Problems With Compost Bins

Compost bins allow you to produce nutrient-rich finished compost without having to deal with messy compost piles. From small plastic worm bins and trashcan-sized tumbling bins to sprawling wooden, metal or wire bins that hold 5 cubic feet of compost waste, compost bins vary in size and shape. Whether you're new to the world of composting or you've been composting for years, being familiar with common problems associated with various compost bins can help you prevent or correct these issues before they become overwhelming.

Excessive Moisture

Traditional bin composting depends upon the activity of aerobic bacteria to decompose most of the organic waste during the composting process. According to the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension, excessive moisture in your compost bin's organic waste suffocates these oxygen-loving bacteria when the water fills up the air pockets in between the particles of waste. Similarly, compost worms may drown if the bedding in their compost bin gets too wet, notes Canada's Office of Urban Agriculture. As a general rule of thumb, the organic waste in compost bins should feel about as damp as a wrung-out sponge. If the waste feels too damp, simply add dry organic waste, such as shredded newspaper or sawdust, to the bin to soak up the excess liquid.

Pests

From raccoons and rats to ants and flies, a variety of pests may find the contents of your compost bin attractive. Although some insects are normal in a compost bin and contribute to the decomposition of the organic waste, too many often indicate a maintenance problem. According to Cathy Cromell, author of "Composting for Dummies," a heavy population of ants in a compost bin generally indicates that your compost waste is too dry and your bin needs more water. Excessive flies and maggots typically infiltrate compost bins that contain a lot of exposed smelly waste, such as cow manure, so cover such waste with several inches of dry matter, like sawdust or dead leaves. Minimize your chances of attracting animal pests by not adding smelly or slow-to-decompose food waste, such as dairy products, meat, fish, fats and bones, recommends Cromell.

Sizing Problems

Depending upon the type of compost bin you use, you may experience size-related composting issues. Many tumbler compost bins require manual turning; smaller tumbler units often don't produce the volume of compost many gardeners need, while larger tumbler units may become extremely difficult to rotate when they're full of decomposing organic waste. Combat this problem by acquiring a composting bin system that fits your needs and lifestyle. If you'll need a lot of compost, consider using a multi-bin system, so you'll always have ready access to mature compost; as the organic waste in one bin decomposes, you can be filling the second bin with fresh waste.

Select a properly sized worm compost bin to minimize worm composting issues such as waste buildup and crowding problems. As a general rule of thumb, provide approximately 1 square foot of surface area for each 1 lb. of food waste you plan to add to the compost bin each week, notes Loren Nancarrow, coauthor of "The Worm Book." For example, if you want to put approximately 2 lbs. of food waste in your worm compost bin each week, then you'll typically need a compost bin that measures approximately 2 feet by 1 foot.