Are trash can composters worth it? 

I had made plans to build a compost bin out of wood, but then I accidentally found a galvanized fire ring at Tractor Supply. No top, no bottom. Sits straight on the ground getting lots of rain, sunshine, and hopefully worms. I turn the dirt several times a week to blend all the stuff I dump into it. So far so good.

It needs a air tower in the middle with holes to become aerobic and no holes on the top. In just one rainstorm it can get gallons of water through those holes.

I started out with a trash can just like that. It eventually split down the side and I've moved on to a black plastic 55 gallon barrel. My yard is about 15 by 15 ft. Concrete. So I can't plant in ground. I use large black plastic storage boxes as a raised bed. Somehow the worms find their way into my compost barrel and are very happy there. I worried about the freezing temperatures during winter. Doesn't seem to bother them and I turned it again today. It's about 30-35 degrees today. I even used my hand pruners to cut up the old dried out tomato and pepper plants and add them, with a bunch of swept up leaves from my asian pear tree, into the barrel. The tree is in a 55 gallon barrel as well. I got about a dozen very sweet and juicy asian pears last fall. I grew it from seed about eight years ago. I'm also VERY "crazy about compost". There's just something fascinating about it. The science, nature, process, value, recycling, etc. Just subscribed ! 😁

I have made a garden for many years, but never made compost.Thanks and glad to see you stay safe.

Always happy to hear from you! Hope you are well!

I am going to binge watch your catalogue!!! Your video’s are excellent.

Very cool!

Very good video

My trash can composter with a perforated pipe does really well right up to the point when temps drop here in Indiana (zone 5a). My first batch was started in the fall and I rotated it into an empty can every week or so until it finally froze solid. Whenever it thawed enough I broke it up and turned it over thru winter and continued into spring. After 6 months (late fall, winter and early spring) I had partially broke down material. I ended up using this as filler for a new raised bed I'd built. I started another batch in early spring and by fall that batch was completely broken down and absolutely perfect. I have since bought a Geobin. I filled it to the brim with mowed up leaves and whatever grass clippings were mixed in. I made sure to thoroughly soak the leaves as I filled the Geobin and I have since been adding kitchen scraps every week or so. I haven't really turned the leaves, just sort of mixed it up a bit when I add greens. Even without a real turn it's holding its temp really well. Right now it's 17 degrees outside and the bin is at a little over 120. I'll continue using the trash can method but only to start new batches in the spring.

I live in Texas. Pretty sure my trash can compost is going to heat up. I turn it on it’s side and roll it around a bit every few days. I have holes on top, sides, and bottom. I didn’t use a PVC pipe with holes in it down the middle. I feel there is enough aeration, especially since I do roll the can a bit every few days.

Looks fine to me, great effort. If all at least try I sure we can collectively make a difference.

Hey, how come you’re not posting any more videos, buddy?

We do that and it works great!

Nice work... What about an upside down garbage can on a giant paver so you can access the oldest stuff first from the bottom with a flat shove and not have to mix it or touch it? I think maybe 20 holes on the side (none on top) will suffice. I'm in Florida, that shit's gonna bake.

I use this method as well because i have a small space it works amazing love the content keep it up

Please and thank you… Can you explain how to make your compost sifter? I have been trying to figure out that part of the composting system with not much luck!

How many gallons is that trash can?

I like your video! Here I have a question:"Do all kinds of flies go inside the bin and lay eggs and produce lots of fly worms?"

How the heck can worms find the compost pile do they detect the nutrients coming down during rainfall???

I only drill holes at the bottom, you think I should drill more holes on the side and top?