Compost Troubleshooting Guide

Problem Possible Cause Solutions Rotten Odor Excess moisture (anaerobic Turn the pile or add dry, conditions) porous materials - such as sawdust, wood chips, straw or dry leaves

Compaction (anaerobic Turn the pile or make the pile conditions) smaller

Ammonia Odor Excess moisture Turn the pile

Too much nitrogen - lack of Add high carbon material - carbon such as sawdust, wood chips, straw or dry leaves

Low pile temperature Pile too small Make pile larger or insulate the sides

Insufficient moisture Add water while turning the pile

Poor aeration Turn the pile

Lack of nitrogen Mix in nitrogen sources such as manure or grass clippings

Cold weather Increase pile size or insulate pile with extra layer of material such as straw

High pile temperature (over Pile too large Reduce the pile size 140 degrees Fahrenheit) Insufficient ventilation Turn the pile

Pests (rodents, insects, etc) Presence of meat scraps or Remove meat and fatty foods fatty food waste from the pile, or cover with a layer of soil or sawdust. You may add an animal-proof fence system or increase the temperature of the pile