Keeping the Smell Down....
How to Control the Odor of
Your Compost Bin

One big fear some people have in starting a composting system is the SMELL! This is especially true for city-dwellers who have close neighbors and want to keep the peace.

The good news is that although composting CAN sometimes smell bad ...there are some pretty easy ways to fix it! You just have to understand WHY it's happening in the first place.

 

Generally, there are THREE reasons why a compost bin might develop a less than pleasant odor:

1. It's too moist.

2. It's not getting enough air

3. There isn't enough brown matter in the pile

Each of these three reasons have simple solutions. It might be that your bin needs more than one of these fixes, but they're all easy so take heart!

If you've got too much moisture in your compost, usually adding a nice layer of brown matter will help dry things out a bit. Brown composting materials are things like DRIED leaves, sawdust, newspaper, straw, hay, etc.

(Already you can see by adjusting the moisture and adding more brown materials, you've already done the step required for problem number 3!)

Sometimes the compost isn't getting enough air. This can be especially true for enclosed composting bins that don't breathe easily. Again, though, it's a simple solution. Take a rake or pitch fork or shovel, and turn the materials over to aerate your pile. Do this frequently to ensure enough air gets into the mass.

Also, remember to keep things like MEAT out of your compost pile. Not only will it attract all sorts of critters you'd probably rather not attract, but rotting, sour meat isn't the scent you're after in the compost pile!

Overall, the solutions are easy, so it should help put your mind at ease if you're afraid to start your own composting bin.

 

Other information you might like to know about composting:

Organic Composting

How to Make a Homemade Compost Bin

Worm Composting

How to Get Rid of Flies in Your Compost Bins