How to Hot Compost
Hot composting, also known as fast or active, is the quickest way to break down your yard and food waste. With the right combination of greens (nitrogen-rich materials) and browns (carbon-rich materials), water, and oxygen you can break down this material in your own backyard. You’ll have finished compost within 12 weeks to 6 months, depending on the size and how often you care for it.
What You’ll Need
- Compost bin – purchase one or make your own! A bin that is at least 3 x 3 x 3 feet gets hot enough to be most effective.
- Carbon-rich “brown” materials
- Nitrogen-rich “green” materials
- Water
- Shovel or pitch fork
How to Hot Compost
- Set up the compost bin in a place that will be convenient to use and maintain. Place it near a water source so it is easier to keep the pile damp and at least 2ft from any buildings to allow air flow.
- Make a thin layer of coarser brown material for the bottom.
- Layer two parts brown to one part green and water each layer as the pile is built. Use a mixture of size of materials so the pile doesn’t become compact. Chop up larger pieces so they decompose faster.
- Finish the pile with a layer of brown materials to deter pests.
- Turn the pile at least two times during the first 7-10 days to heat the pile to 130 to 140ºF, then every 1-2 weeks to re-mix in all materials and let in more oxygen.
Items to Add & Avoid
For best results, keep your compost pile vegan (plus eggshells) and leave out materials that will cause problems with the finished compost.
Add
- Eggshells
Greens
- Fruit & vegetable scraps (remove produce stickers)
- Coffee grounds, tea leaves
- Rice, grains, pasta, bread
- Green yard waste
Browns
- Coffee, tea filters (remove staples)
- Paper towels, napkins
- Paper, cardboard (shredded & non-glossy)
- Dried leaves & yard waste
Do NOT Add
- Meat, bones, fat
- Dairy products
- Grease, oils
- Glossy cardboard or paper
- Pet waste and bedding
- Charcoal or ashes
- Diseased plants
- Weeds that have gone to seed
- Large or thorny branches
- Materials treated with pesticides, herbicides, fungicides
- Compostable cups, packaging, BioBags*
*BioBags and other compostable materials were recently banned from backyard and commercial composting sites because of the chemicals they contain.
Reference:
UW-Extension Master Gardener Manual: Foundations in Horticulture