How To Make A Compost Tumbler

OK, so I have your attention. As this compost bin tumbler site has progressed I have written about a number of aspects pertaining to the compost bin tumbler. As I continue my research I have repeatedly come across plans and videos for how to build a compost tumbler.

I have been getting people coming to the site for the following terms and I want to get something straight.

The terms:

how to make compost tumbler
how can I make a compost tumbler
how to make tumbler compost bin
how to make your own compost tumbler
how to make a cheap compost tumbler
how to build tumbler compost bin

and the list goes on.

Although this site is primarily about the compost bin tumblers that you can purchase and how to get the most out of them I decided to look in to just how to build a rotating compost bin.

What I found will be quite surprising to many.

There is no point building your own.

Let's do the run down, this is in dollars but it applies even more to the UK where the tumblers can be purchased via the link to the left, and at even lower prices.

This is a rough estimate of the costs involved to build compost bin tumblers.

Large Barrel $20 - $30 minimum unless you can find one for free.

Pole to go through the barrel so you can turn it $10 - $20 at least. It needs to be metal or it will rot in no time. This will require additional parts to fix it tightly.

Wood for a surround is going to be at least $50. It needs to be pressure treated to be able to withstand the weather.

Time to build it may be quick or slow depending on your skill level.

Now, you may think that the price is not too bad. I think between $80 - $120 is about right, although obviously if you have the materials to hand or can get them for free then the cost does not apply.

Having looked around at how to build a compost tumbler I found sites like this one where he did an exceptional job. Even then he had problems with drainage etc. He was very professional inhis approach and I don't think many of us have that skill. I also found sites where they said it cost them nothing. How?

Well they got a barrel for free with a screw lid. Then they put bungee cords over the lid and roll it around the ground. To me that is not easy to use, or convenient, and in relaity is a compost bin that they roll.

The beauty of the compost bin tumbler is that it makes life easy and is ventilated properly so it won't retain too much moisture or stop working.