A Compost Tumbler Plan That Will Turn Your Waste Into Black Gold

homemade compost tumbler

I dedicate the compost tumbler plan and pictures on this page to James, one of our most adventurous tribe members. James got in touch with me on our Facebook page, and with a whole lot of enthusiasm asked if he could share these pictures and plans with our members. His hope was that we could give him our feedback on his creation, so please use the comments section at the bottom of this page to congratulate him and provide feedback.

This compost tumbler plan was adopted from the specs provided by Dixie Grilling. Thanks guys! James also directed me to a great YouTube video, which I have embedded below.

“The plans were very easy to follow;
however, some parts were a little pricey from the big box stores”

What You’ll Need

The Structure

x2 – 2″x6″34″ Treated Lumber (used for uprights)
x2 – 2″x6″ x 33-1/2″ Treated Lumber (used for side feet)
x2 – 2″x6″ x 28-1/2″ Treated Lumber (used for center braces)
x8 – 3/8″ x 3-1/2″ Galvanized Carriage Bolts
x8 – 3/8″ Galvanized Hex Head Nuts
x8 – 3/8″ Galvanized Flat Washers
x12 – 3-1/2″ Galvanized Deck Screws
x1 – 60 Gallon Food Grade Plastic Barrel
x1 – 3/4″ x 30″ Galvanized Pipe Nipple
x2 – 3/4″ Glavanized Threaded Pipe Cap
x2 – 1-1/4″ x 1-1/2″ PVC Pipe
x1 – 3/4″ Schedule 40 PVC Pipe Cap

The Guts

x1 – 3″ Schedule 40 PVC Pipe
x1 – 3″ Schedule 40 PVC Cap
x2 – 3″ Schedule 40 Closet Flange
Various sizes – Screen material*

The treated lumber is critical here assuming your tumbler is going to be left outdoors. As for where to obtain the plastic barrel, try Craig’s list as they suggest in the video, or if you’re in Canada try Kijiji. Do your darnedest not to purchase this item new; there are a tonne of them kicking around just waiting to be up-cycled, you just have to look in the right places. As a matter of fact, most of the items on the above lists (aside from the flange) can probably be found second-hand.

*You’ll notice that James added some additional screen around the air pipe on the inside of his tumbler. This is not indicated on the original compost tumbler plan.

Putting It All Together

Please refer to the attached drawings for the assembly of this homemade compost tumbler.

Use these drawings, the following video, and Jame’s photos to assemble your tumbler. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask them in the comments section below.