A two-tote worm bin on a 2x4 stand with a drain tray under it.
Draft plan, generated from the model. Not yet build-tested.
18 galBin
28 x 20 x 14 inStand
1 lbWorms
2 to 3 hrBuild time
~$135.22Materials, part estimate
Drawings All dimensions in inches
3D viewfinishedFront elevationRight elevationPlan viewfrom above
Cut list: lumber Long-point lengths; angles noted
Qty
Stock
Length
Part
Cut
1
2x4
21
Rail front
on edge, between the legs
1
2x4
21
Rail back
on edge, between the legs
4
2x4
13 1/4
Leg
1
2x4
13
End left
on edge, between the legs
1
2x4
13
End right
on edge, between the legs
Cut list: sheet goods
Part
Stock
Size
Note
Top
3/4 ply
28 x 20
cut to 28 x 20, drain holes
Lumber cutting diagram Lengths chosen for the lowest cost; 1/8 in kerf, 1/2 in end trim
2x4 x 12 ft
Rail front 21Rail back 21Leg 1 13 1/4Leg 2 13 1/4Leg 3 13 1/4Leg 4 13 1/4End left 13End right 13
Sheet cutting diagrams Dashed = openings to cut out
Sheet 1: 3/4 in plywood, 4 x 8 ft
Shopping list $100.22 checked / $35.00 estimated
Item
Store
Qty
Each
Line
Note
2x4x12 stud, SPF
Home Depot
1
$7.12
$7.12
see lumber cutting diagram
23/32 in (3/4 in) CDX plywood, 4x8 sheet
Lowe's
1
$46.57
$46.57
see sheet cutting diagrams
18 gal storage tote with lid (Rubbermaid Roughneck, from a 6-pack at $105.19)
Home Depot
2
$17.53
$35.06
working tote and drain tray
Red wiggler worms, 1 lb
Online
1
$35.00
$35.00
Exterior wood screws #9 x 2.5 in, 1 lb box
Home Depot
1
$11.47
$11.47
Total before tax
~$135.22
Filled dot: price read from a store listing on Oct 20, 2026. Hollow dot: estimate. Prices come from the master price list, so they change when it changes.
Build steps
Cut four legs to 13 1/4 in and the rails and plywood top. Screw the rails between the legs on edge, and the top on.
Drill twelve 1/4 in drain holes in the bottom of the working tote and eight 1/2 in air holes in the upper sides, screened with tape or mesh.
Fill the working tote with moist shredded paper or coir. Add 1 lb of red wigglers and a handful of scraps.
Set the collection tray under it and the working tote on the top. Put the lid on.
Feed a handful of scraps a week at first, up to 1/2 lb a day when the worms have multiplied. Drain the tea from the tray every week.
Before you start
1 lb of worms eats about 1/2 lb of food a day. A tote that size handles a household's kitchen scraps.
Keep it between 55 and 77°F, out of the sun and frost. Do not feed meat, dairy or oil.
The tea from the tray is diluted 10:1 with water to feed plants.
The totes and worms are not in the master price list; prices are estimates.
Draft drawings generated from the model. Build one before selling this plan.