4 Smells in Composting
While a properly running Composting system should not be any fouler smelling than a garbage can, there can be occasions when a composting system will smell. When something goes wrong in the Compost system, your nose knows. And nothing will stop an on-site composting system from continuing faster than if there are odor complaints.
As such, care should be taken to ensure that the composting system is well maintained and cared for. This includes:
- Regularly checking the system for smells and foul odors
- Having a plan in place to deal with any foul odors
- Extra Carbon materials to soak up excess moisture
- A way to aerate or stir the material so that it does not stay anaerobic
- Placing food scrap material into the system quickly and not storing it for long periods of time.
Care should also be taken in the placement of a Composting system. While Composting systems should be placed in an area that is convenient for use, thought should be given to neighboring sites, buildings, or rooms and whether there will be adverse effects if foul odors do arise. Composting systems should not be placed where an occasional foul odor will be a problem. (i.e. right beside a kitchen or eating area)
A natural process that turns organic material into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The process involves the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers.
The chemical element that is the fundamental building block of life. Carbon-rich material commonly referred to as “browns” includes items like straw, wood chips, sawdust, paper, fall leaves, etc. Carbon is balanced with Nitrogen in the Composting process to transform the raw organic material into the stable humus product recognized as Compost.
Refers to a biological process or organism that occurs or thrives in the absence of oxygen.