PPT Slide
While there are many commercial worm bins available for reasonable prices you can easily build your own out of materials you may even have on hand. Instead of wasting your hard earned dollars on shipping and handling charges why not gather up a few items and some elbow grease and craft your own personal vermicomposter. The following instructions and supplies will build a bin suitable for around 3 people (depending on how much waste you produce).
- Bin & lid (75 x 60 x 30 cm - a shallow rubbermaid style bin works wonderfully)
- Bedding Material (ripped up newspaper, papertowel, peat moss, egg cartons)
- drill about 4-6 holes in the lid of the bin (approx. 1 inch diameter)
- drill 1 hole in each side of bin above or just under the handle.
- place worms in and mix with bedding
Worms like it best in a shady area where the temperature is consistent and does not get too hot or too cold. Also remember to rotate where you bury food so that one part of the bin does not get “overfed”. Monitor moisture, the bedding should feel like a well wrung sponge. A spray bottle is always handy to spritz the little folks with. Add new bedding as the old bedding is eaten.
The most common problem experienced when learning to vermicompost is the presence of fruit flies. While these little airborne critters are harmless, most people don’t want them in the house. The main reason for fruit flies is that the waste is not fully buried in the worm bin, so always ensure that there is enough bedding to properly cover food. If flies persist a small cup of vinegar or beer inside or near the bin will attract the flies where they will drown.
Sources of Info & Supplies:
www.city.toronto.on.ca/com
www.rco.on.ca/factsheet.fs_ee0
What You Will Need To Start Your Own Vermicomposter