Composting FAQ's

I understand bacteria and fungi are involved in the composting process. Is this dangerous to my health?

Absolutely not! The microorganisms found in your compost system are natural to the outdoor environment and pose no threat to you, your family, or your pets.

What materials should not be added to my compost bin or worm box?

The mistake many people make is to add food items that can spoil, such as meat and dairy products. Other items to avoid include large pieces of wood and diseased plants. Contrary to popular belief, the compost process will not kill most diseases. Do not compost dog or cat droppings. They may contain pathogens that are dangerous to your health. Chicken, horse, cow or rabbit manure are fine. Finally, be careful when composting weeds. Make sure that weeds and their seeds have been exposed to the hot core of your system and have completely decomposed.

My compost system won't heat up - what is wrong?

Don't panic. Follow these simple steps to reinvigorate the process:

Add some fresh yard waste - Adding fresh yard waste, like grass clippings, will add new nitrogen that will heat things up!

My compost system is attracting flies and mice. How can I prevent this in the future?

This is an easy one. The flies and other animals are attracted by the fruit and vegetable waste you are placing in the system. In the future, make sure to bury food waste in the yard waste so that it is not easily detected.

During the summer, my compost system dries out. Should this happen?

No, but it does. Try to place your compost system in a location that is primarily shaded. If you can't, then you will have to check your compost system at least once each week and add water to maintain proper moisture content.

My lawn produces a lot of grass clippings. How can I compost all of it?

You can be easily overwhelmed by grass clippings during the warm months, especially if you water and fertilize liberally. Fortunately, grass is high in nitrogen and is great for composting. Make sure that grass clippings are mixed with leaves or pine needles when starting a new compost cycle or well mixed with existing materials in your composter. Grass clippings also makes a wonderful mulching material. Place the clippings in a 3-4" layer in areas where you want to mulch. As an alternative, try Grasscycling.

How fast should composting take? My pile is taking forever!

The speed of composting is determined by the amount of effort you make to manage the process. If you chip your material, carefully balance your carbon/nitrogen mix and turn at least once per week, you should produce finished compost in 1-3 months. Do nothing to manage the process and it will take one year or more. Follow the "Three Step Method" described in More Information and you will produce compost in 3-6 months.

I find "turning" the materials with a pitchfork to be backbreaking. Is there an easier way to aerate the system?

Yes. Many nurseries and home supply retailers who sell composting accessories carry compost "turning tools". Turning tools are specially designed to mix and aerate composting material without having to move the material or the bin. They make aerating and mixing much easier and faster! Turning tools normally cost $12.00-$16.00.