The Composting Bin in Don't Starve Together (DST) isn’t just another decorative prop—it’s a game-changer for sustainable farming, health management, and resource optimization. Whether you're battling Eternal Summer’s withering heat or trying to keep Wormwood alive, mastering this block can turn your run from "barely surviving" to "thriving." Let’s break down why this unassuming structure deserves a permanent spot in your base.
The Composting Bin is essential for converting organic waste into useful resources.
What Does the Composting Bin Actually Do?
The Composting Bin converts organic waste into Compost and Compost Wrap, two critical resources for advanced farming and character-specific healing. Here’s why it matters: - Compost: Restores 24 Compost Nutrients per use to Farm Soil, crucial for growing Giant Crops. - Compost Wrap: Heals 8 HP instantly + 32 HP over time (perfect for Wormwood) and triggers blooming. - Rot Mitigation: Converts spoiling food into usable resources instead of wasted inventory slots.
Crafting the Composting Bin
| Recipe | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Composting Bin | 4 Boards, 4 Cut Stone, 2 Rope |
| Unlocked via | Prototyping at a Science Machine |
The Composting Loop: From Rot to Resources
Step 1: Feed the Bin
The Composting Bin accepts 6 items divided into two categories: - Dry Items: Twigs, logs, pinecones (slow decomposition). - Wet Items: Seeds, spoiled food, crops (fast decomposition).
Pro Tip: Balance 3 dry + 3 wet items for optimal efficiency. Example: 1. 3 Rot + 3 Twigs = 4 Compost in 2 days. 2. 6 Light Bulbs = 4 Compost in 4 days.
Step 2: Harvest Compost
- Compost (used for soil nutrients).
- Compost Wrap (crafted with 3 Rot + 1 Manure + 1 Log).
Step 3: Apply to Farms or Characters
- Farms: Apply Compost directly to Soil to max out nutrients.
- Wormwood: Use Compost Wrap for emergency healing and forced blooming.
Why Composting Beats Other Fertilizers
Nutrient Comparison Table
| Fertilizer | Compost Nutrients | Manure Nutrients | Growth Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compost | 24 | 0 | 0 |
| Manure | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Rotten Egg | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| Compost Wrap | 32 | 24 | 24 |
Nutrient comparison of Compost, Manure, and other fertilizers.
Key Takeaway: Compost Wrap is the ultimate multi-nutrient fertilizer, making it ideal for reviving withered crops in Summer or accelerating growth.
Real-World Examples: How Players Optimize Composting
Case Study 1: The Wormwood Survival Loop
- Problem: Wormwood can’t heal via food, and Spider Glands are risky early-game.
- Solution:
- Toss light bulbs/ferns into the Composting Bin.
- Craft Compost Wrap for 40 total HP.
- Use blooming bonus to farm Living Logs faster.
“I feed my bin 6 light bulbs every 4 days. Now I’ve got infinite heals for Wormwood and my Berry Bushes.” – Reddit user u/SanityNotIncluded .
Case Study 2: The Giant Crop Factory
- Problem: Giant Crops require precise nutrient ratios.
- Solution:
- Apply Compost to reset Soil to 24 Compost Nutrients.
- Add Growth Formula Starter for Growth Nutrients.
- Use Manure for final touch-ups.
Giant Crops require careful nutrient management to thrive.
“Compost lets me grow 12 Giant Pumpkins at once. My base looks like a Halloween store.” – Steam user FarmKing2025 .
Advanced Strategies
1. Pair with Bee Boxes
- Honey Poultice (30 HP) + Compost Wrap = Full health without wasting food.
- Example: 2 Honey + 1 Compost Wrap = 68 HP over 8 seconds.
2. Automate with Werepigs
- Lure a Werepig to your base with 4 Monster Meat.
- Dump stacks of light bulbs/berries. It’ll eat them and produce 10-20 Manure in minutes .
3. Summer Prep
- Stockpile Compost Wrap to revive withered crops instantly.
- Use Compost on Soil pre-Summer to buffer against nutrient drain.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading with One Item Type: 6 berries = slow decomposition. Mix wet/dry!
- Ignoring Rot: Rot has 65% compost chance. Don’t let it clog your inventory—toss it in!
- Skipping Compost Wrap: It’s Wormwood’s best friend. Prioritize crafting it over basic Compost.
Final Tip: The Compost Cheat Sheet
-- Sample Auto-Compost Setup (Modded)
GLOBAL.AddComponentPostInit("compostbin", function(self)
self.ondropfn = function(inst, item)
if item.compostvalue then
inst.components.container:DropItem(item)
inst.components.compostable:AddItem(item)
end
end
end)
Use mods like “Composting Together” to automate the process.
- Craft It Early: Unlocks sustainable farming and healing.
- Balance Wet/Dry: 3+3 for fastest Compost.
- Prioritize Compost Wrap: Wormwood’s lifeline and a soil saver.
- Pair with Bee Boxes/Werepigs: Maximize efficiency.
Need More? Watch Don't Starve Together Guide: Fertilizers & Nutrients for visual breakdowns. Check the DST Wiki for updates. Now go turn that rot into riches!