How can I determine if the mixture has reached the appropriate moisture level?
Simply take a handful of the compost material in your hand, using rubber gloves if preferred, and gently squeeze it.

  • If water runs down between your fingers, then it’s too wet.
  • If the heap doesn’t hold together, it’s too dry.
  • If there are only a few drops then it’s at the correct moisture level
Temprature Trubleshoot
Problem Reason Remedy
Low heat/No heat.
  1. Too dry.
  2. Too dry.
  3. Too dry.
  1. Sprinkle some water over the mixture.
  2. See “bad smells” bellow.
  3. Don’t empty everything out at emptying time.
Maggots Too wet/low heat
  1. Add dry woodpellets or sawdust and mix well.
  2. Put in a hot water bottle to help heat.
Mushrooms Natural occurrence None
Big lumps Too wet
  1. Add dry woodpellets or sawdust and mix well.
  2. Break up lumps.

If you experience bad smell, here are some things to consider

Smell Reason Remedy
Ammonia Intensive process, high pH. Add dry woodpellets or sawdust and mix well.
Rotting Waste too wet Add dry woodpellets or sawdust and mix well.
Pungent, acidy smell (cheesy) Oxygen deficiency-may be due to overfilling waste too wet Sometime occurs at the start
a new chamber cycle Too little sawdust		 Empty out some waste,add dry woodpellets or sawdust and mix well. Add woodpellets or sawdust and mix well. Add some ready-made compost and mix well. Unclog air vents.