I've been wanting to experiment with hot composting for a while now, but I'd been holding out on building a compost bin, as this isn't my forever home.

After the hurricane, however, I needed a bin to properly process the, uh, we'll say “ingredients” from my composting toilet — and for something like that, I wanted to make sure I did it properly and in a contained fashion.

I looked around the internet and I found a set of plans for a really nice looking, and sturdy compost bin. I have no affiliation with the couple I bought these plans from, but they did a wonderful job with the design of the bin, and the instructions, so I've linked their Etsy listing here, if you'd like to build one of your own.

I had a decent amount of fear going into this project, because I've never built something on my own, at this scale before.

Also, the lumber that was called for was too long to fit in my car, so I had to watch a youtube video on how to safely strap it to my roof rack. I've used ratchet straps before, but I was a little nervous about properly securing the lumber, so I didn't cause an accident on my way home.

I got through it, though! I figured out how to do every single thing all on my own, even though I was a little intimidated and afraid along the way.

I gained so much confidence with this project, because it showed me how strong and capable I am.

I ended up in a bit of a hurry to finish, so I got a little lazy with the filming toward the end, but I did every step all by myself, which I'm not gonna lie, I'm impressed with.

I'm really happy with how it turned out, too. And so excited to finally have a hot composting bin.

I Made a Compost Bin

Kristen Stephen

I Made a Compost Bin

Reviving and Repurposing an Old Carpenter Box

Upcycling a Trashed Sewing Machine Table

Kristen Stephen