Top 5 way to Avoid Bad Smells in Composting in 2024

Composting is an eco-friendly way to recycle kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich and fertile soil. However, sometimes it comes with an unwanted side effect like bad smells. If your compost heap emits bad smell, it indicates that something is wrong. The good news is that keeping your compost fresh and free of unwanted smells is easier than your imagination. In this blog, I will show you how to avoid bad smells in compost using simple methods.

The Problem: Why Does Compost Smell Bad?

The main reason of the smells bad from compost is that not properly breakdown of the materials ,which are using to make compost. When composting fails, it is usually because the pile is too wet, such as too compacted, or lacks the proper mix of ingredients. These conditions promote the growth of anaerobic (oxygen-deprived) bacteria. For this reason it release unpleasant smells such as ammonia, rotten eggs, or sour rubbish.

Common causes of smelly compost include:

• Too much moisture: If your compost pile is too wet, it might become soggy and lack of oxygen.

• Lack of airflow: Compressed materials prevent air from circulating, creating anaerobic conditions.

• Imbalance of ingredients: An incorrect mixture of "green" and "brown" elements can throw the composting process out of balance.

• Excessive food scraps: Adding too many food scraps, especially meat, dairy, and oily products, can be a causing result to create bad smells.

Agitate: Why Smelly Compost is a Bigger Problem Than You Think

Nobody wants to deal with bad smells in their backyard but the issue comes from bad smells. When compost smells bad, it indicates that the decomposition process has slowed or paused. This indicates you won't be getting the nutrient-rich compost you're looking for anytime soon. Instead, you can end up with a pile of partially rotten food and yard waste.

• Attracts pests: Smelly compost piles can attract unwanted pests like rodents, flies etc.

• Slows down composting: When conditions are not right, it means compost breaks down slowly, which delays to access important nutrients for your gardens.

• Health risks: Bad composting conditions can create harmful bacteria. These bacteria can harm you, your pets, and your plants.

By fixing this problem, you can remove bad smells from your compost. It means that your compost be healthy and productive.

The Solution: How to Avoid Bad Smells in Compost

Now that we understand the common causes of smelly compost, let’s explore practical solutions to keep your compost pile fresh and odor-free. The key here is the maintain balance→balancing the right ingredients, moisture levels, and air circulation.

a) Balance Your Greens and Browns

A healthy compost pile needs a balanced mix of "green" nitrogen-rich materials and "brown" carbon-rich materials. If you have too many greens, like food scraps and grass clippings. The pile will become soggy and start to smell. On the other hand, if you have too many browns, like leaves and straw, the pile will dry out and decompose slowly.

• Green materials: Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings etc.

• Brown materials: Dry leaves, straw, shredded paper, cardboard, wood chips.

How to Fix: Aim for a ratio of about 2 parts browns to 1 part greens. When you add kitchen scraps or grass clippings. This is a green materials. so,cover them with a layer of browns to prevent odor. This not only controls moisture but also creates air pockets that improve airflow.

Also read : Best composting materials for beginners 

b) Control Moisture Levels

Moisture is essential needs for composting. But too much  or too little moisture can cause problems.

If the compost pile gets too wet, it produces a soggy mess. If it's too dry, it won't break down properly.

How to Fix: Your compost should feel like a damp sponge—moist but not soaked. If it’s too wet, add more brown materials like straw or dry leaves. These materials will soak up the moisture. If it’s too dry, sprinkle it with water while you turn the pile.

c) Turn the Compost Regularly

One of the best ways to keep your compost pile odor-free is to turn it regularly. This helps to aerate the pile by providing oxygen to aerobic bacteria that degrade materials without releasing bad smells.

How to Fix: Turn your compost pile periodically every 1-2 weeks using a garden fork or compost aerator. Make sure, combine the outer, drier layers with the interior layers. This allows everything to decompose equally. Turn the pile on a regular basis to let air to circulate. This keeps the pile from being compacted.

d) Avoid Adding Certain Foods

While most plant-based kitchen scraps are great for composting, but there are a few items that can cause trouble, especially when it release to smells. Avoid adding:

• Meat and fish: These items decompose slowly and produce strong odors that can attract pests.

• Dairy products: Milk, cheese break down in ways that create bad smells.

• Oily foods: Oils don’t break down well, and they can make your compost smell bad.

How to Fix: Use plant-based scraps such as fruit peels, vegetable cuttings, and coffee grounds. Avoid animal products and junk food since they emit unpleasant smells and slow down decomposition.

e) Use a Compost Bin with Proper Ventilation

If you're composting in a container or tumbler, be sure it has good ventilation. Lack of air circulation can quickly turn your compost anaerobic. As a result, it release bad smells.

How to Fix: Check if your compost bin has enough air holes or not . But remember, always good airflow helps your compost stay fresh. If your compost smells bad, leave the lid off for a while. This will help it dry out and air out.

Case Study: How Home Gardeners Solved Their Compost Odor Issues

Let’s look at an example of how these solutions worked for a real composting framework.

Case Study: Sarah’s Backyard Compost Dilemma

Sarah loved composting her kitchen scraps. But after heavy rain, her compost pile smelled bad. The strong odor reached her house and attracted flies and raccoons.

Sarah checked her compost pile and found too much water. The excess moisture had caused her compost to become anaerobic and stopping it from breaking down properly. To fix it, she:

1. Added dry leaves and straw to absorb the moisture.
2. Turned the pile every few days to improve airflow.
3. Shara stopped adding too many fruit scraps at once and spread them out with brown materials.

Within two weeks, the odor disappeared, and her compost was back on track.

4. Additional Tips to Keep Compost Smelling Fresh

These solutions cover the basics, but you can use a few extra tricks to keep your compost smelling fresh and working well.

a) Add Lime or Wood Ash

If your compost release acidic odor, like vinegar or sour milk, it may be too acidic. Then you gave to add garden lime or wood ash that can help balance the pH and neutralize the smell.

How to Fix: Add a little lime or wood ash to the pile, but avoid using too much as it can slow the composting process.

b) Bury Food Scraps

If you worry about pests or bad smells, bury food scraps in the center of the pile. This helps them break down faster and contain the smell.

The Fix: After adding fresh food scraps, cover them with a layer of browns like shredded paper or straw. This helps trap odors and speeds up decomposition.

Learn more - How to speed up composting in very simple way at home

c) Compost in Layers

Layer the components of your compost to prevent odors. For airflow, start with small brown materials like sticks or straw.Alternate greens and browns, then use to with abrown layer.

How to Fix: Think of your compost pile like a pizza. Each layer has a role. The bottom layer helps with drainage and air flow. The top layer prevents smells. 

Read more : How to make compost in an easy process, step by step guide. 

5. Conclusion: Fresh Compost, Happy Garden

By following these simple guidelines, you can avoid bad smells in composting. So, you can enjoy the benefits of healthy, nutrient-rich soil. Remember composting is all about the maintain of balance. You must mix the right materials, keep the moisture right, and allow air to flow. This helps your pile break down properly and stay free from bad smells.

Here’s a quick recap of the key tips:

• Balance greens and browns to avoid slimy, smelly compost.
• Manage moisture levels to prevent the pile from getting too wet.
• Turn the compost regularly to mix oxygen and speed up decomposition.
• Avoid certain foods like meat, dairy, and oils that cause bad smells.
• Ensure good airflow in your compost bin or pile.

With a little attention and effort, you can easily transform kitchen scraps and yard waste into a valuable nutrient-rich resource for your garden, with removing bad smells. Happy composting!

Is Smelly Compost Bad for Plants?

Yes, smelly compost can be harmful to plants. When compost smells bad, it means it doesn't have enough oxygen. Without oxygen, harmful chemicals like ammonia or sulfur form. These chemicals can hurt plants and make it hard for them to get the nutrients they need from the compost.

In addition, Smelly compost is not fully decomposed. It can have harmful bacteria, pathogens, or weed seeds that aren't broken down. These can harm your garden. For safe compost, it should smell earthy and fresh, showing it’s ready to use.

To avoid using bad compost on your plants, always allow the compost to fully decompose, turn it regularly, and keep it balanced with proper moisture and airflow. A healthy compost pile will not only enrich your soil but also promote healthy plant growth.

 

Compost Bin Smells and Has Flies: What’s Going Wrong and How to Fix It

If your compost bin smells bad and attracts flies, it shows that the balance of your compost might be wrong. This problem is common but can be fixed with a few changes.

Why Does It Happen?

Flies, especially fruit flies, are attracted to food scraps in the compost, especially when they are open. The odor usually shows that there is not enough oxygen or too many nitrogen-rich "green" materials like food waste, which can make the pile too wet and cause it to smell.

How to Fix Smelly Compost and Get Rid of Flies

1. Always cover new food scraps with a layer of dry materials, like leaves, shredded paper, or straw. This stops flies from getting to the food and cuts down on smells.
2. Flies live in moist and undisturbed places. Turning the compost often adds air to the pile, lowering moisture and creating an oxygen-rich environment that keeps bad smells and flies away.
3. If your compost pile is too wet or smells bad, you have too many 'greens' and not enough 'browns.' Add dry things like sawdust, cardboard, or dried leaves to soak up the moisture and balance the pile.
4. If you use a bin, put a fine mesh on it or cover it with a ventilated lid. This will keep flies out while still allowing air flow.

Add enough carbon-rich materials to your compost and make sure air flows properly. This will help remove the bad smell and the fly problem. 

Compost Bin Smells and Has Flies: What’s Going Wrong and How to Fix It

If your compost bin smells bad and attracts flies, it shows that the balance of your compost might be wrong. This problem is common but can be fixed with a few changes.

Why Does It Happen?

Flies, especially fruit flies, are attracted to food scraps in the compost, especially when they are open. The odor usually shows that there is not enough oxygen or too many nitrogen-rich "green" materials like food waste, which can make the pile too wet and cause it to smell.

How to Fix Smelly Compost and Get Rid of Flies

1. Always cover new food scraps with a layer of dry materials, like leaves, shredded paper, or straw. This stops flies from getting to the food and cuts down on smells.
2. Flies live in moist and undisturbed places. Turning the compost often adds air to the pile, lowering moisture and creating an oxygen-rich environment that keeps bad smells and flies away.
3. If your compost pile is too wet or smells bad, you have too many 'greens' and not enough 'browns.' Add dry things like sawdust, cardboard, or dried leaves to soak up the moisture and balance the pile.
4. If you use a bin, put a fine mesh on it or cover it with a ventilated lid. This will keep flies out while still allowing air flow.

Add enough carbon-rich materials to your compost and make sure air flows properly. This will help remove the bad smell and the fly problem.

 

Bagged Compost Smells Bad: What’s Going Wrong and How to Fix It

If you recently bought bagged compost and it smells bad. So, don't worry! Bagged compost can sometimes smell because of a few common reasons, but the good news is that it’s usually an easy fix.

Why Bagged Compost Smells Bad

1. Anaerobic Conditions: When you seal bagged compost tightly for too long, it detached from oxygen. This causes bad-smelling bacteria to grow.
2. Excess Moisture: Sometimes bagged compost can hold too much water when it’s packed or stored. If compost stays wet and tight, it doesn't get enough air, which causes it to smell bad, like rotten eggs or ammonia.
3. Unfinished Compost: Sometimes, the compost in the bag is not fully broken down. If compost is packed too early, it keeps breaking down in the bag and causes bad smells.

How to Fix Smelly Bagged Compost

1. Aerate the Compost: As soon as you notice an unpleasant smell, open the bag and give the compost some air. Spread it in a thin layer in the garden bed. Let it sit for a few hours or a day to get air. Turn it with a garden fork to speed up the process of adding air.
2. Add Dry Materials: If the compost feels too wet, mix in some dry brown materials like shredded newspaper, straw, or dry leaves to absorb the excess moisture. It fixes the balance and stops bad smells.
3. Let It Finish: If the compost has big pieces or smells bad, let it finish breaking down outside the bag. Spread it in your compost bin or pile, and leave it for a few weeks. Turn it often to make it break down faster.

By addressing these common issues, you can turn smelly bagged compost into healthy and fresh compost for your garden.

How Long Does Compost Smell Last?

Duration of bad smells in compost, basically based on the problem and how fast you fix it. If the smell comes from too much water, not enough air, or wrong material mix, the odor stays until you solve it. After you turn the compost, balance the greens and browns, and control the water, the bad smell usually goes away in a few days to a week.

If the compost pile has too much water or not enough air, it might take up to two weeks to fix the problem and avoid bad smell in composting. Regularly turning the pile and checking its moisture will help stop the smell and keep the composting process working well.

In short, the bad smell should go away within a week or two if you act fast and follow the recommended solutions.