Want to give composting a try but worried about the price tag? You’re not alone! Many beginners think they need fancy bins or expensive tools to get started. But guess what? You can start composting without spending a fortune. In fact, it can actually save you money! This guide will show you how to compost on a budget and unlock those savings.
Composting For Beginners Cost: It’s Cheaper Than You Think!
Hey there, fellow home improvers and garden enthusiasts! Troy D Harn here from TopChooser. I know that diving into a new project can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to keep an eye on your wallet. Composting is one of those fantastic hobbies that’s not only good for your garden and the planet but also surprisingly gentle on your budget.
Many people assume composting requires a big upfront investment. You might picture expensive tumblers, specialized tools, or even a fancy outdoor kitchen renovation. But trust me, that’s just not the case! The beauty of composting is its flexibility. You can scale it to fit your space, your needs, and, most importantly, your pocketbook. This article is all about showing you the most cost-effective ways to start churning out that amazing “black gold” for your garden, and how it can save you money in the long run.
We’ll break down the real costs involved, explore budget-friendly options, and highlight how you’ll start seeing those savings pile up. You’ll learn that getting started is simpler and more affordable than you ever imagined. Let’s dig in!
Why Start Composting? Beyond the Savings
Before we get deep into the cost of composting for beginners, let’s quickly chat about why it’s such a rewarding activity. While saving money is a huge perk, there are several other fantastic reasons to turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into garden gold:
- Reduces Waste: A significant portion of household trash is compostable material. Composting diverts this from landfills, which helps reduce methane gas emissions – a potent greenhouse gas.
- Boosts Garden Health: Compost is like a superfood for your soil. It improves soil structure, aeration, and drainage, and it introduces beneficial microorganisms that help plants thrive. This means healthier, more vibrant plants and a more productive garden, whether you’re growing veggies, flowers, or just keeping your lawn looking great.
- Saves Money on Garden Supplies: High-quality compost and soil amendments can be pricey at the garden center. By making your own, you eliminate the need to buy expensive fertilizers, soil conditioners, and bagged compost.
- Reduces Need for Chemical Fertilizers: Many commercial fertilizers can be harsh and run off into waterways. Compost provides nutrients naturally, reducing your reliance on chemicals.
- It’s a Rewarding Process: There’s a real sense of satisfaction in transforming waste into a valuable resource for your garden. It’s a tangible way to connect with nature and contribute positively to your environment.
Composting For Beginners Cost: The Real Price of Getting Started
Okay, back to the nitty-gritty: what does composting actually cost? The great news is that you can start composting for FREE or for a very small investment. The initial outlay depends mainly on whether you choose to buy a bin or construct one yourself, and what tools you might already have around the house.
Option 1: The “Freebie” or DIY Approach (Cost: $0 – $50)
This is where the magic of keeping costs low truly shines. If you’re crafty or resourceful, you can set up a perfectly functional compost system without buying a dedicated bin.
Building Your Own Compost Bin
Instead of buying, consider building! This often uses materials you might already have or can source for cheap.
- Pallet Compost Bin: This is a classic DIY compost bin. You can often get free wooden pallets from local businesses, garden centers, or construction sites (just ask permission first!). You’ll need a few to create the sides of your bin. Assembly is straightforward; you can nail or wire them together to form enclosures.
- Wire Mesh Bin: A roll of hardware cloth or chicken wire can be fashioned into a simple cylinder. This allows for excellent airflow, which is crucial for composting. You might need a few stakes to keep it upright initially. This type of bin is very easy to make and move if needed.
- Repurposed Containers: Got an old trash can (with a lid!), a large plastic storage tote, or even wooden crates? With a few drill holes for air circulation and drainage, these can become excellent compost bins. Ensure they are made of sturdy material and are large enough to hold a decent volume of material.
Estimated Cost: If you need to buy basic hardware like screws, nails, or wire, you might spend between $10-$30. If you can scavenge all materials, the cost can be as low as $0. You’ll also need a pitchfork or sturdy shovel for turning, which many people already own for gardening.
The Simple Pile (Cost: $0)
Yes, you can just create a compost pile! If you have a bit of yard space, you can simply dedicate a corner to a heap of your compostable materials. This is the absolute lowest-cost method. The key is to ensure you’re layering greens and browns properly and turning it occasionally for aeration. It might not look as neat as a bin, but it works just as effectively.
Option 2: Budget-Friendly Purchased Bins (Cost: $50 – $150)
If DIY isn’t your thing, or you prefer a more contained solution that might look tidier in your yard, there are many affordable composting bins available.
Stationary Bins
These are typically plastic or wooden bins that sit in one place. They are easy to use – you just add materials to the top and harvest compost from a door near the bottom (on some models).
- Plastic Stationary Bins: Often made from recycled plastic, these are durable and come in various sizes. They usually have lids to keep moisture and critters out and can be quite cost-effective. Look for models with aeration vents.
- Wooden Stationary Bins: These can look more attractive in a garden setting and are also very practical. Some might require simple assembly.
Estimated Cost: You can find basic stationary bins for anywhere from $50 to $100. Higher-end models with better features can go up to $150.
Tumblers (The Mid-Range Option)
Compost tumblers are enclosed barrels that rotate on an axle or a base. They make turning the compost incredibly easy – a few spins a day is all it takes. This can speed up the composting process. While generally more expensive than stationary bins, they offer convenience.
Estimated Cost: Basic compost tumblers usually start around $100 and can go up to $200 or more for larger, dual-chamber models.
Essential Tools (Often Already Owned!)
You don’t need a fancy toolkit for composting. Most of what you need, you probably already have in your shed or garage:
- Pitchfork or Shovel: For turning and aerating your compost pile.
- Garden Gloves: To keep your hands clean.
- Buckets or Containers: For collecting kitchen scraps to take out to your main compost bin.
- Watering Can or Hose: For adding moisture if your pile gets too dry.
Estimated Cost: $0 – $30 (if you need to purchase these basic tools).
The Essential Savings: How Composting Saves YOU Money
Now for the exciting part – how composting actively puts money back in your pocket. These savings might not be immediate, but over time, they add up significantly.
1. Reduced Trash Bills (for some)
If you pay for trash collection based on volume or weight (often called “pay-as-you-throw” systems), composting can directly reduce your waste output. Less trash means a smaller bin or fewer pickups, leading to tangible savings on your monthly bills. Check with your local waste management provider to see how their system works and if composting can benefit you.
Example: If you’re currently paying for a large trash bin pickup twice a week, and by composting, you can downsize to a smaller bin picked up once a week, you could save anywhere from $10-$30 or more per month, depending on your provider.
2. Free, High-Quality Soil Amendment
This is the big one for gardeners. Bagged compost, quality topsoil, and fertilizers can be expensive. A typical 1.5 cubic foot bag of compost can cost $5-$10+. If you’re preparing beds for a garden, amending your lawn, or potting plants, you might need many bags.
Let’s do some quick math:
| Item | Typical Cost per Unit | Estimated Annual Need | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagged Compost | $7 (1.5 cu ft bag) | 20 bags (for a small garden plot) | $140 |
| Bagged Topsoil/Amendments | $6 (1.5 cu ft bag) | 15 bags | $90 |
| Commercial Fertilizer | $20 (for a medium bag) | 3 bags | $60 |
| DIY Compost Total | $0 (cost of materials/bin) | N/A | $0 |
As you can see, just by making your own compost, you can easily save hundreds of dollars a year on garden supplies. The compost you produce is often richer and more beneficial than what you buy in bags! The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends compost as a sustainable and beneficial soil amendment, highlighting its nutrient content and soil-improving properties.
3. Healthier Plants, Better Yields
When your soil is rich with high-quality compost, your plants will be healthier and more resilient. This means you’re less likely to deal with pest infestations or diseases that often plague struggling plants. Healthy plants also produce more – whether it’s more vegetables from your vegetable garden, more flowers, or a lusher lawn. Better yields and fewer plant losses translate to direct savings and increased value from your gardening efforts.
4. Reduced Water Usage
Compost acts like a sponge in the soil, helping it retain moisture. This means you’ll need to water your plants less frequently, especially during dry spells. Less frequent watering translates to lower water bills, a saving that can be quite significant in drought-prone areas or during hot summer months.
5. Less Need for Disposal Fees
Beyond regular trash pickups, sometimes people pay extra to dispose of yard waste (like fallen leaves or grass clippings) if it’s too much for their regular bin. By composting this material, you avoid those potential extra fees.
What Can You Compost to Maximize Savings? (“Greens” and “Browns”)
To create that valuable compost, you need a good mix of nitrogen-rich materials (your “greens”) and carbon-rich materials (your “browns”). Here’s a breakdown, focusing on items you likely have or can get for free:
“Greens” (Nitrogen-Rich)
- Fruit and vegetable scraps (peels, cores, rinds)
- Coffee grounds and tea bags
- Grass clippings (add in thin layers to avoid matting)
- Plant trimmings (non-diseased)
- Eggshells (crushed)
- Manure from herbivores (like rabbits, chickens, cows – avoid dog/cat waste)
- Seaweed
“Browns” (Carbon-Rich)
- Dry leaves (a fantastic free resource in the fall!)
- Shredded newspaper and cardboard (avoid glossy paper)
- Straw and hay
- Wood chips or sawdust (use sparingly, especially from treated wood or cedar, as they can be slow to break down and may contain harmful compounds)
- Dried grass
- Paper towels and napkins (if not soiled with grease or chemicals)
- Pine needles
What NOT to Compost (to avoid problems and potential costs):
- Meat, fish, and bones (attract pests, smell bad)
- Dairy products (attract pests, smell bad)
- Oily or greasy foods
- Diseased plants
- Weeds that have gone to seed (unless your pile gets very hot)
- Pet waste (dog, cat)
- Chemically treated wood or yard waste
- Coal or charcoal ash
By diligently collecting these free materials, you are essentially creating valuable compost ingredients without spending money on them.
Quick Steps to Start Composting on a Budget
Ready to jump in? It’s easier than you think. Here’s a simple, cost-effective plan:
- Choose Your Composting Method:
- Free/DIY: Decide if you’ll build a pallet bin, wire bin, use a repurposed container, or just start a pile in a designated backyard spot. Gather any necessary free materials.
- Budget Bin: Purchase an affordable stationary bin or a simple tumbler. Look for sales or consider slightly used options from local marketplaces.
- Set Up Your Location: Pick a spot for your compost bin or pile. It should be easily accessible, have good drainage, and ideally get some sun (though partial shade is fine too). For bins, ensure it’s on bare soil or grass if possible, to allow beneficial microbes and worms to enter.
- Gather a Starting Supply: Collect a good mix of “greens” and “browns.” If you don’t have many kitchen scraps yet, start by collecting dry leaves, shredded paper, or cardboard. A good starting ratio is often 2-3 parts browns to 1 part greens.
- Start Layering: Begin by placing a layer of coarse, brown material (like twigs or cardboard) at the bottom for aeration. Then, alternate layers of greens and browns. Chop or shred larger items to speed up decomposition.
- Maintain Moisture: Your compost pile should be as damp as a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too dry, add water. If it’s too wet, add more dry brown materials. A lid or covering can help regulate moisture.
- Aerate (Turn): This is crucial for speeding up the process and preventing odors. Aim to turn your compost pile 1-2 times a week using a pitchfork or shovel. If you have a tumbler, give it a few spins every couple of days.
- Be Patient: Composting takes time. Depending on the materials, temperature, and how well you manage the pile, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year to produce finished compost.
- Harvest and Use: Once your compost is dark, crumbly, and smells earthy (like a forest floor), it’s ready! You can sift out any unfinished bits and start them on their way in the next batch. Use your homemade compost on your garden beds, around trees and shrubs, or with potted plants.
A Table of Composting Costs at a Glance
To help you visualize the investment, here’s a quick summary of potential costs for different beginner composting setups:
| Setup Type | Estimated Initial Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Pile (No Bin) | $0 – $10 (if you need basic tools) | Free! Simple, requires no special materials. | Can look untidy, might attract more pests if not managed well, slower decomposition without containment. |
| DIY Bin (Pallets, Wire, Repurposed Bin) | $10 – $50 (for hardware, if needed) | Cost-effective, uses recycled materials, good aeration, customizable. | Requires some effort to build, might require sourcing free materials. |
| Basic Stationary Plastic Bin | $50 – $100 | Neat appearance, contains materials, easy to use, durable. | Less airflow than open bins, can be harder to turn, limited capacity. |
| Basic Compost Tumbler | $100 – $150 | Very easy to turn/aerate, faster composting, contained, good for small spaces. | Can be more expensive, might require emptying to harvest, smaller batches. |
Troubleshooting Common Composting
I am passionate about home engineering. I specialize in designing, installing, and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. My goal is to help people stay comfortable in their homes all year long.
I am passionate about home engineering. I specialize in designing, installing, and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. My goal is to help people stay comfortable in their homes all year long.