My Compost Is Too Hot What To Do About Overheated Compost Piles

Compost managers strive to keep the compost below about 65°C because hotter temperatures cause the beneficial microbes to die off. If the pile gets too hot, turning or aerating will help to dissipate the heat.

1. How do you cool down hot compost?
2. How long do compost piles stay hot?
3. How do you control the temperature of compost?
4. At what temperature does compost combust?
5. Should you cover compost heaps?
6. Why did my compost pile cool down?
7. How often should you turn a compost pile?
8. Can a compost pile get too hot?
9. Can I keep adding to my compost pile?
10. How long does it take for compost to break down?
11. How do I increase the heat in my compost bin?

How do you cool down hot compost?

To cool off a pile, give it a few turns with a pitch fork to allow heat to escape. If after a few hours temperatures start to creep back up, check your ratios of green to brown matter. Add more dried leaves to slow down the bacteria. If you had to set a target temperature for your compost pile it would be 150°F.

How long do compost piles stay hot?

A good, hot pile will reach at least 130°F (54°C) and stay there for two to four days. When the temperature drops back down to about 100°, turn the pile — and watch the temperature soar.

How do you control the temperature of compost?

Turn, mix, and water: Temperatures drop as supplies of food, air, and water are exhausted. Turning the pile to aerate, mixing undecomposed ingredients on the outside into the center, and/or adding moisture may encourage temperatures to rise and promote more rapid decomposition.

At what temperature does compost combust?

Compost temperatures must reach 300°F to 400°F (150°C to 200°C) for spontaneous combustion of materials to take place.

Should you cover compost heaps?

No, an unfinished compost pile does not need to be covered in most cases. The most important factors for composting are air, water and a good mix of green and brown material. Covering a compost pile could cause a lack of oxygen, trap too much moisture and cause a smelly, anaerobic mess.

Why did my compost pile cool down?

When the pile lacks oxygen, you may notice the temperature gradually decrease over the course of a few days. Stirring up the materials helps aerate them so they can reheat. If the pH of the pile is low, you may notice a failure to heat or a garbage smell from the pile.

How often should you turn a compost pile?

By turning more frequently (about every 2-4 weeks), you will produce compost more quickly. Waiting at least two weeks allows the center of the pile to heat up and promotes maximum bacterial activity. The average composter turns the pile every 4-5 weeks.

Can a compost pile get too hot?

Excessive temperatures in compost can cause a spontaneous combustion, but this is very rare even among over-heated compost piles. Properly aerated and moist compost piles, no matter how hot, are not dangerous. Even hot compost bins that are fairly enclosed will not catch fire if they are tumbled and kept moist.

Can I keep adding to my compost pile?

ANSWER: Yes, using the cold, or passive composting method, also known as the add-as-you-go method, you can continue to add kitchen waste to your compost pile gradually over time.

How long does it take for compost to break down?

Depending on the size of your compost pile, what you put in it, and how you tend to it, this process can take three months to two years. With a Compost Aerator, it's easier to add air to the pile. Aeration gives oxygen-hungry microbes what they need to break down materials faster.

How do I increase the heat in my compost bin?

Throw a shovelful of dirt into your compost pile and mix the dirt in some. The bacteria found in the dirt will multiply and start helping the material in the compost pile break down and, thus, heat up the compost pile.