Wire-mesh holding units are inexpensive and easy to build out of hardware cloth, or galvanized chicken wire (non-galvanized chicken wire won't last as long). Posts provide stability, but don't use posts if you want to access finished compost at the bottom of the pile by lifting the bin.
Materials you'll need:
10 feet of 36-inch-wide 1-inch galvanized chicken wire OR
10 feet of ½-inch-wide hardware cloth (note: this will make your bin 3 feet in diameter)
Heavy wire for ties
3 or 4 4-foot-tall wooden or metal posts (for chicken wire bin)
Tools you'll need:
Heavy-duty wire or tin snips
Pliers
Hammer (for chicken wire bin)
Metal file (for hardware cloth bin)
Work gloves
How to build your own hardware cloth unit:
Trim ends of hardware cloth so that wires are flush with cross wire.
Lightly file each wire along edge to ensure safe handling.
Bend hardware cloth into circle.
Stand circle in place.
Cut heavy wire into lengths for ties.
Using pliers, attach ends of hardware cloth together with wire ties.
How to build your own chicken wire unit:
To ensure safe handling, fold back 3-4 inches of wire at each end of cut piece.
Stand wire in a circle.
Set circle in place.
Cut heavy wire into lengths for ties.
Using pliers, attach ends of chicken wire together with wire ties.
Space wood or metal posts around inside of circle.
Holding posts tightly against wire, pound firmly into ground.
