Frequently asked questions on home composting
My composter doesn’t work at all - what am I doing wrong?
The pile may be too small. This does not allow the temperature to build up sufficiently so that aerobic breakdown of the organic material can occur. Try making the compost pile larger.
There may be insufficient water. Compost heaps need to be damp to function properly, however, do not over water them. Again, this does not allow the heap to get hot enough. Try adding more fruit and vegetable peelings, tea bags, water, grass cuttings etc.
There may not be enough air. Compost heaps require air in order for the material to be broken down. The heap may be too compact, try turning the heap regularly (at least once a month).
The heap may lack Nitrogen. Nitrogen is important in accelerating the decomposition process. Try adding manure, grass cuttings etc.
The heap may be affected by cold weather. The heap needs to reach high enough temperatures for composting to occur. Ensure that the compost is placed in an insulated structure (e.g. wood, plastic, etc.) or add straw to the pile or carpet to its perimeter.
My compost heap is slimey and smells, what can I do?
One cause could be too much water in the heap. Compost heaps should only be damp. In order to reduce the smell and slime try turning the pile and adding some dry, porous material (e.g. leaves, sawdust, straw). Also, you could leave the lid off for a period of time in dry weather and again turn the pile to circulate the air.
Another reason for the smell and slime could be because of compaction. Try turning the pile or making it smaller.
Too much nitrogen within the heap creates an ammonia smell. Rich nitrogen sources include green material. To remove the smell add brown materials such as leaves and wood chips, as these are rich in carbon.
Sometimes steam appears to be rising from my compost heap, is this bad?
This is not bad, indeed, it is a very good sign. It shows that the compost heap is functioning properly and is effectively breaking down the organic material. The decomposition process requires high temperatures (60o Celsius or 140o Fahrenheit) which usually peak in the first three days. The steam is a sign that the heap is at an effective temperature and composting is occurring.
There are loads of flies around my compost heap - how can I get rid of them?
Flies live on kitchen scraps. Any compost heap should contain a good mixture of materials. Make sure that any kitchen waste is placed between one and six inches below the surface of the heap, and is covered by other material such as garden waste or cardboard.
I’m worried about my compost heap attracting vermin (e.g. rats)
Your compost heap shouldn’t attract vermin if it is properly maintained, check the following points to make sure that you are undertaking composting in the correct way.
- Do not add any material that you’re not meant to e.g. cooked food, meats and fats (check Top tips for composting)
- Ensure all of your kitchen scraps are buried below the surface. Cover with garden waste or sawdust etc.
- As an extra precaution, use wire mesh under the heap and turn the compost pile regularly. This will prevent vermin tunnelling and nesting.
Can I put weeds in my compost bin?
It is probably better not to put in fresh perennial weeds such as bindweed, ground elder or couch grass. However, there is no harm in putting other weeds into an efficient, functioning compost heap. As long as the compost heap is functioning properly the heat will kill the weed seeds. Larger heaps create higher temperatures so will be more effective at killing the seeds and composting material. Adding material in large quantities is also more effective than adding bit by bit.
Should compost piles be covered?
Covering compost piles can help to maintain/speed up the composting process.
- During the summer (warmer temperatures) covering a compost pile with carpet or cardboard etc. will retain moisture.
- During the winter (colder temperatures, rain, snow etc) covering will prevent compost heaps from getting too wet.
How long does it take to compost waste?
The composting process can take as little as one month or as long as 12 to 24 months. The time taken for composting to occur depends on:
- The composting technique
- Aeration
- Moisture content
- Temperature
- Balance of green (nitrogen) and brown (carbon) materials
The end result is dark, rich, fibrous compost at the bottom of the pile.
How can I get rid of my green waste, other than by composting at home?
Garden refuse may be taken free of charge to the Recycling Centre at Townmead Road where it will be transported for shredding and centralised composting. Alternatively, garden waste can be collected from the kerbside adjacent to your property fortnightly, on the same day as your kerbside recycling collection.
Green garden waste sacks may be purchased from all borough libraries for £1 each. Alternatively you may wish to have a wheeled bin. Details can be found on our Purchase Recycling Materials page.
What is mulch?
Mulch is a mixture of materials (e.g. leaves, gravel, straw etc.) placed over soil in order to protect the roots of plants. The mulch reduces evaporation and erosion, prevents weed growth and insulates plants from extreme temperature.
What is the difference between compost and mulch?
Compost is a ready-to-use soil enricher that looks and feels like dark, crumbly soil. Mulch is used to cover the soil in order to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Compost can also be used as a mulch.