Compost system setup in Exeter
Professional compost system setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£135
Typical Duration
1.5-2.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Compost bins assembled, positioned sensibly, and set up ready to start composting. Basic guidance included so you actually use it.
Start composting without the faff
You've bought compost bins (or been given them, or inherited a confusing pile of panels), and you know composting's a good idea - less bin waste, free soil improver, environmentally friendly. But the bins are in flat-pack and you're not sure where to put them or how to start.
I'll get them assembled, positioned sensibly, and give you enough guidance to actually start using them rather than having them sit empty for two years.
Different composting setups:
| 🗑️ Plastic Bins | 🪵 Wooden Bays | 🌾 Open Heaps |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-pack assembly | Pallet/timber construction | Positioning and base |
| Positioning advice | Multi-bay systems | Wire mesh enclosures |
| Lid/hatch setup | Removable front panels | Turning access |
| Quick and neat | Larger volume, better airflow | Traditional, free |
Typical compost setups
| System Type | What's Involved | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Single plastic bin (e.g. council supplied) | Assemble, position, advise | 1.5 hrs |
| Double or triple bin system | Multiple assembly, spacing, setup | 2 hrs |
| Wooden bay system (pallets or kit) | Construction, positioning, access | 2.5 hrs |
Pricing Guide
| Setup Complexity | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single bin setup | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Multiple bin system | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Wooden bay construction | 2.5 hrs | £135 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
💡 Pro tip: Position compost bins where you'll actually use them, not where they're "hidden." If bins are at the bottom of a long garden and you can't be bothered to walk there with kitchen waste, you won't compost. Convenience beats aesthetics for actual use.
Why Choose Us for Compost system setup in Exeter?
Bins assembled from flat-pack
Positioned for good drainage and access
Multiple bin systems set up correctly
Advice on what to compost and how
What to Expect
Step 1: Site assessment
We'll discuss where your bins should go - I'll look at drainage, access from house and garden, sun/shade, and whether you're trying to hide them or not fussed. If you've already got a spot in mind, I'll check it's sensible or suggest tweaks.
Step 2: Assembly and setup
Bins get assembled from flat-pack (they're usually held together with plastic clips and slots - fiddly but manageable), positioned on level ground, spaced properly if you've got multiples. For wooden bays, I'll build from pallets or timber, making sure they're square and sturdy.
Step 3: Basic composting guidance
I'll show you how it works - rough layers of "greens" (grass clippings, veg waste) and "browns" (cardboard, dry leaves), what not to add, and how to check if it's too wet or too dry. Enough to get started successfully without a PhD in composting.
🔧 DIY Tips
Setting up yourself:
Tools you'll need:
- Screwdriver or drill (for some bin types)
- Spade (for positioning and leveling)
- Spirit level (ideally)
- Saw (if building wooden bays)
- Hammer (for pallet construction)
Plastic bin assembly:
- Lay out all panels - check which is top/bottom/sides
- Start with base, slot in corner panels
- Work around adding sides (usually clips or slots)
- Fit lid and check hatches open easily
- Position on level ground with good drainage
Wooden bay construction:
- Four pallets make a simple three-sided bay
- Fix corner posts into ground (600mm posts, bury 300mm)
- Attach pallet sides to posts with screws
- Front should be removable panels or open for access
- Consider roofing (old wood, corrugated plastic) to keep rain off
Positioning tips:
- Partial shade is ideal (under trees works well)
- Direct contact with soil (worms can enter, drainage)
- Easy access from kitchen and garden
- Multiple bins need space between for air flow
- Not too close to wooden fences (moisture rots fence)
Common mistakes:
- Full sun - compost dries out, slows down
- No drainage - sits in water, goes slimy
- Too far from house - you won't use it
- Base sitting on concrete - no worms, poor drainage
- Single bin when you need two (can't access mature compost)
Pro tricks:
- Put cardboard or rough compost in base first - helps drainage
- Multiple bins should be in a row for easy access
- Leave space between bins to get wheelbarrow in
- Wire mesh on base if rats are an issue (they can't get in but worms can)
- Start with a layer of twigs/prunings in bottom - creates air space
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Multi-job opportunity: Compost setup often goes with other garden jobs - clearing space, moving old bins, general garden tidying. I'll knock a bit off when combining work.
Pallet sourcing: If you want wooden bay composters but haven't got pallets, I can sometimes source them locally. Heat-treated (marked HT) pallets are safe for gardens; avoid chemically treated (MB) ones.
Council bins: Many councils around Exeter provide subsidized plastic compost bins. If you've got one of these (usually green, black, or burgundy plastic), they're simple to assemble and I can help position and set it up.
Old Devon gardens: Heavy clay soil that many properties around Exeter have can get waterlogged. Compost bins need drainage even in clay - I'll position on the best-draining spot or suggest raising slightly if your garden's really boggy.
What you can compost:
- ✅ YES: Veg peelings, grass clippings, weeds (not seeded), cardboard, paper, eggshells, tea bags, coffee grounds, hedge clippings, leaves
- ❌ NO: Cooked food, meat, fish, dairy, dog/cat waste, diseased plants, glossy paper, coal ash, cat litter
Ongoing advice: Once you start composting, you'll have questions (it's too wet, it smells, nothing's happening). I'm happy to advise if you get stuck - sometimes it's as simple as adding more cardboard or giving it a turn.
Hot vs cold composting: Most people do "cold" composting - just add stuff and wait 6-12 months. "Hot" composting is faster but needs more effort (specific ratios, turning, monitoring). I'll set you up for whichever approach you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does compost system setup include?
I'll assemble your compost bins from flat-pack, position them in a sensible spot (good drainage, easy access, not too visible), set up multi-bin systems if you're doing it properly, and give you basic advice on getting started. If you want a simple open heap rather than bins, I can help with that too.
Where should compost bins go in the garden?
Somewhere with reasonable drainage (not a bog), easy access from kitchen and garden (you'll use it regularly), partial shade (full sun dries it out, full shade makes it slow), and ideally not right next to the neighbor's fence. I'll suggest the best spot based on your garden layout.
Do I need one bin or multiple bins?
Serious composters use at least two - one actively filling while the other matures. Three is ideal - filling, maturing, ready to use. But if you're just starting, one bin's fine. I can set up single or multi-bin systems depending on your commitment level.
Can you help with bay-style wooden composters or just plastic bins?
Both. Plastic bins are quick to assemble and position. Wooden bay systems (made from pallets or timber) take longer but look better and handle larger volumes. I can build either type depending on what you've got or want.
Will you show me how to actually start composting?
I'll give you the basics - what goes in (greens and browns), what doesn't (no cooked food, meat, or dog waste in garden compost), rough ratios, and how to get it started. Not a full composting masterclass, but enough to get going successfully.
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