Composting Troubleshooting:
Use this table to turn around problems you may be encountering with your composting system.
Bad Rotten Oder
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
Compost Pile is Dry Throughout
Cause
• Not enough water
• Too much wood
Solution
• Turn pile and moisten material
• Add fresh material
Compost Pile is Damp and Warm in the Middle but Nowhere Else
Cause:
• Pile is too small
Solution:
• Collect more material and mix old ingredients in
Compost 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.
Compost 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