A Community Solid Waste Program 403
To know if the compost is working
No matter which method you use, there are ways to know if your waste is
becoming good compost and not just a big, stinky mess.
• To break down, compost needs both wet waste like food scraps and dry
waste like straw, brown leaves, husks, or shredded paper. If the pile
remains a pile of rotting food rather than heating up and turning to soil,
it may need more dry, brown plant matter.
• If the pile smells bad or does not shrink, it needs
more air. Turn the pile with a shovel or open
holes by poking sticks into it.
• If the pile does not heat up, it could be from too
much or too little water. Turn the pile with a
shovel. If it is very dry, add more water. If it is
very wet, add less water. Covering the pile with
a black plastic sheet will also help it stay warm.
• If the compost has ants, add water.
• If it attracts flies, it needs to be covered
better with soil.
A working compost pile heats up
as the waste breaks down.
After a while the compost should turn into sweet smelling, rich black soil.
(To learn how to use compost on plants, see page 287.)
What cannot go into the compost?
People have different ideas about what makes good compost and what does
not. For example, some people keep meat scraps or paper out. Many people
agree that manure from horses and cattle is good for compost, but feces from
dogs and cats are not.
Large branches or very thick leaves will break
down too slowly. If paper or cardboard are added,
it is best if they are shredded and kept damp
so they break down more easily. Meat, bones,
and greasy kitchen waste attract pests and
break down very slowly.
Some things are never good for compost.
Plastic, metal, glass, and anything else that
is not directly from the earth will not break
down. Plants that poison people or other
plants, like castor bean and eucalyptus,
will not make good fertilizer.
Do not put these things in the compost.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012