One day, I walked out to my compost bin and almost fell over. It smelled so bad like something died! I didn’t know what I did wrong. But after a little learning and trying new things, my compost smelled way better. So if your compost smells bad too, don’t worry. I’ll help you fix it!
What Should Compost Smell Like?
Good compost smells like dirt or the ground after rain. That’s a sign it’s working right.
If it smells like rotten eggs, poop, or really sour stuff, something is wrong. That means bad bacteria are growing. They grow when there’s no air, or too much wet food.
This is called anaerobic decomposition. It happens when compost doesn’t get enough air. We want aerobic decomposition that’s the clean, healthy kind.
Why Does Compost Smell Bad?
Let’s talk about the top reasons your compost smells and how to fix each one.
1. It’s Too Wet
If your compost is soaking wet, air can’t get in. Then it gets stinky. You might smell hydrogen sulfide (it smells like eggs!).
Fix it: Add dry stuff like leaves, shredded paper, or sawdust. These are carbon-rich materials. Mix them in.
2. It Needs More Air
When the pile gets packed down, air can’t move through it. Bad smells happen.
Fix it: Use a pitchfork to mix it. This is called turning the pile. Do it every few days.
Also, make sure your compost bin has holes for air. That’s called compost bin ventilation.
3. Too Many Greens
Nitrogen-rich materials, like food scraps, are called “greens.” If you add too many, you might smell ammonia (like pee!).
Fix it: Add more “browns.” These are carbon-rich materials like leaves or cardboard. Try 2 parts browns to 1 part greens. That keeps the greens and browns balance right.
4. Wrong Stuff in the Pile
I once threw in old cheese and chicken bones. Big mistake! They made the worst smell and brought flies.
Fix it: Don’t put in meat and dairy waste, pet poop, or greasy food. Stick to fruit, veggies, coffee grounds, and yard waste.
5. Bad Layers or Pile Too Big
If your pile is too big or not stacked right, it can stay cold and wet inside.
Fix it: Use smart compost pile layering. Add greens and browns in turns. Keep the pile under 3×3 feet if you’re new to this.
Beginner Basics: What Is Composting, Really?
Before we go further, let’s talk about what composting is. Composting means turning food scraps and yard waste into soil. It’s like making homemade dirt for your plants. Pretty cool, right?
Things you can compost include fruit and veggie peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, grass clippings, and dry leaves.
Things you should not compost include meat or fish, cheese or milk, oils and fats, pet poop, or plastic or metal.
If you’re just starting, keep your pile small and simple. Use a plastic bin with holes in it or a pile in your backyard.
What’s Happening in the Pile?
Tiny bugs and germs live in your compost. That’s called microbial activity. They eat the scraps and break them down. If they don’t get air, or the compost pile temperature is too cold, they slow down. Then the stink starts.
Compost pH levels matter too. If the pile is too acidic or too basic, it smells weird.
Leachate is stinky liquid that can drip out of your bin. If you see it, your compost is too wet.
How to Fix a Smelly Compost Pile
Let’s make your pile smell nice again.
Turn it often. Use a shovel or fork to mix it up. This adds air and helps with smell.
Balance greens and browns. Too much food? Add dry stuff. Keep that 2-to-1 browns to greens ratio.
Check moisture. Squeeze a handful should feel like a wrung-out sponge. Too wet? Add browns. Too dry? Add a little water.
Vent your bin. No air holes? Drill some. Air keeps the compost happy.
Only add good stuff. Stick to safe organic waste breakdown: no meat, no dairy, no grease.
Add extras if you want. You can add things like crushed eggshells or compost additives like biochar. They help with odor control.
Watch for leachate. Use a tray to catch liquid under a closed bin.
Move the bin if needed. Too shady and wet outside? Try a sunny spot. Good compost bin location helps.
Insulate in winter. Cold outside? Wrap your bin with a tarp or old blanket. That’s called compost pile insulation.
Use a lid or cover. A simple cover like cardboard or an old towel keeps rain out and smells in. Just don’t seal it too tight—air still needs to flow.
Try a kitchen compost pail. Use a little bin in your kitchen to collect scraps. Empty it often so it doesn’t smell indoors. You can line it with paper or use compostable bags.
When to Start Fresh
Sometimes, nothing works. That’s okay. I had to dump my first pile and start over. This time, I used better layers and kept it smaller. It worked great!
Smart Tools That Help: Mill Bins
If you want a fancy compost bin, try one from Mill. It dries and grinds food scraps, so there’s no smell. It’s perfect if you want to compost without the mess.
Let’s Make Compost Smell Good Again
Compost is awesome when it works right. If your compost smells bad, don’t panic. Just turn it, dry it out, and balance your greens and browns.
Start simple. Be patient. And don’t be afraid to mess up. That’s how we learn.
Remember: compost should smell earthy, not yucky.
Got a compost tip or question? Leave a comment or send me a message. Let’s fix stinky piles together!
Helpful Links: EPA Composting at Home Cornell Compost Science Mill Smart Kitchen Bins