If I want to make/start a compost heap, can I do it in a plastic bin?

[ThisIsMyYearToFindMyself]

Short title for attention really!

I rent and don’t want to invest money and transport costs in one of the big bins. So I’m trying to think what I have that I can try it in. I’m not a gardener, I have a garden but no idea what I’m doing with it really, I just fancied starting some compost.

I have a small plastic bin with a swing lid, about knee height. The kind of bin people have in a kitchen. Can I use this? Or do I need something with drainage?

I have grass clippings, hedge trimmings, cardboard, veg peelings, teabags etc.

Because I’m renting I don’t want to make one with pallets or buy a big one as I might move someday, then what will I do with it? So I thought small, portable, free, why not?

My previous history with compost has been cutting the grass and putting the trimmings into a black bin liner which I promptly forgot about for two years. It somehow turned itself into compost. Based on that, it seems quite easy? 😁🌱

you can indeed @ThisIsMyYearToFindMyself

https://www.rhs.org.uk/soil-composts-mulches/composting

Yes
And see if your council offers a free compost bin

Speaking from experience, composting stuff in a plastic bin with no aeration / drainage holes produces a foul, disgusting sludge.

Is it worth having a compost bin even if you don’t actually use the compost for anything? I do a lot of cooking so end up with lots of peelings…it would save room in the black bin.

Thank you for this link, it looks great. However, I read you need drainage in the bin which I don’t have. So I guess it’s a no?

Missed this comment. Mine has no drainage 😟.

you only need to put some holes in the bottom of the bin @ThisIsMyYearToFindMyself (sharp scissors/drill etc.)

If you have a garden you can compost without a bin. Either create a heap somewhere or try trench composting.

I think you will fill a bin that size quite quickly.
It definitely needs sone drainage. You could knock sone holes in the bottom - or just knock out the bottom! The more soil (actual soil) you have contactvwoth, the more worms you might get!

OR, scrap the bin completely, and just heap everything in a corner. Partially covered by something if you wish.

I've also seen people compost straight into the soil. Think it's along the lines of dig a hole. Fill it with stuff for a few days/weeks then chuck the soil back ontop.

You can make holes with a hot screwdriver- I've used a tea light and put the screwdriver into the flame.

I'd add some soil from the garden to get it going, with a few worms in there.

If you don't want a big compost head that you need to move, you can get recycled plastic wormeries.

https://wormcity.co.uk/shop/wormcity-wormery-75/

I've bought from this company, and was pleased. Easy to clean and transport if you move house.