Why my compost is too dry / too wet?
The end product should be quite moist. Do not expect the same consistency of material that you might find in a bag of general purpose compost purchased from a garden centre.
To dry out compost that is too wet, add dry material such as shredded paper to the bin. If the compost is too dry, then add water, but not too much or the temperature in the bin will fall and the composting process will slow down.
The key to getting great compost is to ensure that you get the right mix! You want to try and get a 50/50 mix of ‘Green’ wastes such as fruit and vegetable peelings and garden clippings and ‘Brown’ wastes such as newspaper, shredded paper or cardboard. Getting this mix right will help your compost to aerate and break down quicker.
Will my compost bin attract rats?
A compost bin can attract vermin if used incorrectly, however, by following a few simple precautions you can reduce this risk:
- Make sure your compost bin is not placed against any walls, fences or sheds. By isolating the compost bin it is less attractive to vermin, which use the walls/fences etc as safe ‘rat runs’.
- Only use your compost bin to compost uncooked fruit and vegetable waste. Cooked food waste especially meat and fish is particularly attractive to vermin.
- Regularly disturb the bin by aerating it with a fork, this not only helps the composting process but deters vermin.
- You may also purchase a base for the compost bin or site it on a concrete slab, however, this may affect the composting process as it does not allow helpful mini-beasts and worms etc to enter the bin.
Alternatively, you can use a heavy wire mesh with holes less than 1inch or 2.5cm in diameter. The mesh should be wrapped around the base and under the compost bin, it will allow helpful mini-beasts and worms into the bin but stop vermin from entering it. We would recommend these precautions if you have any concerns about vermin or already have a vermin problem in your area.
If you think you have a problem with vermin please contact our Pest Control services.
Can I compost food waste in my compost bin?
No, however there are alternatives to home composting such as wormeries, the Bokashi Bin, the Green Cone or the the Green Johanna.
Did you know that worms can eat up to half their body weight every day and produce high quality compost? A wormery needs only a small amount of space and you can make your own wormery if you do not want to buy one. If have got enough space in your garden then you can try to use a food waste digester such as the Green Cone or Green Johanna. If you leave in a flat or do not have a garden but would like to do something with your kitchen waste then the best option is a Bokashi bin for you.
If you have any questions or qeries about composting please send us an e-mail to waste.management@leicester.gov.uk
