Preparing the Garbage Pail

• 1). Drill holes about 4 to 6 inches apart around the sides the garbage can, in the bottom and on the lid.
  
  
• 2). Line the bottom of the garbage pail with several inches of sawdust or dry straw to absorb excess moisture.
  
  
• 3). Elevate the garbage pail by placing it on three or four cinder blocks with drainage holes.
  
  

Composting in Garbage Pails

• 1). Add waste material (kitchen scraps, livestock manure, etc.) to the garbage pail as necessary.
  
  
• 2). Cover each layer of new compost material with a layer of soil.
  
  
• 3). Pay attention to the moisture content of your compost. Add water or sawdust to moisten or dry the compost as necessary. As a general rule of thumb, compost should be slightly damp when it is touched but is considered too damp if liquid drips from the compost when it is squeezed.
  
  
• 4). Turn the compost materials periodically by securing the lid and rolling the compost pail around.