Keeping Compost Bins Clean: Tips and Tricks

If you're an avid gardener or environmentally conscious individual, chances are you've heard of composting. Composting is a great way to reduce waste in the landfill and provide valuable nutrients for your plants. However, compost bins can become smelly and attract pests if not properly maintained. In this article, we'll explore some tips and tricks for keeping your compost bin clean and healthy.

1. Use a Lid

The first step to keeping your compost bin clean is to use a lid. A lid will keep out rainwater, which can make the contents of your bin soggy and smelly. It also keeps out unwanted pests such as rats and flies. Make sure your lid fits securely and has no gaps.

A compost bin with a lid

2. Keep it Balanced

Composting requires a balance of brown materials (such as leaves and shredded newspaper) and green materials (such as fruit and vegetable scraps). If your compost bin becomes too heavy in one type of material, it can become smelly and attract pests. Make sure to add both types of materials regularly and mix them together.

Mixing green and brown materials for composting

3. Don't Overfill

It's important not to overfill your compost bin. An overfilled bin can become compacted and prevent air from circulating. This can lead to a lack of oxygen and an unpleasant smell. Once your bin is about three-quarters full, start a new one and let the first one finish composting.

A compost bin that is not overfilled

4. Turn the Compost

Turning your compost regularly will help aerate it and speed up the decomposition process. Use a shovel or pitchfork to mix the contents of your bin every two to four weeks. This will also ensure that all parts of the bin are being composted evenly.

Turning compost with a pitchfork

5. Add Activators

Activators are materials that speed up the decomposition process. They include items such as manure, grass clippings, and bone meal. Adding activators to your compost bin will help break down the contents faster and reduce odors.

Adding activators to a compost bin

6. Keep it Moist

Your compost bin should be moist, but not wet. If it's too dry, the decomposition process will slow down. If it's too wet, it can become smelly and anaerobic. Water your compost bin regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.

A moist compost bin

7. Avoid Certain Foods

Some foods should not be added to your compost bin. These include meat, dairy products, and fats. These items can attract unwanted pests and create unpleasant odors. Stick to fruits, vegetables, and yard waste.

Foods to avoid in a compost bin

8. Harvest Your Compost

When your compost is ready, it will be dark and crumbly, with no recognizable pieces of food or yard waste. This usually takes anywhere from two months to a year, depending on the size of your bin and the materials inside. Once it's done, harvest it by removing the finished compost and starting anew.

Harvesting a compost bin

So there you have it – eight tips and tricks for keeping your compost bin clean and healthy. By following these simple steps, you can create nutrient-rich compost for your garden while keeping pests and unpleasant odors at bay.