Wooden Pallet Holding Unit
A wood holding unit is one of
the least expensive and easiest units to build. It can be made from old
pallets or scrap wood (untreated). Turning can be a challenge with this
system unless provisions are made for easy removal of the front panel.
Typically, setting at least two bins up will be easiest for turning. Remove
the front panel of one bin and place it on the second bin. Then pitch fork
the materials into the second bin. You can also use aerating probes, like
rebar to allow oxygen to infiltrate the pile.
Materials
- Four wooden pallets (five if you want a bottom in the
container), sized to make a four-sided container at least three feet by three feet by
three feet.
- Nails
- Baling wire or
- Two 8' lengths of 2" x 4" pressure-treated
lumber
- Five 12' lengths of 1" x 6"
pressure-treated lumber
- Galvanized 8d nails (one pound)
Tools
- Saw
-
Sledge Hammer
-
Claw Hammer
- Work gloves
Construction Procedure Using Wooden Pallets
- Nail or wire four pallets together to make a
four-sided bin at least 3' x 3' x 3'. The bin is then ready to use.
- A fifth pallet can be used as a base,
to allow more air to get into the pile and to increase the stability of the bin.
Construction Procedure Using Lumber
- Saw the 8' lengths of 2" x 4"
pressure-treated lumber in four pieces, each 4' long, to be used as corner posts.
- Choose a 3' square site for your compost
bin. Use the sledge hammer to pound the four posts into the ground 3' apart, at the
corners of the square.
- Saw each of the five 12' boards into 3'
pieces. Allowing five boards to a side and, starting at the bottom, nail the boards to the
posts to make a four-sided container. Leave 2 inches between the boards to allow air to
get into the pile.
- If you wish to decrease your composting
time, build a second holding unit so that the wastes in one can mature while you add
wastes to the other.
Used with permission from "Composting
to Reduce the Waste Stream, NRAES-43" by NRAES, The Natural Resource, Agricultural,
and Engineering Service, Cooperative Extension, 152 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-5701
(607) 255-7654
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