Compost Pail

Compost pails are one of the most neglected parts of the whole composting process, yet they are an integral piece and one that is visited quite often. A few simple considerations make their use more satisfactory to the kitchen user and the composter alike.

The pail may be of almost any description as long as it can hold kitchen scraps. Ideally, it will be large enough to hold at least a day's offerings and perhaps two. Any longer in the heat of summer or even the normal heat of kitchen preparations will most likely cause unwanted odors to be received. If the pail is to find a home on the floor or the counter, a decorative crock with a cover can be used, else any sort of bucket will do under the sink or another counter.

A few cautions, mostly common sense, make using the compost pail easy, effective and reasonably sanitary.

• place only plant materials in the pail. Animal by products rapidly produce rancid odors and attract vermin to the compost pile.
• line the bottom of the compost pail with three layers of paper towel or newsprint. It helps to absorb liquids and odors and will keep the pail smelling fresh.
• empty the pail every two days or whenever it fills. Some occasions it may not be full after two days but it is best to empty it before rot progresses and smells develop.
• if fruit flies become a problem use a cover on the pail and empty it more often.
• wash the pail on a regular basis. Rinse with warm water and soap and wipe down with paper towels. The towels can be left in the pail to be composted.
• regularly sterilize the pail. Wash it with a bit of bleach in water. This prevents harmful bacteria from getting a foot hold.
• be nice to kitchen users, especially if this is the eating room. When preparing strong smelling foods, empty the pail immediately.
• keep a pile of dry, brown material handy to the compost pile or bin to add when emptying the pail. This allows for easy measuring of composting materials and a well mixed pile.

Some people like to cover the compost pail. I have not found this necessary if it is maintained with common sense and emptied regularly. Rather, a cover is often a nuisance when the pail is under the sink and the cover has to clear the plumbing when being removed. Treat your compost pail with good sense and it will be a pleasurable tool in the composting effort.

Darrell Feltmate is an avid gardener who has been composting and gardening for over 25 years with gardens up to 1/2 acre and compost piles for each. His composting site may be found at Compost Central. You can be a master composter in no time at all.

Much of his compost uses wood shavings from his wood turning hobby. The site for wood turning may be found at Around the Woods.