Wood Three-Bin Turning Unit
This turning
unit is a permanent, sturdy structure. Turning units can compost non-woody yard and
kitchen wastes in two months or less. By frequently turning the compost, more oxygen is
provided to the microbes decomposing the wastes. Before cutting the removable slats that
slide into the grooves at the front of each bin, cut one slat and check for proper fit in
each bin. Note that it may be difficult to space the posts to the exact dimensions
illustrated.
Materials
(All lumber should be pressure treated)
- Eight 4" x 4" x 6' posts
- Seven 1" x 6" x 12' back slats
- Fourteen 1" x 6" x 4' end/side slats
- Four 1" x 6" x 4' fronts
- Fourteen 1" x 6" x 46 1/4" dividers
- Twenty-four 1" x 6" x 42 13/16"
(approximate) front slats (Note: Before cutting all
the front slats, cut one and check for proper fit in each bin.)
- Four 1" x 1(+)" x 4' cleats, rip cut from
one 4' - 1" x 6" (the cleats are retainers for slats)
- 8d galvanized deck nails or deck screws
- One tube exterior construction adhesive
- (Optional) One 1" x 6" x 12' top rail
Tools
- Post hole digger
- Hammer
- Saw
- Tape measure
- Drill
Construction Procedure Using Hardware Cloth
- On level ground, set the eight posts as
shown below using a post hole digger. (The posts are shown as darkened squares.) Embed
each post two feet into the ground. Be sure all posts are plumb (perpendicular to the
ground). The top of each post should be the same distance above the ground (48 inches).
- Nail (or screw) on the back and side slats and
dividers (pre-drill holes to prevent splitting). Use adhesive on all joints. The bottom
slats should be at ground level. Leave 1 1/2 " (horizontal) spaces between slats.
Note that the ends of the dividers should come out to 1" behind the front of the
front posts (as shown in the illustration above).
- Install the fronts and cleats for one of the center
divider posts.
- After the front slats have been sized and cut, slide
them into place between the fronts and cleats as shown in the completed bin illustration
above.
- (Optional) Nail the top rail to each front post. Do
not use adhesive, and do not drive nails in fully, as they will be removed to allow access
to the slats. The top rail is suggested to prevent the front posts from moving laterally.
Another option to discourage lateral movement is to use 4" x 4" x 7' posts and
embed them one foot deeper.
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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