If you're thinking of buying or making a compost bin, it's worth contacting your Local Authority first. Many councils actively encourage recycling efforts and provide composting bins at a fraction of the retail price - some even for free!

Materials

• 4 x pressure-impregnated timber posts 50 mm x 50 mm minimum, all of the same 1.2m length - tree stakes are ideal as they have pre-shaped pointed ends
• 40 x pressure impregnated timber planks, 25 mm x 100 mm, cut to a length of 1 m
• 2.4 m of roof tiling batten timber

Method

1. Make the first side by laying 2 of the pressure-impregnated timber posts 1 metre apart. These will act as the uprights.
2. Leave a gap of 8 cm (3 in) at the bottom and then fix the timber planks to the posts using galvanised nails. Do not leave any gaps between each plank - butt them together and continue until you have made a solid panel.
3. Repeat the previous step to make the second side.
4. Position a timber plank at right angles to the bottom plank on one of the sides. Hammer it into place. This will form the back of the bin.
5. Now position the second side so that it joins the free end of the back plank. Hammer it into place, thus forming a three-sided box. Nail on the remainder of the back planks.
6. Fix a batten inside each of the front posts for the front planks to slide between. Make sure that you have left enough room to allow the planks to slide easily between the batten and the post.
7. Nail a small piece of wood at the base of each batten run to act as a 'stop'.
8. Nail a plank across the top and bottom of the front of the box to stabilise the bin.
9. Position the bin so that it sits square in the space you've selected for it. Knock the posts into the ground with a lump hammer, using a spare piece of thick wood to protect the top of the posts. The bottom planks should sit on the ground.
10. Slide the planks for the front of the bin into place.