DIY Composter

Before the meeting: 

1. Rinse all the two-liter soda bottles and peel off labels. 
2. Using the sharp knife, cut off the top of the bottle, approximately 1-2″ inches below the neck of the bottle. Cub Scouts will need both pieces of the bottle. 
3. Set up meeting space for Cub Scouts to have room to move around. Cover any tabletops. 

During the meeting: 

1. Have Cub Scouts investigate the types of soil found in their handbooks. Discuss with them the differences in soil and what things each type can do. Talk about what compost can do well. 
2. Set out the shredded newspaper, dirt, compost materials, and dead leaves. 
3. Give each Cub Scout a bottle, a nail, and a flat dish. 
4. Ask Cub Scouts to carefully use a nail to punch 8 to 10 small air and drainage holes along the sides and bottom of the bottle. 
5. Tell Cub Scouts to put their bottle on their flat dish. Have them put some dirt, shredded newspaper, and old leaves inside the composter as their compost starter. 
6. Have Cub Scouts use the spray bottle to wet the compost starter. 
7. Tell Cub Scouts to add compost materials to their compost. Next, have them turn the bottle top upside down and place it in the open top of the bottle.  
8. Explain that Cub Scouts will take their composter home. They should place it in a spot where sunlight can reach it and should cover the top with a kitchen towel when not in use. 
9. Tell Cub Scouts to check the composter each day to see what it looks like. Every few days, Cub Scouts should stir the compost and make sure to keep the contents damp. As their compost breaks down, they can add more kitchen scraps or plant litter, as well as some more soil from outside to mix in.