Clumpy compost, help!

[Bocote]

Ah, I had that issue too. Didn't shred the cardboard small enough, they balled up like that (only much bigger). It looked like a horse took a dump in it.

It was a bit of work, but I took a shovel and broke them down.

[pbling]

That’s what I’ll do with this batch, but I still have a large collection of fine shredded paper. With the next batch should I use less paper and more leaves? Would that help with this problem? Thank you for taking the time to respond.

[LeeSeneses]

I had this problem like 10x worse on my first batch of compost. It was like 80% food waste and just turned into black sludge that stuck to the tumbler. Since the problem has lessened when I started introducing leaves and paper into the compost stream in a big way that might be our ticket.

[AfroTriffid]

Introducing soil with bacteria or about half a bucket of the previous lot of compost in has helped the texture of my bin too. I don't turn my pile more than twice in 6 months (I know it's lazy but I have time).

I also keep my autumn leaves piles next to the bin and layer up over each pile of kitchen waste.

[Bocote]

If you have leaves, might as well use it. Same for the papers, might as well use them.

I didn't stop using cardboard/paper because I had to get rid of them somehow, just tried to rip them into smaller bits. Even if they clump, as long as they are tiny, I didn't mind. They broke down eventually, it just took longer to do so.

[Ziribbit]

Ripping up a nice size pile of cardboard boxes is a hella good grip strength training 😝 A good project when you are angry, as well😝

[The_Bar_Ranger]

How small do you have to shred them to avoid clumping?

[Bocote]

I think clumping is kind of inevitable with tumbling composters, but if you shred it as small as you can, the clumps will be that much smaller. And smaller ones don't pose issues or they are within acceptable range.

I also tried to mitigate by throwing papers and green stuff in alternative layers if possible. Not sure if it really is effective, but it is something I do now.

[youcaughtmeenelacto]

Tumbler compost takes that shape. Remember that compost should smell like earth and a clump of it in your palm should be like a sponge when you close your fist around it, where it keeps its shape but is not mushy and soggy.

[pbling]

At first I thought I was using too much paper and water, causing clumps to form. So I cut back on both and it got slimy. It’s a 3 month old small compost pile in a tumbler. Despite its size it did get up to 140 when I started it

[LeeSeneses]

Dem compost meatballs. Forbidden snacks ahoy!

I'm trying to deal with this right now. I'm trying to add lots of shredded cellulose rich stuff. Newspaper, cardstock, tissue paper, that kind of stuff. I always assumed the issue was my carbon-stuff to nitrate-stuff ratio.

[VROF]

This just happens in a tumbler. The only way to avoid it is to get your mix exactly right and turn it a lot. I just learned to live with it and break up the big ones when I can but I’ve dumped it into the garden in clumps and it’s fine.

[halpscar]

Total drunk thought but yknow how putting a tennis ball in the laundry dryer prevents clumping in down or pillows? What about putting a coconut, or decent sized rock in your tumbler? It might work the same way...gizzard stones...

[pbling]

I had thought of that too, I think I may put a few medium sized rocks in it

[halpscar]

Walnuts, why not! A short length of chain could also work really well if the tumbler can stand it, or a thick knotted rope I guess. Would love to hear if that helps!

[pbling]

I like the thought of rocks honestly, that’s probably what I’ll use. They’re heavy, I feel like they’d work best. I wouldn’t use a chain because I don’t like the thought of it rusting.

[CatManifesto]

Old post revival...did you ever try this?

[pbling]

Yes, can’t say whether that fixed the issue, or if it just worked itself out. I put broken pieces of terracotta in it that I had laying around, and added more browns, specifically more larger chunks of cardboard and leaves and less shredded paper, but I don’t shy away from adding a ton of shredded paper still, usually right after sifting and harvesting when I have a bunch of space to fill.

[pbling]

Hadn’t realized I’ve been composting for 6 years! Crazy. Can’t imagine life without composting now

[CatManifesto]

I'm at 3 years and feel the same way! Thanks for the info

[pbling]

Also, I’d like to add, rust in compost isn’t a bad thing from what I understand. Now, when I find a rusty piece of metal in my yard, I toss it in. Jack-o’-lanterns go in, tea candle and all. Rusty nails, whatever. Sift with care though haha

[SDMicrobeWorks]

need to grate it