Think this will work?

I'm in a condo, and my patio is only 10'x10' so space is very limited.
I wanted to start composting my kitchen waste and weeding trash, but all the composters I can find are either way too big or way too expensive.

I have a lidded 5gallon bucket.
I thought I would drill plenty of air and drain holes in the sides and bottom and use it to compost in.

Think it will work?

Hmmm, it may get stinky and you may smell it in your condo.

It's supposed to be stinky
Properly composting though, it's supposed to be somewhat sweet and cloying, not rotting flesh smell.
Of course, it's only going to have plant derived material in it, pretty sure I don't want any animal product in my herbs

It sounds to me as though it would probably work.

Originally Posted by Arlyn

I'm in a condo, and my patio is only 10'x10' so space is very limited.
I wanted to start composting my kitchen waste and weeding trash, but all the composters I can find are either way too big or way too expensive.

I have a lidded 5gallon bucket.
I thought I would drill plenty of air and drain holes in the sides and bottom and use it to compost in.

Think it will work?

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What about doing worm composting and getting a bin? I know that in our area, classes on composting include this option and the fee for the class gets you the bin and x number of worms.

I didn't read through the other replies, so sorry if this is a duplicate suggestion.

I have actually got earthworms and red worms
When I dug out my old flowerbed to replace the dirt I didn't want them homeless or birdfood so I saved all that I found in an unused 5 gallon rubbermaid tub, probably about 50+ worms.

I can't stand being the cause of anyting dying

Well then, I'd feed the worms, and in turn you'll get some great compost I'm sure there are tips re composting this way, should be an article somewhere online!

As far as getting a bin, all that I can get locally are huge and costly.
This area isn't big on recycling anything
I loved the bins that you could sign up for in Seattle through waste management.
I just thought it was absurd to be forced to buy compost from the local nursery.

Originally Posted by Arlyn

As far as getting a bin, all that I can get locally are huge and costly.
This area isn't big on recycling anything

I loved the bins that you could sign up for in Seattle through waste management.
I just thought it was absurd to be forced to buy compost from the local nursery.

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I don't know if this would work or not, but what about a deep sided rubbermaid storage container - lowes and home depot usually have them, and some are quite deep.

Don't have the room.
Because of the temps here, the only shaded place I have is in a tiny cubby under the carport, entire patio is brick and concrete exposed to triple digit temps in the summer.

Originally Posted by Arlyn

Don't have the room.
Because of the temps here, the only shaded place I have is in a tiny cubby under the carport, entire patio is brick and concrete exposed to triple digit temps in the summer.

Click to expand...

I give up! Out of ideas

It will work. My uncle did the same thing and it works fine.

Soon as the rain goes away, I'll set to work on it.
I'll let you all know how well it works.

Going to have to remind myself to water it a couple times a day, this climate sucks the moisture out of everything

I have taken classes on composting.
Composting with worms is called vermicomposting but it might be too hot.
Our local landfill sell black compost bins for $35!! I have one by my postting shed, but in my veg garden I have 3 bins that are 4x4x4. I dump everything in one bin until full then the next bin and in fall scoup out the "soil" from the bottom and screen it into my 3rd bin.
If you want to pm me your address I have an extra book on Backyard Composting that came with my bin-I got the same book when I took a composting class and I can send it to you.