Trouble Shooting

Problem with your composter? Here are some common problems and some solutions to try. If problems persist, please call for a "compost consultation."

SYMPTOM
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
Bad odour: rotten egg smell
Not enough air; pile too wet
Turn pile; add coarse brown material
Bad odour: ammonia smell
Too much nitrogen
Mix in brown material
Nothing happening; dry throughout
Not enough moisture; too much carbon; weather may be too cold; pile may be finished
Turn and moisten; cover pile to slow evaporation; add fresh green material; be patient; harvest compost and begin new pile
Damp and warm in middle, but no where else
Pile is too small
Add and mix in more material—2 partsgreen to 1 part brown
Damp and sweet smelling but will not heat up
Not enough nitrogen
Mix in green material
Pest infestation (dogs, rodents, bears)
Improper food scraps
Avoid using meats, fats, bones and animal waste. Try rodent resistant composter
Flies
Food scraps not covered
Cover scraps with soil, compost or otherbrown material
Ants, wasps
Pile is too dry, not hot enough
Keep pile moist, with good mix of materials