How can I reduce the odour coming from my compost pile?
A compost pile shouldn't smell, so the best way to get rid of any nasty odours is to figure out what you're doing wrong and correct it.
The main reason why compost piles smell is because something has been put in them that shouldn't be there. Let's start with what should be there: weeds, grass clippings, leaves, vegetable and fruit waste and even small amounts of paper or wood chips. What shouldn't be in your pile are cooked or processed foods, baked goods, dairy products, eggs (egg shells are okay), or animal products such as meat, fish, bones or fat. Put any of these in your pile and it can emit a nasty odour.
For compost to break down properly, it needs a steady, moderate supply of moisture and lots of oxygen. If it gets too much moisture and not enough oxygen, that can create the perfect conditions for odours to arise.
Since most of us don't bother to add moisture to our compost piles, the main reason for its presence is a long stretch of rainy weather. Any time we get five or six rainy days in a row, cover your pile until the weather blows over.
Proper oxygen levels can be maintained by turning your pile at least once a week, but really, who does this? At a minimum, make sure your compost bin has enough air circulation so that oxygen has a fighting chance of creeping in while you're busy doing other things. If you build your own composter, use plans that allow for more chicken wire and less wood. If you have a commercial compost bin, leave the lid off and think of some creative ways to increase airflow though the sides since most commercial bins contain slats too narrow and sparse to allow for proper air circulation.
If you have any questions or comments, please send them to me at vanessa@gardenmuse.ca.
Originally published in the Creston Valley Advance on October 21, 2010.
