Bin Kit Setup Guide

How to set up the Bin Kit for your BSFL.

What's Included

Everything you need to turn any plastic storage tote into a self-harvesting BSF composter. The bin itself is not included — you'll provide your own.

Note: Bin not included. This kit works with any plastic storage tote you already own. We recommend a 30–60 gallon Sterilite, Rubbermaid, or similar tote with a solid lid. The taller the walls, the better — more vertical distance means a better-performing harvest ramp.

• Black Soldier Fly Entrance — 3D-printed, brown. Mounts in the lid for adult BSF entry.
• BSF Entrance Base Ring — Secures the entrance from inside the lid.
• Branch Segments — 3D-printed, brown. Snap together to form the lure frame.
• Leaf Lures — 3D-printed, green. Friction-fit onto branch tips.
• Self-Harvest Ramp — 3D-printed, black. Guides prepupae out automatically.
• Ramp Brackets — Friction-fit to the tote wall.
• Harvest Pouch — Small cloth bag. Slips over ramp exit to collect prepupae.

Tools You'll Need

• Soldering iron or wood-burning tool (we recommend the WORX MakerX, set to ~400°F) — used to melt openings in the plastic tote
• Flat, heat-safe work surface
• Protective gloves — optional but recommended when cutting plastic

Setup Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Bin

You'll need any plastic storage tote with a lid — a 30–60 gallon Sterilite or similar works great. Using the soldering iron or wood-burning tool heated to approximately 400°F, carefully melt a rectangular ventilation opening (roughly 3″ × 1.5″) on the upper side wall of the tote, near a corner. This vent allows airflow and is the exit point for your self-harvesting prepupae.

Step 2 — Install the Self-Harvest Ramp

Attach the two ramp brackets to the inside wall of the tote, directly below the vent opening. Press them firmly — they grip via friction fit. Slide the self-harvest ramp into the brackets so it angles toward the vent. Mature prepupae will crawl up and out on their own. Slip the included cloth harvest pouch over the outside end of the ramp — prepupae fall directly into it, keeping your harvest clean and contained.

Step 3 — Cut the Entrance Hole in the Lid

Flip the lid upside down on your work surface. Trace the base of the BSF Entrance onto the lid to mark your cut circle, then use the soldering iron to melt along that line. Work slowly — the hole should be just wide enough for the entrance to drop through snugly without wiggling.

Step 4 — Install the BSF Entrance

From the top side of the lid, drop the Black Soldier Fly Entrance into the hole you just cut. Flip the lid over and thread the base ring onto the entrance from below, twisting until snug. The base ring locks it in place and gives adult BSF flies access to enter and lay eggs inside.

Step 5 — Assemble the Leaf Lure

Snap the four branch segments together to form the lure frame. Press each of the 12 green leaf pieces onto the branch tips — they friction-fit into place. Attach the completed leaf assembly to the underside of the lid via the BSF Entrance base ring. The leaves hang down inside the bin and attract adult BSF flies up toward the entrance above.

Step 6 — Add Your Starter Larvae

Place a layer of food scraps (fruit, vegetables, grains, or coffee grounds) in the bottom of the tote, about 2–3 inches deep. Add your starter larvae on top of the food. Close the lid, place the bin in a shaded outdoor spot, and you're done.

Safety Note

Always use caution when operating a soldering iron or wood-burning tool. Work in a well-ventilated area when melting plastic. Keep tools away from children. Never leave a hot iron unattended.

Tips for Best Results

Location Matters

Place your bin in a shaded area with some indirect sunlight. BSF adults need warmth and light to find the bin and lay eggs.

Feed Gradually

Start with soft, moist food scraps. Avoid large bones, dairy, and excessive oils until your colony is well established.

Harvest Regularly

Check the harvest pouch daily. Prepupae that crawl out make excellent feed for chickens, reptiles, fish, and wild birds.

Use the Frass

The frass (castings) left behind is a powerful organic fertilizer. Harvest every few weeks and add directly to your garden.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is happy to help with setup questions, colony troubleshooting, or feedback on your Bin Kit experience.

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