Can I use an old laundry bin for compost?

[1984isnow]

I have one similar to the photo, but no lid and less gappy. The actual compost bins I see online are sealed around the top and sides, with no base to put directly on the ground.

Trying to avoid ordering things online/for collection so any ideas how I can make this one work?

Absolutely fine. If you have a drill handy, make some drainage holes in the bottom as well. Stand it on soil in a shady corner and don't let it dry out.

Yes you can use it. They don't have a base because you want works to come up through the ground. You could just make a hole in the bottom.

I don't see why not!
Can you drill or cut out the base? At least make some holes in it so the compost can drain and worms can get into it.
It's usually recommended to put something like chicken wire under the bases of compost bins so rats can't dig in under them.
You will need something to cover the top so it doesn't get sodden when it rains, or dry out completely. A bit of old carpet or underlay?
I'd be careful to layer your stuff up and keep it mixed if you can.

Good luck! I am silly-fond of my compost heap

Bloody autocorrect. I meant worms

The compost needs to be at a fairly high temperature. You might not have enough volume to sustain the high temperature, especially with the holes. Also, compost bins tend to be black, I've always assumed this is so they absorb the heat from the sun rather than reflect it. I wonder if wrapping your basket in black binbags would work?

Thanks all! I think if I cut out the bottom, it would become too flimsy, but I can definitely drill some holes in.

My main concern was the gaps in the sides, but I'm sure I could find something to wrap around it and to cover it.

My experience of gardening is limited to pulling weeds out (unsuccessfully. I found the otherday that I had neatly weeded around other weeds I thought was a plant) so I am just starting out with compost and I love repurposing things so a win win.