Composting in the Winter

Temperatures dropping in Canada are inevitable. Every winter we succumb to mother nature and stay indoors to avoid the frigid temperatures. This often leads to more kitchen scraps in your green bin leaving you with more compost to get rid of. Composting in the winter means adapting and I’ve listed a few proven methods for composting when the temperature plummets.

The most common way to keep composting in the wintertime is to cover it up. By putting a tarp over your compost pile you keep out moisture while also maintaining a high internal temperature. However, this isn’t a viable option for those of you who live where snow can pile three feet high. That leads me to my next option.

Keep it covered! Whether you have a carport or a garage this can keep your compost free of frost. If fruit flies in your house become a problem, products such as BinBreeze can ease the headaches involved with composting. Moreover, if you have more than a garbage can full of compost another alternative is to build a structure around your compost pile. This will allow you to compost year-round while achieving the same benefits as putting it in your garage. Just watch your step as you trudge out there.

Making your compost pile bigger can help maintain the internal temperature required for microorganisms to break down compostable material. In the winter, low temperatures can cause a small compost pile to freeze whereas larger compost piles can stay active in the winter months. A good tip to remember is that you want your compost pile to be at least one cubic yard. In the case of composting, the bigger the better!

Lastly, shredding your compost is a proven method to create a uniform layer of heat throughout your compost and protect it from colder temperatures.