Composting in Apartments

[chefjlin]

Hello! I need some help.

I was wondering how to compost on my apartment's balcony without making it smell. Can I compost it indoors? I started making a compost pile using food scraps, leaf clippings, raw meat. I think my compost pile is starting to smell.

Thanks!

 

[Chuck]

Hello! I need some help.

I was wondering how to compost on my apartment's balcony without making it smell. Can I compost it indoors? I started making a compost pile using food scraps, leaf clippings, raw meat. I think my compost pile is starting to smell.

Thanks!

Never, ever use meat either raw or cooked in your compost. Do not put anything in your pile that has oil on or in it. No cheese either. Keep your compost damp, not wet and turn it every couple of weeks

 

[chefjlin]

Never, ever use meat either raw or cooked in your compost. Do not put anything in your pile that has oil on or in it. No cheese either. Keep your compost damp, not wet and turn it every couple of weeks

Thanks! I keep that in mind. I do turn my compost every 3 days.

Can I put eggshells? I hear that adds calcium to the compost pile.

 

[Chuck]

Thanks! I keep that in mind. I do turn my compost every 3 days.

Can I put eggshells? I hear that adds calcium to the compost pile.

Eggshells are fine and I put them in mine but it takes a long time for them to break down. You are turning it way too often. A compost pile must be allowed to build up heat. A good hot pile will reach 120 F - 140 F and if you keep turning it so often it cannot reach proper temps. You will have a hotter pile if you water it with carbohydrates such as left over soft drinks like coke and pepsi or beer. Not too much just enough to keep the entire thing moist