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