Materials Needed:
- 55 gallon metal or plastic barrel
- Two 2x4's cut approximately 4" longer the barrel
- Two 2x4's cut approximately 4" longer than the diameter of barrel
- Galvanized screws
- 4 large furniture casters
- 2 hinges
- One padlock latch
- Small piece of chain (5-6 inches to hold peg for latch)
- Short wooden dowel or metal eyelet
Build a frame, using four 2x4's, cut in length and width the size of a 55-gallon metal or plastic barrels. Frame should be slightly larger than the barrel itself.
Mount large furniture casters "wheel up" onto the frame. The barrel will set on the wheels where it can be turned.
Drill air holes in each end of the 55 gallon barrel and paint it black so that it will absorb heat to "cook" the compost. CAUTION: Make sure the barrel does not have any leftover chemical in it that might taint the compost.
Use a hacksaw to cut a square door about a foot square into the side. The door should be large enough so that you can reach inside to get to the compost. Re-attach the door to the barrel (horizontally so that it can be opened when the barrel is laid on its side), using flat hinges on one side and padlock latch on the other. Attach small chain to the padlock ring and the other end to a round piece of dowel. (This helps so that you can always have the peg to secure the door when turning).
For best results, compost materials should be untreated grass clippings, leaves and kitchen waste, i.e. uncooked veggies, eggshells, coffee grounds, etc. (AVOID THE USE OF MEAT PRODUCTS SO YOU WILL NOT ATTRACT UNWANTED PESTS OR ANIMALS).
Be sure to leave room in the barrel for the material to roll around inside. Every day or two, give the barrel a spin. During cooler seasons, be sure to use drier material as it will take longer to compost. Check inside to see if you have what many gardeners call, "black gold".
Patricia Robinson, Former Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
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