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