Problem: My compost pile isn’t breaking down.
Solution: If the pile is too wet and soggy, turn the pile and add some dry, absorbent “brown” material (for example, dry leaves or shredded paper).
If the pile is too dry, add some warm water using a pitcher or a watering can.
If the pile is as wet as a wrung-out sponge, but is not decomposing, turn the pile, add some “green” material (for example, grass clippings, or fruit or vegetable scraps).
Problem: Our compost pile smells like ammonia.
Solution: If the pile smells like ammonia, there may be too much moisture. Turn the pile and add “brown” material (for example, leaves or shredded paper). If the problem continues, turn pile and add acidic material (for example, sawdust, pine needles, wood ash, oak leaves, or citrus vegetable scraps).
Problem: The compost pile smells like rotten eggs.
Solution: If the pile smells like sulpher or like rotten eggs, turn the pile to aerate it using a shovel, garden fork, hoe, hockey stick handle, or a specifically designed compost turner, and add dry “brown” materials to absorb excessive moisture.
Problem: The pile is attracting raccoons and rodents.
Solution: Remove meat and/or fatty foods from the pile. Turn the pile to increase the temperature.
Ensure the pile is 75% “brown” material (leaves, paper) and 25% “green” material (fruits and vegetables).
Try and keep raccoons and rodents out by using a rodent-proof bin and keeping the lid on. Add a ½ cm (¼ inch) wire mesh on bottom or sides. Ensure air venting holes are less than 1 cm (½ inch) in diameter.
Problem: We have flies and gnats are buzzing.
Solution: Don’t leave the pile exposed! Mix or cover with brown material, finished compost or garden soil.
Problem: How can kitchen wastes be stored for later composting?
Solution: Collect food scraps in a plastic container in the fridge or freezer, if you have space. Or keep a tightly lidded container handy, covering each addition of compostable food wastes with shredded newspaper or a small amount of peat moss or sawdust to control odours.