Composting Troubleshooting:
Use this table to turn around problems you may be encountering with your composting system.
BAD ROTTEN ODOR
Cause
• Too much moisture
|
Solution
• Turn the compost or add dry, porous material like straw |
BAD AMMONIA SMELL
|
Cause
• Too much nitrogen compared to carbon
• Compacted leaves
• Inadequate air
|
Solution
• Add high-carbon materials like straw, sawdust, wood chips or dry leaves
• Turn compost or make pile smaller
|
LOW COMPOST
|
Cause
• Pile too small
• Too little moisture
• Inadequate air
• Lack of nitrogen
• Cold weather
• Particle size too large
|
Solution
• Increase size, insulate sides
• Turn compost and mix in dry materials
• Mix in nitrogen source like grass clippings or manure
• Increase pile size or insulate pile
• Chip or grind materials
|
PILE IS DRY THROUGHOUT
|
Cause
• Not enough water
• Too much wood
|
Solution
• Turn pile and moisten material
• Add fresh materials |
COMPOST PILE IS DAMP AND WARM IN THE MIDDLE BUT NOWHERE ELSE
|
Cause
• Pile is too small
|
Solution
• Collect more material and mix the old ingredients in |
PILE IS DAMP AND SWEET-SMELLING BUT STILL NOT HEATING UP
|
Cause
• Lack of nitrogen
|
Solution
• Mix in nitrogen material and turn pile |
ATTRACTING DOGS, RODENTS, INSECTS
|
Cause
• Improper food scraps added
• Kitchen waste on pile surface
• Food scraps not covered
|
Solution
• Don’t add meat, fats, bones, or other animal products. Bury kitchen waste in pile.
• May want to cover tops of pile with 1-inch layer of garden soil or finished compost.
• Place fruit and vegetable scraps in center of pile, cover with soil. Use rodent-proof bin. |
PILE IS TOO HOT (OVER 140 DEGREES)
|
Cause
• Pile is too large and/or there is not enough ventilation
|
Solution
• Make smaller pile and mix well
|
