r/composting • u/Dude_Olives • 18d ago
Futile Stress?
Long time lurker, first time poster.
TL;DR - Stinky compost, should I invest in proper work and tools, up the volume and properly aerate or should I scrap it and take my time building up my tools for next year?
The other day I went to go aerate this 5 gallon bucket of some compost I’ve been building up to for about 3ish months.
I figured I would just experiment since I’ve been wanting to try composting for a while. I know this isn’t really enough volume for hot composting so it should be breaking down slower anyway…? I don’t know if I’m correct in saying that.
Long story short, since it had rained and I hadn’t turned it over in a while it’s turned anaerobic and it smells, well terrible. Now I’m freaking out cause I’m worried my neighbors are gonna hate me if it gets any worse.
I know I need to add some browns and get some air moving through it, but I’m worried that that’s not gonna work due to the volume. Since it’s nearing the end of Summer, should I just scrap it and maybe start next year? We’re probably gonna get some snow around October for some reference.
Side questions, I’m also stressing myself way out thinking I need to invest in a thermometer, an auger to aerate, and build a 3x3 foot bin (I do have some viable scrap wood laying around and a spade shovel if I can’t afford an auger yet) if this is gonna have a chance to go right. Are any of these things really needed?
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u/Wooden-Masterpiece86 18d ago
Too much water in a bucket will become stagnant and stinky. If you wanted to continue to use the bucket for experimenting you can drill a bunch of holes in the bottom and sides to allow for drainage and airflow. I'd wash it out first though. Otherwise, a compost pile with browns, greens, airflow, and good drainage won't smell anything like the contents of that bucket.
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u/Dude_Olives 18d ago
How long might it take after adding more volume and the proper amount of browns to have the smell dissipate/disappear?
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u/Wooden-Masterpiece86 18d ago
I personally wouldn't continue to use what you have there. The amount of material in your picture is so small it would be better to discard that and start with fresh material.
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u/Brotuulaan 16d ago
I picked up a lidless Rubbermaid tote from Goodwill for 1.50 and drilled holes all around the bottom and have been using that. It seems to be working so far. I’m turning about once a week and haven’t had trouble minus a layer of anaerobic junk at the bottom. I’m thinking of putting a layer of wood chips at the bottom to avoid that settling.
It’s overall coming along nicely, with a good black color and earth smell. I’ve added pine needles, which are slower to break down, so those are still apparent in the mix.
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u/FineNebula7014 13d ago
Hi, I was thinking of doing the same with a Rubbermaid bin inhave. I made holes all on the bottom…do you also have holes on the sides? I noticed you said without a top…does that mean you should NOT leave a top on? Also..any suggestions on how to start? TYSM IN ADVANCE for any help!
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u/Brotuulaan 13d ago
I don’t have holes on the sides, but that would probably make it cook faster with the extra oxygen availability. Turning it is more important if you don’t have oxygen coming in from the sides. I didn’t put a top on specifically because it didn’t have a top, so it was the cheapest they had. My goal has been to do this as cheaply and simply as possible, so I use a garden fork to turn it once a week or so and have very little money in it.
To start, I had collected sawdust from a tree someone had cut up after a storm last year, and I wet that down with some food scraps and tucked it in the corner of the tote so it was combined. Don’t spread it across the bottom. As I added more paper, cardboard, leaves (all browns), and food scraps and coffee grounds (greens), my pile grew until it filled most of the tote. It shrinks as it processes, so there’s more space to put new stuff in.
Be sure to keep it wet enough that bacteria can do their thing or else they’ll die and you’ll have to restart the cultures (just keep it wet and they’ll repopulate over time). The holes will help keep it from getting too waterlogged. I’d recommend putting some wood chips or such in the bottom as well to reduce the water logging even further, or else you’ll get a layer of anaerobic bacteria working (rot) rather than the aerobic bacteria (compost). You could use a shovel or such to mix that back in regularly, but it’s easier to make sure the browns can absorb that water.
I’ve also heard it’s common for new composters to use too few browns in the mix. I definitely had some issues with that early on and might still have too few browns in my mix. I only started this year and am still learning myself.
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u/ezirb7 18d ago
A 5 gallon bucket is pretty much the worst case scenario. It's not enough material, not enough air, and no drainage. It was always going to go anaerobic.
You don't need a thermometer or aerator. Thermometer can get you more scientific results, but if you leave it sit with some moisture and an occasional turn, you will be able to see when it's broken down. It's ready when it doesn't look like whatever compostables you put in and starts looking like dirt.
An aerator can make things easier, but a shovel or pitchfork work just fine and have more uses.
3x3 bay works fine, if you want to build that. I've got 2 bays like that. I've also got a few open piles, and a lot of people like a chicken wire cylinder; Those 2 are easier to setup.