Whether you’re living in an apartment, have a tiny backyard, or simply want to reduce waste, creating a DIY compost bin for small spaces is easier than you might think. Composting helps turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil for your plants while reducing landfill waste. This guide will walk you through creating an affordable, space-efficient compost bin using materials you likely already have at home.
Benefits of Small-Space Composting
Before diving into the building process, let’s look at why small-space composting is worth your time and effort:
- Reduces household waste by up to 30%, keeping food scraps out of landfills
- Creates free, nutrient-rich soil amendment for container gardens and houseplants
- Helps plants retain moisture, reducing water usage in dry climates
- Takes up minimal space while providing maximum environmental benefit
- Saves money on store-bought fertilizers and potting soil
Even in the smallest spaces, composting is possible with the right setup. The key is choosing a compact bin design that controls moisture and odor while efficiently breaking down organic matter.
Materials You’ll Need
The beauty of DIY composting is that you can create an effective system with everyday household items. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Household Items
- A plastic storage bin with lid (18-30 gallon size works well)
- A second lid or tray to catch drippings (optional but recommended)
- Dry leaves, shredded newspaper, or cardboard
- Garden soil or finished compost (just a small amount to start)
- Kitchen scraps (fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells)
Tools
- Drill with 3/16″ or similar size bit
- Scissors or garden shears
- Garden fork or stick for turning compost
- Spray bottle for adding water
Option 1: Plastic Bin Composter
This is the most popular option for small spaces because it’s compact, affordable, and can be placed almost anywhere – from a balcony to a kitchen corner.
Step-by-Step Building Guide
- Select your bin: Choose a plastic storage container with a tight-fitting lid. Aim for something around 18-30 gallons – large enough to hold a good amount of material but small enough to fit in your available space. A dark-colored bin can help absorb heat, which speeds up the composting process.
- Create air holes: Using your drill with a 3/16″ bit, make 8-10 small holes in the bottom of the container for drainage and airflow. Then make another 8-10 holes in the lid for ventilation. Space the holes about 3-4 inches apart.
- Add a drainage tray: Place a second lid or shallow tray under your bin to catch any liquid that drains out. This “compost tea” can be diluted and used as liquid fertilizer for your plants.
- Create your base layer: Fill the bottom quarter of your bin with “brown” materials like dry leaves, shredded newspaper, or cardboard. These carbon-rich materials provide structure and absorb excess moisture.
- Add soil or starter compost: Add a thin layer of garden soil or finished compost on top of your browns. This introduces beneficial microorganisms that will help break down your compost materials.
Using Your Plastic Bin Composter
Now that your bin is built, it’s time to start composting:
- Add kitchen scraps: Add your “green” materials like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods as these can cause odors and attract pests.
- Maintain the balance: For every layer of green materials, add a similar amount of brown materials to maintain a good carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.
- Keep it moist: Your compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge – damp but not soaking wet. If it’s too dry, spray with water; if too wet, add more browns.
- Turn regularly: Once a week, use your garden fork or stick to turn and mix the contents. This adds oxygen and speeds up decomposition.
- Harvest your compost: In about 2-3 months (depending on conditions), your compost should be dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling. It’s now ready to use in your garden or houseplants.
Need a kitchen scrap collector?
Keep your kitchen scraps organized with an airtight container that prevents odors between trips to your compost bin.
Option 2: Wooden Crate System
If you have a bit more space and prefer a natural look, a wooden crate system can be an attractive option for small-space composting.
Materials and Building Steps
- Find wooden crates: Look for wooden fruit crates, wine boxes, or small shipping pallets. You’ll need at least two – one for active composting and one for finished compost.
- Prepare the crates: Line the inside with landscape fabric or cardboard to help retain moisture while allowing airflow. Make sure there are gaps between the wooden slats for ventilation.
- Create a base: Place a layer of twigs or small branches at the bottom to improve drainage and airflow.
- Stack if needed: For vertical gardening spaces, you can stack the crates, with the top one containing active compost and the bottom collecting finished compost.
The wooden crate system works well for balconies or small patios where the natural look of wood complements your outdoor space. The stackable design makes it perfect for vertical gardening setups.
Composting in Dry Climates
If you live in a dry region, maintaining proper moisture in your compost bin requires some special attention:
Moisture Management Tips
- Place your bin in a shaded area to prevent excessive drying
- Add a layer of shredded newspaper or cardboard on top to retain moisture
- Check moisture levels more frequently, especially during hot weather
- Consider collecting shower water or cooking water (without salt) to moisten your compost
Material Selection for Dry Climates
- Use more “green” materials which contain natural moisture
- Add coffee grounds, which help retain moisture
- Include more fruit scraps which have high water content
- Consider adding a small amount of compost accelerator to speed up the process
Pro Tip: In extremely dry climates, you can place a small container of water inside your compost bin. As it evaporates, it will help maintain humidity levels without making your compost too wet.
Using Your Compost in Small Gardens
Once your compost is ready, it’s time to put this “black gold” to work in your small-space garden:
When Is Your Compost Ready?
Finished compost should be dark brown or black, crumbly, and smell earthy – like forest soil. You shouldn’t be able to recognize any of the original materials. Depending on conditions and how often you turn it, your compost may be ready in as little as 2-3 months or may take up to 6 months.
Application Methods
- Container plants: Mix 1 part compost with 3 parts potting soil for new plants, or add a 1-inch layer on top of existing containers
- Vertical gardens: Work a handful of compost into each pocket or container before planting
- Raised beds: Spread a 1-2 inch layer on top and gently work into the soil
- Houseplants: Mix 1 part compost with 4 parts potting soil for a nutrient boost
Remember to save about one-third of your finished compost to add to your next batch – it will help jump-start the decomposition process with beneficial microorganisms.
Troubleshooting Your Small-Space Compost Bin
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
| Bad odor | Too wet or too many green materials | Add brown materials (leaves, paper) and turn the pile to increase airflow |
| Not decomposing | Too dry or too many brown materials | Add green materials and water, then turn the pile |
| Attracting pests | Meat/dairy in bin or exposed food scraps | Avoid meat/dairy and bury food scraps under a layer of browns |
| Too wet/slimy | Poor drainage or too much water | Add more holes to bin, add dry browns, turn more frequently |
| Mold growing | Normal part of decomposition | No action needed unless excessive; if excessive, turn more often |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I compost in an apartment?
Absolutely! A small plastic bin composter can work on a balcony, patio, or even in a utility closet. Just be sure to manage moisture and turn it regularly to prevent odors. Some apartment dwellers even keep their compost bins under the kitchen sink or in a closet.
How do I prevent my compost from smelling?
Odor usually indicates that your compost is too wet or lacks oxygen. Make sure your bin has adequate drainage holes, turn it weekly to incorporate air, and maintain a good balance of brown (carbon-rich) and green (nitrogen-rich) materials. A properly maintained compost bin should smell earthy, not rotten.
What should NOT go in my compost bin?
Avoid meat, fish, dairy products, oils, fats, pet waste, diseased plants, and plants treated with pesticides. These can create odors, attract pests, or introduce harmful substances into your compost.
How often should I turn my compost?
For small-space bins, turning once a week is ideal. This introduces oxygen, speeds decomposition, and helps prevent odors. Simply use a garden fork or stick to mix the materials thoroughly.
Can I compost in winter?
Yes, though decomposition slows in cold weather. In small-space composting, you can insulate your bin by wrapping it with bubble wrap or placing it in a sheltered location. Continue adding materials throughout winter, and decomposition will accelerate when temperatures rise.
Setting Up a Kitchen Scrap Collector
To make your composting system even more convenient, set up a kitchen scrap collector to temporarily store food waste until you’re ready to add it to your main compost bin:
Container Options
- Small countertop compost pail with lid
- Repurposed coffee can with lid
- Plastic container with snap-on lid
- Specialized compost collector with charcoal filter
Odor Management
- Empty container every 2-3 days
- Rinse after emptying
- Add a sprinkle of baking soda to absorb odors
- Use containers with charcoal filters in the lid
Start Your Small-Space Composting Journey Today
Creating a DIY compost bin for small spaces is an accessible way to reduce waste and produce valuable soil amendment for your plants. With just a few household materials and minimal effort, you can start composting today – even in the smallest of spaces.
Remember that composting is a natural process, and it may take some experimentation to find the perfect balance for your specific conditions. Be patient, observe how your compost develops, and adjust as needed. Soon you’ll be producing your own “black gold” to help your garden thrive.
Ready to take your composting skills to the next level?
Download our free comprehensive guide to composting in small spaces, including printable reference charts, troubleshooting tips, and seasonal advice.
Will is a vertical gardening enthusiast and sustainable cultivation specialist with a passion for helping people grow fresh food in small spaces and dry climates. With years of hands-on experience testing smart irrigation systems, optimizing urban gardens, and exploring eco-friendly solutions, this author shares clear, practical tips to turn any corner into a productive garden. Whether on a sunny balcony or in a compact backyard, Will helps readers save water, maximize space, and enjoy healthy harvests year-round. When not tending to his plants, you’ll find him sipping herbal tea and sketching ideas for new sustainable projects.