Symptom

Problem

Solution

Pile not composting

Too dry

Add water until slightly moist and turn (mix)

Too much brown matter

Add fresh green matter or organic nitrogen fertilizer and turn (mix)

Pile smells rotten/attracts flies

Too wet; too many food scraps or lawn clippings

Turn (mix) & add browns (dry, woody materials) or dry soil

Food scraps or lawn clippings exposed

Bury & mix food scraps and lawn clippings into pile

Problem Materials

Remove meat, dairy, grease, etc. & turn (mix)

Rodents in bin

Bin not rodent resistant; problem materials; too much fruit & vegetable trimmings

Use traps or baits and a rodent-resistant bin (no holes or gaps larger than ¼ inch); remove meat, dairy, grease, etc.; add browns (dry, woody materials)