Build an inexpensive, yet functional wormery.

Rubbermaid worm bins are easy to make and inexpensive, but lack the capacity and aesthetics of a more expensive worm bin.

If you’re new to vermicomposting, I like to encourage people to start with a small, inexpensive worm bin.

Rubbermaid offers a 10 gallon tote exclusively through Lowe’s that works perfectly for this. It measures just shy of 24” x 16” x 9” at sells for $6.49. A bin this size will house 2,000 to 2,500 composting worms.

For this project, you’ll need 2 of these Rubbermaid bins. One bin will be for your composting worms and the other for catching the drainage or leachate.

Building the worm bin

We first need to provide adequate ventilation for the worms by drilling or punching some ¼” holes into one of the plastic bins. Drill ventilation holes around the top and drain holes on the bottom. Don’t worry; the worms won’t try to escape unless you make one or more vermicomposting mistakes.

• Drill 8 ¼” holes on each side of the worm bin for ventilation. Evenly space each hole, about 2 to 2½ inches apart.
• Drill 18 ¼” holes on the bottom of the worm bin for drainage. Evenly space each hole, about 2 to 2½ inches apart.

Building the leachate bin

Set the worm bin aside and prepare the other bin used to catch the drainage or leachate. We need to provide adaquate ventilation for this bin as well, however we also need it to contain the water that may drain from the upper worm bin.

• Drill 8 ¼” holes on each side of the leachate bin for ventilation, just below the mid ridge in the Rubbermaid bin. Evenly space each hole, about 2 to 2½ inches apart.

Finished Rubbermaid Worm Composting Bin

Once all the holes are drilled, place the top onto the worm bin (you’ll only use one top). Then place the worm bin inside the leachate bin. Congratualtions, you now have a wormery build to house a couple thousand composting worms.

Next Steps

• Fill your new worm bin about 3/4 full of prepared worm bedding material.
• Order your composting worms online or find a reliable local distributor.
• View our helpful worm feeding tips.
• Review the Vermicomposting Mistakes page to make sure you don’t drive your composting worms out of their new home.