Materials

• At least a 10-foot length of 3-foot high wire mesh
  Use hardware cloth or galvanized wire fencing (the type with small holes, 1"x2" or 1"x3"); chicken wire isn't sturdy enough for this bin.
• Two latches (hook-&-eye or whatever you prefer)
• Wood (Two 3-foot lengths of 1"x2" or any scrap wood about this size)

Building a Wire Mesh Bin

1. Unroll hardware cloth (or fencing) and trim excess wire. Snip off any sharp end pieces so the thing can be handled later without stabbing yourself.
2. Attach wood to the edges of the hardware cloth.
3. Bend hardware cloth into a cylinder.
4. Lastly, attach your hooks and latches to the wood.

Tip for Southern California Composters

For Southern California and other dry climates, this bin should be lined with plastic. Black 6-mil plastic is sturdy enough and looks nice. Cut a piece of plastic of the appropriate length and about 6 inches taller than the bin. Line the bin with the plastic and wrap the extra 6 inches over the top edge. The plastic will normally stay in place; if not, use clothes pins to secure.