Probably about a decade and a half ago we repurposed a shipping crate (that happened to have been fabricated out of tropical hardwood) into a compost bin. We’ve used it for years, far surpassing the value I anticipated at the outset. When the top began to fail, it got pulled aside for eventual repair. Today’s post is excerpted from some of our Trello communications tracking the successful repair and relaunch. Meet compost bin v2.0. Thanks, Glen, for making this happen!
Pam: We need to discuss repairs to this compost bin. The top has completely fallen apart and a few pieces on the bin area itself are rotting as well.
Geo: Thanks for resurfacing this. I actually started to explore this summer, but lost the thread. My instinct was to rebuild with the parts from existing. It’s made of mahogany (as I recall) or another tropical hardwood that shouldn’t rot very quickly. But at least we can use the good pieces. I originally made it out of a shipping crate that we salvaged after receiving something shipped from oversees, so it’s been a pretty useful repurpose!
Come to think of it, I have an idea that might actually make it better. Can you photograph it with dimensions, also lifting the whole top off and showing the inside?
Pam photographed the dilapidated compost bin and recorded the measurements so we could formulate a repair. But the project slipped between the cracks as more pressing tasks took precedent.
Recently, as so often, Pam redirected our attention to the compost bin.
Pam: This compost bin was not moved into place this 2023 season due to needed repairs to the top, etc. Good project for this winter?
She rarely misses a beat! It was a perfect plan to tackle this winter.
Geo: Yes. Let’s review a plan. Might be a good idea to get it inside the barn prior to snow, etc.
And no sooner did the project get bumped up on the list then Glen tackled it.
Geo: Well done with the rebuild, Glen! Thank you. Pam, let’s bump this forward to spring 2024 at which point we can relocate it next to the other compost bin.
That’s once spiffy rebuild! A decade and a half old, and good as new. He even beefed up the lids so that they’ll last even longer this time.
Regulars already know that I am a bit obsessed with compost. Have been my entire life. Life cycle magic. A gardener’s best friend. Waste not, want not. Am I missing anything?
We also use compost tumblers, but this beauty has outlasted them all. And it’s the perfect tool for warehousing and transforming garden fillings, pruning, over mature produce, etc. into black gold. I missed it last season, and I’m thrilled to have it back in action.
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