Should Compost Bin Smell?

Odors. If a compost pile smells, something is wrong. Ordinarily, composting does not smell. Mostly two sorts of smells — rot and ammonia — afflict a pile, and since these have clear and distinct causes, they're actually quite easy to diagnose and treat.

How do I get rid of the smell in my compost bin?

Sprinkling baking soda on newspaper lining the bottom of your containers can help reduce odours. The City of Pointe Claire recommends mixing some tea tree oil with water and spraying some on newspaper in your bin — or putting white or green clay at the bottom of your bin to reduce odours.

Why does my compost bin smell so bad?

Stinky smells are a good indicator that your compost pile is too wet and has gone anaerobic. A number of factors can cause this condition: lack of aeration, too much water, or an imbalance of carbon to nitrogen. Without air, the material becomes stagnant and rancid.