How to Reduce the Odor of Composting
A compost pile should not have any foul odor. It should give off a simple "earthy" smell of rich soil. If your compost pile is emitting any odor other than that of rich, fresh soil, it is an indication that something is out of balance and needs to be corrected. Keeping your compost pile balanced with the proper amounts of bacteria and oxygen not only reduces and eliminates odors, but also speeds up the composting process, yielding rich fertilizer for your garden quicker and without any unpleasant smell. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Drill holes in the side of your compost bin if you are using a closed, plastic bin. Ventilation and air flow are essential for proper composting; without it, too much bacteria will build up in your compost pile and create a foul odor.
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Turn your compost pile over regularly using a shovel. This prevents the pile from becoming compacted, which keeps oxygen from reaching the center of the pile. It also helps to evenly distribute different contents of the pile, aiding in the composting process.
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Add "brown" and "green" components to your compost pile regularly to restore the balance of carbon and nitrogen. Brown components are dead and dried plant material, such as dead leaves, bark mulch, straw or wood chips. Green components are fresh plant material such as grass clippings, vegetables or fruit scraps. The brown and green components should be mixed in a two to one ratio, with two parts brown components for every one part green.
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Cover food waste after adding it to the compost bin or pile. Add it to different areas throughout the same pile rather than always in the same spot.
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Add worms to your compost pile. Worms will speed up the composting process and help keep the pile aerated.
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Add only plant-based material to the compost bin or pile. Animal-based materials, such as meat, bones and other animal remnants will create odors regardless of other maintenance measures taken. Also, avoid adding any type of oil, including vegetable based oil, to the compost pile.
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Resize your compost pile. It should be approximately one cubic yard in order to maintain the proper balance of temperature and oxygen level for composting too occur. Piles that are too large or to small will not compost properly.
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Tips & Warnings
Water your compost pile occasionally, but do not soak it. A little water will help keep the composting process moving smoothly.
Don't add odor control chemicals to your compost pile that could be harmful to plants, humans or the environment. Instead, practice regular maintenance to reduce odors.
