Create a Compost Bin

About the Challenge

Composting is a natural process where organic materials like food scraps, yard waste, and paper decompose into nutrient-rich soil called compost. It's good for the environment in several ways:

1. Reducing Landfill Waste: Composting diverts organic waste from landfills, where it would emit harmful greenhouse gases like methane as it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen). By composting, less waste ends up in landfills, reducing their environmental impact.
2. Nutrient-Rich Soil: Compost is a valuable soil amendment rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When added to soil, compost improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient content, promoting healthy plant growth without the need for chemical fertilizers.
3. Conserving Resources: Composting reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, which often require extensive energy and resources to produce. By using compost, we can conserve resources and reduce the environmental impact associated with fertilizer manufacturing and application.
4. Mitigating Climate Change: Composting contributes to carbon sequestration by storing carbon in the soil. Healthy soils enriched with compost have higher levels of organic matter, which helps to offset greenhouse gas emissions by capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
5. Promoting Biodiversity: Composting supports diverse microbial communities in the soil, enhancing soil health and biodiversity. Healthy soils are essential for supporting plant growth, maintaining ecosystem functions, and preserving overall environmental balance.

Composting is a sustainable practice that not only reduces waste but also benefits soil health, conserves resources, and mitigates climate change, making it a positive contribution to environmental conservation efforts. Create a simple, DIY compost for your back yard.

Items Needed:

1. Plastic storage bin
2. Drill (please have a parent help you with this)

Challenge Directions

1. SELECT YOUR BIN

Find or buy a plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid about 24 inches tall or taller (it needs a lid to keep the soil moist and to keep critters out). We picked up a 30-gallon plastic storage bin. We chose a neutral color in hopes that would help it blend in with our backyard, but a dark option may work better for you.

2. DRILL HOLES IN YOUR BIN

Use a handheld drill to make 8 – 10 small holes in the bottom of the container for airflow, since your organic waste will need oxygen for the composting process to take place. A 3/16″ drill bit or similar works great.

• Use that same drill bit to make another 8 – 10 small holes in the lid. Remove the lid for now, but once you’ve finished your bin you’ll want to affix it tightly to the top.

3. CREATE YOUR BROWN BASE

Place some dry leaves on the bottom of your compost bin, filling it about 1/8 – 1/4 full. You can think of composting as layers of “browns” (dead leaves, twigs, etc) and “greens” (food waste, grass clippings, etc.), so this step is the beginning of your brown base.

4. ADD DIRT

Place dirt on top of the leaves or newspaper until the container is 1/2 full. Again, we have PLENTY of that around, but you could also buy a bag of basic topsoil if needed. It’s not necessary to have worms in your dirt.

Click below for full instructions (steps 5-9) by Young House Love.

10. Snap a picture to upload in the "Share Your Results" form

11. Complete a "Share Your Results" form to earn your challenge points.

*If you purchase a compost bin for this project, you can apply for reimbursement below. Please be sure to upload your receipt.