How to build a kitchen compost storage container that keeps flies out
2 gallon bucket turned into a kitchen compost holding bin that keeps out flies.
One inconvenience about composting is that it's generally a good idea to keep the compost bin away from the house. This keeps away potential vermin, flies and smells. The downside to keeping the compost bin "out back" is that it would require multiple daily trips to it without the use of an intermediate compost storage bin.
Since the storage bin would ideally be located in the kitchen where the scraps are being produced it should be small enough to remain hidden and out of the way. However, the bin should also be big enough to hold about 5 days worth of scraps. Ideally the scraps also get oxygen to keep away smells produced from Anaerobic bacteria.
Finally, any storage bin should keep out those pesky little fruit flies which somehow always manage to find their way into your house no matter what you do!
Supplies
In the interest of cheapness I built mine as frugally as possible from Home Depot. I might have tried to scrounge up recycled materials but it wouldn't have really be worth the time[1].
- 2 Gallon Plastic Paint bucket with removable lid - $3
- 1 large 3M brillo pad - $1
- Some glue (liquid nails)
Step 1.) Prepare for drilling.
- Flip the lid to the bucket over so that the inside of the lid is facing up.
- Cut the brillo pad so that it fits on the inside of the lid and wont interfere with the closing. Right in the center is fine.
- Flip the lid back over and mark where the brillo pad will go
Step 2.) Drill away
- Drill a few rows (I used 3) of 3/8" (or similar sized) holes where the brillo pad will be placed.
Lid with 3 rows of holes. Brillo pad is underneath lid covering the holes.
Step 3.) Glue the brillo pad
- Lay a ring of glue on the outside of the brillo pad
- Place brillo pad on the underside of the lid making sure to cover all of the holes.
Brillo pad glued underneath the lid. Keeps flies out and lets the compost breathe.
Finished!
Place under the kitchen sink or wherever you'd like and fill her up! The flies wont get in, and the scraps will stay nice and aerated until you move them into the compost bin!
- from a cost standpoint at least [↩]
