cull' bin lumber and a really cheap barrel. BTW- That's cool you sent a shavette to cottonwood, I'll take one too please;) jk... do you sell them or was it a pass around? Also, what kind of shavette... they are a pretty cool half-way between the safety and a straight:) Thanks for watching!

[@Derwood_McSlovich]

homesteadonomics That's crazy cheap. They're pretty pricey at retailers even though it's all molded plastic snapped together. Also, it was a Parker. Same design as your HTGAM. I wasn't using it since I use my Dovo shavette so I told him he could have it and we swapped info.

[@thirurajah1]

what size tumbler you are using?

[@homesteadonomics]

thiru h 55 gallon is the size:)

[@sapopnusi]

Can we get a cut sheet pdf in the description plzzz.

[@Sticky_Ricky]

I know this is a silly and cheap-skate question, but could I just roll the barrel around on the ground instead of building all of this? It'll be back in the woods so definitely not concerned with appearance

[@byroneckhart9070]

I have a smaller barrel that I roll around. Some times I stand it on the end. Works fine for me.

[@Outdoor_Don]

At the 4:05 mark, you drilled holes in the wood and added what looks like nails. Please explain the purpose.

[@4lifejeph]

They are locking pins that keep the barrel from spinning in the wind.

[@TheTinkerinMan]

They are to keep the pipe from working it’s way out of the uprights.

[@limfn2]

Could it be better if we just roll the drum without having to make stand. Would it have same effect?

[@homesteadonomics]

+Fn Lim yes, you can certainly do that... it might take a bit more rolling to properly mix it but I don't see why it wouldn't work:) One advantage to this style is that you can put a wheel barrow or bucket under the open end to empty the finished compost out of the barrel.... and you can spin it in a tight space, like a side yard where you might not be able to roll the other one around as easily. But give it a try and either way I'm sure you'll come up with some great stuff:) Joe