Issue with Foul-Smelling Compost: Common Causes and Simple Solutions
Composting is a fantastic way to reduce waste and enrich your garden, but it can sometimes become a source of unpleasant odours. This article will help you identify the causes of bad smells in compost and provide solutions to keep your compost pile smelling earthy and fresh.
The primary causes of bad smells in compost are poor aeration, excess moisture, and an imbalance between nitrogen-rich "green" materials and carbon-rich "brown" materials. Too much green material, such as food scraps and grass clippings, relative to brown material, like dry leaves and paper, creates excessive moisture and rapid bacterial activity, producing odours. Poor aeration due to not turning the pile or compacting it, and excess water making the pile soggy, also contribute to foul-smelling anaerobic microbes. Adding meat, dairy, or oily foods exacerbates the problem, attracting pests and creating strong odours.
To prevent and fix unpleasant compost odours, maintain a balanced mix of greens and browns. A common recommendation is a 50/50 ratio, or adjusting based on pile condition. Regularly turn or aerate the pile to introduce oxygen and discourage anaerobic bacteria. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily items to outdoor piles, as these cause persistent odour and pest problems. Add dry materials like shredded newspaper, cardboard, sawdust, or dry leaves to absorb excess moisture and odours. Monitor moisture so the pile feels like a wrung-out sponge, neither dry nor soaking wet.
If odours develop, try layering dry carbon materials on top or mixing them into the pile to restore balance without fully restarting. Clean small indoor bins regularly and keep a layer of browns to reduce smell-causing bacteria buildup. Turning the compost pile weekly or at least every other week can help maintain aeration and prevent odour. Cleaning the compost bin after emptying it can help prevent odour from affecting the next batch of compost.
If your compost becomes a swamp due to not enough browns or too much moisture, start over with a new compost pile. A compost system is a living thing that requires regular care and attention to maintain a healthy balance and prevent odour. An electric composter can be used to quickly break down and dehydrate these types of food waste.
In conclusion, managing the green-to-brown ratio, oxygen levels, and moisture will keep your compost smelling earthy and prevent foul odours signalling a problem. Regularly check your compost system to ensure it is healthy and behaving well. A little mold or white fuzz in the compost is fine, but black sludge and a strong, unpleasant smell may indicate the need to start over.
Maintaining a balanced mix of green ( food scraps, grass clippings) and brown (dry leaves, paper) materials in the compost is essential to prevent bad smells, as too much green material creates excess moisture and rapid bacterial activity. To reduce unpleasant odours, regularly turn the compost pile to introduce oxygen and discourage anaerobic bacteria, and add dry materials like shredded newspaper or dry leaves to absorb excess moisture.
