Compost Bins

In Austin's hot climate, a bin can help retain moisture as well as keeping pets and pests out. You may buy a bin from numerous online vendors or from a local garden store. Several different types of bins are on display at the Compost Demonstration Garden at the Botanical Gardens in Zilker Park.

Making Your Own Bin

It is easy to make a bin from wire, wood, or used pallets. The recommended minimum size for a bin is 3 ft. x 3 ft.

Circular Wire Mesh Bin: This bin can be easily moved to turn piles or to harvest finished compost. Just undo latches, pull the mesh away from compost and set the bin up elsewhere. The pile may then be turned into the bin at its new location and compost can be removed from the bottom. This bin is not as good at retaining moisture and keeping pets out.

Materials needed to construct bin of 3 1/2 ft. diameter:
- 12 1/2 feet of 1/42 hardware cloth
- 4 metal or plastic clips or copper wire ties
- 3 or 4 four ft. wooden or metal posts for support (optional).

Barrel Bin: These bins can be made from plastic or metal garbage cans . Take your old 30 gallon garbage can and punch 1/2 inch holes in the can every 6 inches or so to provide air circulation. These bins retain moisture well. If the bin has a locking lid, it will keep pets out of the compost.

Block Bin: Compost bins also can be made of brick, cement blocks, rocks or old pallets. These are the most attractive bins.

For more information, contact Solid Waste Services at 512-494-9400 or by email.