Underground Composting

Underground, or pit, composting is the method of decomposing waste scraps from the household using the Earth's natural heat. This method is especially useful in climates that may prohibit decomposition due to extended freezing temperatures. Materials such as leaves are mixed with kitchen vegetable scrap waste. In a period of three to four months, the underground compost pile or pit has finished its job and the material can be removed. An underground composting system also is useful in areas where pets or pests dig into above-ground composting piles.

• 1

  Cut the bottom from the 30-gallon trashcan with the handsaw. Make the cut as horizontally level as possible and only remove the flat bottom. The goal is to retain as much of the trashcan sides as possible and keep the bottom edge smooth.

• 2

  Install the 1-inch drill bit into the drill. Drill as many 1-inch diameter holes into the top two-thirds of the trashcan as possible. A total of 20 to 30 holes is sufficient.

• 3

  Dig a 6- to 8-inch deep hole the same diameter as the plastic trashcan. Pile the dirt to the side. Insert the trashcan into the hole. The trashcan should be as level as possible. Mound the excess dirt around the outside perimeter of the trashcan. This aids in holding it in place.

• 4

  Stack the straw bales around the inserted trashcan or bags of leaves. The straw or leaves keeps the compost pit insulated from freezing temperatures. Try not to block too many of the vent holes.

• 5

  Add kitchen vegetable scraps to the compost pit. Mix in a handful of leaves with each addition. Make sure to keep the trashcan lid on and in place between pit contributions.