Time to complete: 1 day.

You will need: 4 posts about 5 ft (1.5 m) long, hammer, chicken wire, fencing staples, cardboard boxes, old carpet.

Attach wire to posts

Set the posts 30 in (75 cm) apart in a square and drive them 12 in (30 cm) into the ground, using a hammer. Wrap the chicken wire around the posts and attach it with fencing staples. Snip off excess wire; make sure no sharp strands are left sticking out.

Add cardboard sides

Flatten the cardboard boxes and put several layers on each side, slotting them between the posts and the netting. Put a layer on the base then start filling your bin. Place a piece of old carpet on top of the waste; replace it each time you add more. This helps keep out the rain and insulates the bin, speeding up the composting process.