Compost Smells!

It's all fine and well to compost in the city,
you think to yourself...
but you don't want the neighbors to HATE you
because of the flies and stench.
Here's how to keep your compost smells
under control...

If you're compost pile is stinky, it's trying to tell you something...it could be some of the stuff you've thrown into your compost (for instance, meat is a no-no that will smell things up). But most likely, it's that the compost itself is too wet.

 

The simple solution to a stinky compost bin is to DRY IT OUT. But how?

Add BROWN STUFF.

Simple yes?

Brown stuff consists of things like dry leaves, straw, and shredded newspaper. When you add a layer of wet materials (or GREEN stuff--things like grass clippings, garden scraps, egg shells, etc.), get in the habit of adding a brown layer over it. This will help stop the stink before it starts, keeping both you and the neighbors happy.

Another helpful way to keep the smell down, IN ADDITION TO ADDING BROWN MATERIALS, is to remember to rotate the stuff in your bins regularly. This adds air and aids in the breaking down of your compost into useable, nutritious 'dirt'.

(Here's a list of things you can add and should avoid adding to your bin.)

MIX IT UP A LITTLE!

Keeping your compost pile well mixed. This helps get air to the decomposing materials and helps it break down faster as well as helping keep the smell down. If you have one of those compost bins that you can turn, the job is easier, but even with out that, try to turn your compost at least once every two weeks or so.

If you keep meat, cheese, fats and grains out of your compost bin, you remember to add layers of brown matter regularly, and you stir it all together occasionally, you're compost should keep from smelling.

If you don't have a compost bin yet, here's some simple directions on how to make one for FREE.

 You also might be interested in how to get rid of flies in your compost bin. It's easy too!