How to make a cheap rolling compost bin in five minutes

             ACT 1

(Please note: none of this conversation is the actual
conversation that took place, but it works with my
story so read on)

(Enter Old Head with clipboard in hand.)

            MS NICE LADY (I really need a nickname) 

Working on plans for the homestead again, I see.

            OLD HEAD

Yup. Let's talk about the compost bin. What do you need?

            MS NICE LADY

I need something that you can put miscellaneous yard waste, garden waste, tea bags, coffee grinds, vegetable scraps, hay, manure and such into that can be turned once in a while and that will produce some really cool, awesome compost when its done. 

It needs to have holes to allow air to flow through and liquid to flow in and out.

           OLD HEAD

Ok, I might need your help in a few minutes. We're gonna do something different this year.

           (Old Head exits out front door, returns in a few moments,
            exits through back door, returns in a few moments,
            exits through front door.)

           (Ms Nice Lady looks up from her writing occasionally)

           (A few minutes later, Old Head opens the front door, peaking in)

OK I could use your help now

            MS NICE LADY

            (Getting up from her desk and walking to the front door)

OK

Ms Nice Lady goes outside to see one of the old plastic garbage cans sitting out on the front porch. Old Head sits the garbage can on its side between two chairs and asks Ms Nice Lady to hold one end of the chalk line so they can mark the can every 6 to 8 inches, vertically around the can. 

Old Head asks Ms Nice Lady what size holes she thinks will work, then proceeds to drill 1/4" holes requested by Ms Nice Lady at 6 to 8 inch intervals all around the can. Alternating rows. 

 He takes the saws-all and cuts off the handles of the can.

Then makes a larger hole, just under the crease in the outside of the bucket to allow for the strap to hold onto.

Straps the lid down....

 And takes it for a test-roll...

Now we can fill it (about 2/3) full and once a week or so, roll it around the yard to mix and disperse the organic materials to help speed up the decomposition. The garbage can will allow the materials to maintain a nice warm temperature, necessary for the breakdown process and the holes will allow air to flow in and moisture to come out as needed. 

Not bad for a few minutes worth of work. Good Job, Old Head!

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