Monday, December 9, 2024 - Aerobic Composting

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Aerobic composting requires the introduction of oxygen to compost piles to allow microbes and living organisms to thrive. The only by-products of aerobic composting are heat, water, and a small amount of carbon dioxide. The opposite of this is Anaerobic Composting, which we talked about in the last blog.

Although organic, these items should not be composted in your back yard composter. Save them for the larger commercial operations like those run by your municipality.

·         oils, fats, meats or bones

·         dairy products

·         dog or cat feces, kitty litter and human waste

·         weeds with mature seeds

·         treated wood products

·         coal ash

·         yard trimmings treated with pesticides or herbicides.

Aeration encourages an aerobic environment, which helps to speed up the composting process and reduce odors. It is recommended you turn your pile (or rotate your tumbler) around once a week during summer and at minimum once every three to four weeks during winter. You can also add piping or large sticks to help increase natural airflow.


Moisture is essential for composting: your pile should always feel like a wrung-out sponge. Too dry a pile may cause the composting process to slow down and too wet a pile may create an anaerobic environment, which can cause bad odors and also slow down decomposition. Water your pile (or add more wet materials) if it becomes too dry, and add carbon-heavy browns if it becomes too wet.

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