Hi dgriffin - there are all kinds of posts here on how to build all kinds of bins from simple 3 sided bins from pallets tied together to fancy tumblers. But the best place to start is with the FAQ on composting. You'll find suggestions there for different types of bins you can make. Then check out these discussions for a start. http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/soil/msg0515472921942.html http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/accessible/msg031948455873.html http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/soil/msg0109074524835.html http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/verm/msg042040421641.html Dave Here is a link that might be useful: Composting FAQ's

It isn't neccesary to use the exact containers pictured. Any type of tote can be used (like Rubbermaid). As for crushing the contents below, I use two bricks laid flat on the bottom tote to make sure the tote above it isn't sitting in liquid. And when you start with the third tote (the link Stephan provided explains how to use the 3 tote system) the contents still in the second tote holds the third tote up. What I wrote probably left you even more confused (LOL) but if you check out the link you should be able to understand.

Janet...DH & I just finished watching this and WE LOVED THE IDEA! I can see All our Christmas Village and Decorations and so many other things stacked this way. So easy to grab one at a time too. Also it's CHEAP to build. I have shelving units I spent a fortune on..and still need more.. but with this idea, you can add on to what you already have for less $. Thanks so much for sharing this. I hope your fibro gets under control. I think the weather plays a big part with the extra pain. I spend lots of nights on the PC too for the same reason. Take care. - Also, I hope you don't mind, I listed the direct link below. jane Here is a link that might be useful: Easy Storage Unit

Are you open to thinking a little outside the box? Friends of mine keep their recycling in trash cans that have lids and a foot pedal to open the lid. Two of them are fairly small and are tucked under the kitchen table and the other one is larger and sits in their mudroom. My cousin has hooks hanging on the stairwell of their cellar stairs. They sort the glass, plastic and metal into plastic bags and hang them on the hooks. (These are high enough so that they don't block the stairway and so that the dogs can't get at them.) Newspapers go in a wooden box that her husband built, right next to the fireplace. They have a gadget that rolls the newspapers into logs to burn in the fireplace. I have a tall plastic trashcan in my study for all the paper recycling because that's where I sort the mail and read the newspaper and magazines. With the recycle "bin" right there, I don't have to remember to take the paper recycling anywhere; the recycle can sits right next to the trash can. I line it with a paper grocery bag which is what my town wants us to use for paper recycling. Both cans are tucked out of sight between my desk and the wall. I have two plastic totes with handles that tuck away in a corner of my kitchen (my apartment has no other place to put recycling). They are taller and narrower than most recycling bins, so they take up less floor space. One is for metal, the other for glass and plastic (how the town wants us to sort things). I carry them out and put the contents in the official recycling bins that are shared by all the tenants on recycling pick-up day. My experience with most recycling "systems" is that there is not enough room in the bins for at least one type of recycling. They clearly assume that you have the same amount of glass, plastic and metal recycling. Sometimes the lids are cumbersome. Can you look around your home for other small spaces to put some of the recycling? Or look for any attractive containers that are the size you need? Don't lock yourself into things that are labeled as recycling bins.