How to Build a Small Compost Bin | Patio-Sized Setup

You don’t need a sprawling backyard setup to turn kitchen scraps into usable soil. The answer starts with a basic plastic storage tote and a drill. The core requirements are airflow, drainage, moisture control, and the right mix of materials — get those four things right and the bin basically runs itself.

The honest trade-off: a small bin produces compost slowly and in modest amounts, and never reaches the high internal temperatures of a full-size pile. What it will do is keep food scraps out of the landfill and give you a steady trickle of finished compost for houseplants or a small garden bed.

What You Need For A Tote Composter

The most direct method is a plastic storage bin with a tight-fitting lid. Gather these items before you start:

• A lidded plastic storage tote (18 gallons is a proven size)
• A power drill with a 1/4- to 1/2-inch bit
• Shredded newspaper or dry leaves for the base
• Garden soil or finished compost
• Food scraps and dry browns (leaves, straw, shredded paper)
• A spray bottle or watering can

Pick a level spot with easy access for adding scraps, preferably shade away from the house and out of direct rain. The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends this to keep contents from drying out or getting waterlogged.

Drill, Layer, And Maintain

Drill small holes in the bottom, lid, and sides for aeration and drainage. Keep holes small enough to retain material while still allowing airflow — tape mesh or screen over larger holes to keep worms and compost from escaping.

Layer the bin in this order:

3. Add food scraps and greens, then cover them with more browns or soil to keep odors and flies away.
4. Moisten the whole mix until it feels like a damp sponge — not soaking wet. If your leaves are already wet from rain, you may not need extra water.
5. Keep the lid on and let it work.

Stir the contents regularly to add oxygen. Weekly turning works fine; every couple of days speeds up decomposition noticeably. Watch moisture each time you turn — compost that’s soggy or bone dry slows to a crawl and starts to smell.

If you’re comparing options before building, our roundup of the best small outdoor compost bins on the market covers ready-made models if you’d rather skip the drill.

Greens And Browns: The Ratio That Matters

The single biggest mistake beginners make is loading the bin with food scraps and nothing dry. Compost needs a balance of nitrogen-rich greens and carbon-rich browns.

Guidance on the ideal mix varies slightly. Either ratio works — the key is never letting greens dominate, since that’s what creates odor and a slimy mess. When in doubt, add more browns; they’re forgiving in a way that excess greens aren’t.

Two Other Small-Bin Options Worth Knowing

A trash can makes a slightly larger small bin. This option holds more than a tote and stands up to rougher outdoor conditions.

Wire fencing is another route. Important safety detail: cut the wire close and secure the ends, since exposed wire can easily cut a hand. This cylindrical design gives excellent airflow but suits a yard better than a patio. Pallet bins work well for larger setups but are overkill for true small-scale composting.

For context on sizing, A tote bin won’t hit those temperatures, but that’s an acceptable trade for the convenience and small footprint.

FAQs

Will a small compost bin smell bad? A properly balanced bin with equal parts greens and browns and regular turning stays mostly odor-free. If it starts smelling, add more dry browns and stir. The classic “damp sponge” moisture level is your best defense against rot smells.

How long does compost take in a small bin? Turning every couple of days instead of weekly can cut that time noticeably.

What should not go in a small compost bin? Skip meat, dairy, oily foods, and diseased plants — they rot slowly, attract pests, and can unbalance a small bin fast. Stick with vegetable scraps, fruit peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and yard waste.