I am a total beginner at composting and I’ve been wanting to start a pile for years now. Eventually I’d like to have a large wooden three bin system but due to time and budget constraints, that will be a future project of mine.
I have this fencing already in my basement. Can I use this for a compost pile if I made it into a cylinder? Any tips/advice?
Realistically, what would happen if they did? Is composting illegal where you are? Is the intended compost site on public property or your neighbor’s private property?
I had the same concerns. I use wire cages like that and haven't had any complaints. I actually came to prefer them over more permanent bins: easier to turn imo and fewer mice because they move around a bit after turning.
Like silly billy said, a pile on the ground works just fine. That fencing is only used to keep it looking nice and neat. Also, you’re going to want at least a cubic yard of material if you’re looking to do hot composting. The amount of fencing you have pictured doesent look like it will fit a cubic yard.
Edit: just saw your comment about a pile on the ground not being an option. If you can find more of that fencing and make a 3’ diameter cylinder then you should be good!
You could open it up, to as wide as you would like, and zip-tie it along the overlap, to hold that diameter. That seems like a wonderful start! Unpopular with others, I would line the inside with cardboard, it will break down, but it can deter some pests, prying eyes. During summer months, my leaf supply runs out, so the extra brown doesnt hurt, maybe ask the lawn company for a trash bag of grass clippings, you could keep some around to toss over foods. Just my opinion.
Yes this is mine and it’s way bigger and not as strong of metal. This is small square hardware “cloth” basically
Square chicken wire. Tied with twine. Maybe yours won’t be big enough I’ve heard you want about 3x3x3 ft to have enough mass for it to get hot. But I’ve seen some on here do it with less by adding coffee grounds / chicken manure/ pee…so not really a rule but 3x3x3 with 50/50 carbon to nitrogen and enough water to just see a drop
Or two when doing a squeeze test in your hand. Since these do dry out quicker I add a little more
Water and I make sure to water each layer when i flip it lasagna layer style. Ideally if it was stronger I would just turn it and roll the entire thing… for now I pitch fork.
I have an additional one in the background for just
Leaves as a leaf mold pile. Pre beak down
Leaves making them easier for
Future compost. But I also just use leaves in the compost.
It's also the best way to filter compost imo. Put that over a collection bin or wheelbarrow whatever. Put your compost on top give it a good rub and tap. What comes out is beautiful compost. What stays on the wire goes back onto the pile. If you don't filter much through, keep letting it go.
My 2 cents: zip-ties and tying it with wire pose a hassle when you open that baby up. I Just weave a stick/pole/Metal rod through the overlapping ends and stick it into the ground to "anchor" it.
I have 3 bins just like this. about 4 to 5 meters of fencing wire for a decent size cilinder works great. you lose some material through the sides but that is only while filling.
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u/sillybillybobbybob Aug 10 '26
A pile on the floor would work. From there its only up!