Composting Troubleshooting

Compost wants balance: greens (nitrogen) + browns (carbon) + air + a little moisture.

Common problems

Smelly/anaerobic (like ammonia or rot)

• Add dry browns: shredded cardboard, paper, dry leaves.
• Stir/aerate weekly. Create air pockets with a fork or branch.
• Keep moist like a wrung sponge, not wet.

Fruit flies

• Always bury food scraps under browns.
• Cover surface with cardboard “lid” or old sack.
• Avoid frequent citrus peels in small systems.

Too wet, sludgy

• Stop adding wet scraps. Mix in sawdust/leaves.
• Check for rain ingress; add a lid.

Too dry, not breaking down

• Lightly water; add more greens (coffee grounds, veg trimmings).
• Chop scraps smaller.

Winter tips (UK)

• Insulate the bin (old duvet/cardboard around sides).
• Feed smaller amounts, pre‑mix with browns.
• Bokashi + worm bins work well indoors/garages.

What can/can’t go

Yes: veg scraps, coffee, tea (paper bags), crushed eggshells, plain paper/card.
No: meat, fish, oily foods, glossy/coloured card, “compostable” plastic in cold home systems.

When is it ready?

Dark, earthy smell; you can’t recognise original scraps. Sieve if you want a finer finish.

Minimal routine

• Caddy → bin every 2–3 days.
• Each time add a handful of browns.
• Stir weekly; top with cardboard.

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