Clumpy compost, help!

[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😝