Frequently Asked Questions

• Our compost looks like it has all turned to mush. What can we do?

  Most likely, all the fruit and vegetable peelings that have been added to you bin have not been properly balanced out with fibrous materials. It is important to remember that when adding a lot of ... read on

• I have had my compost bin for 6 months. However, since having the bin I have never turned the matter inside. Is this essential?

  Whilst turning compost can accelerate the process of degradation it is by no means essential. The breakdown is a natural process, the likes of which occurs on a forest floor without any manual inte... read on

• I have been using a compost bin for 15 months and have added a good balance of 'greens' and 'browns'. After checking, everything looked in its original state. Why is this and what can I do?

  It may be worth exploring the contents of the bin a little further. As the composting action tends to occur in the middle of the bin, you may find that you have some compost hiding away already. H... read on

• How can I get rid of the large cockroaches that are mass-multiplying in my compost?

  Cockroaches like warm places, especially to breed, so turning the compost regularly to disturb their nests would discourage them. Being detritivores they are part of the natural waste disposal proc... read on

• I have yellow eggs in my compost bin. When I squash them there is a milky liquid content. Are they harmful and can I use the compost?

  If  you found them in a cluster they could be worm, snail or slug eggs. These tend to be slimy and are often laid in clumps. Worm eggs are good, as the more worms the better. It is unlikely that a... read on

• How often should I turn my tumble type compost bin?

  It is recommended that once you fill your tumber with material, leave it for a few days to allow the composting process to begin.  Thereafter, you should aim to turn it several times each day to en... read on

• Will compost remain suitable for garden purposes if I have used a poison bait. Will it affect the compost?

  Both organic and inorganic chemicals have the potential to remain in your finished compost for some time.  There is a chance that some plants could absorb these chemicals through their roots, and t... read on

• Can I compost corn starch containers or should I put them in the recycle bins?

  Corn starch packaging is identifiable by the distinctive logo it carries.  This indicates that it has been certified as compostable.  The liners for the kitchen caddies, available from this website... read on

• Why isn't my compost breaking down? I am using a good mix of green and browns.

  After approximately twelve months, there should be some signs of dark brown/black compost developing at the very bottom of the bin. When you dig some out of the bottom, you should have a clearer in... read on

• My compost seems to be growing potatoes from the peelings we have put in. Do we need to empty the bin and start again?

  This is a common occurence and won't have a detrimental effect on your compost, unless the potatoes have blight and then there is a risk of transferring the blight through your compost. read on