- Compost tumblers accelerate the decay of compost by sealing in the gases that heat it up. To make your own tumbler, you first need a round dark plastic trash can with a lid that fits well. Drill a hole on either side of this trash can, about halfway down. Put the lid on securely and drill a hole on either side through the lid into the body of the can. If the trash can doesn't have much of a lip, you may have to do this at a 45 degree angle. Using scrap wood, nail together a base about 4 feet by 4 feet. Attach two other pieces of wood, standing on edge (two by fours work well) on either side of the base, about midway. Make sure they are taller than the trash can. Cut a notch in the top of both of these stand-up pieces. You'll need a metal dowel that will fit into the holes you drilled at the sides of the can. Push this through and set the ends of it in the notches on the two by fours. Your trash can is now suspended and can be turned over easily. To keep the lid on, insert long bolts into the holes you drilled and fasten with wing nuts. Now, drill several more small holes into the sides of the trash can to allow air circulation. Fill the tumbler with kitchen scraps (no protein products), water occasionally and turn every time you add more scraps. In a short time you will have usable compost.