How to Build a Compost Bin from Pallets

Create a three-sided compost bin by connecting three wooden pallets with metal brackets or wire, leaving one side open for easy access to turn and harvest compost.

  1. Source Safe Pallets First. Find three wooden pallets in good condition. Avoid pallets marked with MB (methyl bromide) or painted pallets, as these contain chemicals harmful to compost. Look for HT (heat treated) pallets instead. Sand down any rough edges and remove any protruding nails. Clean the pallets with a stiff brush to remove dirt and debris.
  2. Find Your Ideal Spot. Select a level spot in your yard with good drainage and partial shade. The area should be easily accessible from your kitchen and garden. Ensure you have at least 4 feet by 4 feet of space. Clear the ground of grass and weeds, then rake it smooth.
  3. Set the Back Wall. Stand one pallet upright to serve as the back wall of your bin. This pallet should face with its flat side toward the inside of the bin. Use a level to ensure it stands straight. You may need to dig small trenches for the bottom runners to sit in if your ground is uneven.
  4. Lock in the Sides. Position the remaining two pallets at 90-degree angles to form the sides. The open slats should face inward to allow airflow while keeping compost contained. Use metal corner brackets and galvanized screws to connect the pallets at each corner. Alternatively, secure them with heavy-duty wire or zip ties threaded through the slats.
  5. Stake for Stability. Drive 2-foot wooden stakes or metal T-posts into the ground behind each pallet corner for extra stability. Attach these supports to the pallets with screws or wire. This prevents the bin from tipping when full of heavy, wet compost material.
  6. Create Airflow Foundation. Cover the ground inside the bin with a 4-inch layer of coarse materials like small branches, corn stalks, or wood chips. This creates drainage and allows air circulation from the bottom. Some builders prefer to leave the ground bare for direct soil contact and drainage.
  7. Layer Brown and Green. Begin adding your compost materials in alternating layers. Add 3 inches of brown materials like dried leaves, shredded newspaper, or cardboard, then 3 inches of green materials like kitchen scraps, grass clippings, or fresh plant matter. Water each layer lightly to maintain moisture similar to a wrung-out sponge.