Does a Compost Bin Need Air Holes?

Yes! Good airflow is one of the secrets to successful composting. Without it, your compost pile could turn into a stinky mess (literally). Learn how to increase airflow in your compost pile.

Related To:

Compost Bin

Solar Powered Composter

This composter harnesses the power of the sun to heat up your brown and green materials and speed up the composting process. The lid features a translucent bronze-colored poly panel. As the sun passes through the panel, it gently warms the compost inside. Mesh sides allow air flow to the compost.

Photo by: Williams-Sonoma.com

Williams-Sonoma.com

When it comes to making great compost, airflow is one of the most important ingredients. The bacteria that break down leaves, grass clippings and other yard waste into compost need air to function. The air that’s available to them can be tiny pockets — almost microscopic — tucked inside a pile of twigs, leaves, banana peels and coffee grounds.

If a compost pile becomes compacted or gets soaking wet, those little air pockets disappear. As the oxygen supply dwindles, the activity of air-loving bacteria slows and eventually stops when there’s no air available. At that point, composting grinds to a halt and the bacteria that don’t need air to function kick into gear. They’re the ones that produce a sewer-type smell, giving a compost pile a funk that’s tough to beat.

When you attempt to get air into your compost, you want it to reach into the center of the pile, where the temperature is the highest. Getting oxygen into that center area speeds material breakdown and keeps the temperature high, creating a hot composting process. Hot composting is the way to kill weed seeds, plant pests and diseases.

Ways to Add Air to Compost

To increase the air content in your compost, you can use several different methods. Try some of these techniques to boost the airflow inside your compost pile.

  • Turn the pile. The traditional way to get air into the center of a compost pile is by turning the pile, manually flipping the compost like a pineapple upside-down cake. Shaking things up like this also helps speed up the composting process. To take the labor out of turning compost, use a compost tumbler type of bin, which you spin with a handle. These types of bins typically have screened holes to allow air to reach composting materials.
  • Stir it up. Use a tool like an auger or compost aerator to mix the material around.
  • Add a pipe. Take a PVC pipe (1" or larger), drill holes along the length, and insert it into your compost pile. The pipe acts like a straw, letting air move down and into the compost pile. Use multiple pipes inserted in different spots to increase airflow even more.
  • Create holes. Add ventilation shafts (holes) in a compost pile with a broom handle or piece of pipe. Re-create holes any time they fill in.
  • Elevate the pile. If you’re using a cold compost system, where you pile up fall leaves, grass clippings and spent plant tops and simply let it sit until the following year, you can facilitate airflow into the compost by placing your materials on an elevated foundation. It can be as simple as lots of branches and sticks laid across each other to create a raised platform. Get branches from local tree trimmers or a yard waste drop off. If you’re piling up leaves, create air pockets by placing branches and sticks between leaf layers.
  • Mix materials. When you add compostable materials to your pile, use things with a variety of shapes and sizes. Avoid cutting everything into small pieces. It may help things to compost faster, but it also encourages materials to mat together. Instead, mix in materials that form air pockets, like corn cobs, sunflower or brussels sprout stalks, straw or sticks.
  • Shed water. If a compost pile gets too wet, water fills up all the air pockets. (The ideal moisture level makes compost feel like a damp sponge.) To prevent soggy compost, cover your compost pile with a lid that sits above (not directly on) compost. This tip only applies in wet regions or during excessive rainfall.

Next Up

The Different Ways to Make Compost

Composting can be more than just throwing food scraps on a pile. Learn a few new methods for making natural fertilizers.

25 Things You Can Compost (Some May Surprise You!)

Did you know you can compost hair, dryer lint and nail clippings along with your kitchen scraps? It’s not gross; rather, it helps amp up the quality of your garden soil.

How to Build a DIY Compost Tumbler

Make a fast-burning home compost bin for under $50. One 50-gallon drum will turn your family’s food scraps into rich, usable soil before the growing season is over. Best of all, the wood base with attached caster wheels makes turning your compost in this DIY compost tumbler a cinch — no shoveling required.

10 Ways to be More Sustainable in Your Garden + Yard

Creating a more eco-friendly garden is easy and saves money. Try these simple ideas for creating a more environmentally friendly yard.

Guide to Composting With Worms

Learn how to transform kitchen waste into rich garden compost by composting with worms and get step-by-step instructions on how to build a DIY worm bin.

What is Mushroom Compost?

Compost used to grow mushrooms commercially can be used again in your garden to make a wonderful fertilizer.

No-Till Gardening Methods

No-till gardening saves time, conserves water and reduces weeds. There are several methods including Hugelkultur, Ruth Stout, back-to-Eden and lasagna gardening.  Find out how to incorporate these organic practices in your yard.

13 Best Countertop Compost Bins for Your Kitchen

Composting food scraps in your home is a great way to cut down on landfill waste and upcycle peels, cores and seeds into nutrients for your garden. These countertop compost bins keep it all smell-free and mess-free.

Does a Compost Bin Need a Bottom?

Maybe. It depends on a few things like climate, location of the bin and if you need to deter critters. Read on to find out if your compost bin needs a bottom.

Should I Cover My Compost Pile?

Maybe. It depends on a few things like weather, what type of composter you have and your gardening goals. Read on to find out when you should keep a lid on your compost.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.