Unpleasant odours
If there is an ammonia smell, then this usually indicates there is too much green waste. Add some brown material (crushed eggshells, egg boxes, scrunched up newspaper, toilet and kitchen roll tubes, shredded paper) and turn the pile well.
If there is a rotten egg smell, the pile is too wet and compacted. Add some brown material and turn the pile well, or remove some of the grass cuttings.
Compost is very dry
Simply turn the material with a garden fork, adding water while you do so.
Compost is wet and slimy
Perhaps too much green material has been added. Mix in some browns.
Flies
Ensure all kitchen scraps are buried in the pile (at least 15cm below the surface)
Vermin
Sprinkle cayenne pepper around the composters' base.
Compost takes a long time to break down
- There may not be enough heat - position in sunlight and keep the lid/cover on.
- The pile may be too dry - add some water or an activator.
- There may be a lack of air getting to the pile - usually indicates a poor mix so fork through. Add new material in loose layers.
For further information:
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Contact: Recycling and Environment Officers, Mansion House, Penrith CA11 7YG
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Telephone: 01768 817817
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Email: customer.services@eden.gov.uk
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Fax: 01768 212320
