How do I go about starting a compost bin?

Question

I guess what I really need is details on what materials to buy and how to sort everything and ideas on how to involve my family they seem more reluctant to recycle.

Answer 1

You can use just about anything to build a compost bin. My Aunt uses large plastic trash cans. You can build a box out of wood to contain the compost. I just make a pile. Place your bin where it gets some sun and you'll have to remember to water it on occasion as well as turn it weekly so all materials get a chance to decompose.

What to add to your compost: Anything organic like leaf litter, grass clippings, soil, mulch, veggies from the kitchen, gardens scraps, Coffee grounds, egg shells, manure (not dog and cat), Grains.

What not to put in compost: Any animal products like meat, fat, dog or cat poo, diseased garden vegetation.

Answer 2

Anyone can start a compost pile!!

You can use a large container, or you can get some chicken wire/wire fence material, and make a space exactly as big as you want.
Start putting all of you biodegradable trash inside....Eggshells, coffee grounds, banana peels, bread, veggies, fruit, etc...
DO NOT add any pet waste (cats, dogs, etc...) or meat products
You CAN ADD waste/manure from animals such as Chickens, Goats, Cows, Llamas, etc...
Periodically turn/stir the pile with a shovel or pitchfork. A good compost pile will have a temperature of 100-120 degrees F. This means that it is biodegrading. You can get a thermometer to stick in the heap to know when your compost is ready to be used.

Answer 3

You don't have to buy anything to start a compost pile. Just select a spot and start putting garbage, leaves, grass clippings, anything except grease or oil type things in it, and turn it about every 2 weeks. You can use wire fencing if you want to, or anything to contain it. We did actually buy a compost bin about 3 years ago, and I love it. We got it at the agricultural extension office in our area. They also have information on composting

Answer 4

first, get a big bin.. sufficient enough for u to put ur recycle materials.
second, buy some soil or woodshavings..
add a layer of soil on the bottom of the bin, put in recycle materials and a thin layer of soil or woodshavings.
leave the bin after that.
repeat the process..
the best materials to get are things that decompose easily. i recommend ur leftover food or fruit skins..
this is easy way to start doing compost.