How long does the composting process take?
The composting process can take from two months to two years, depending on the type of composter, the ingredients, and the amount of effort you put into turning the pile. Compost is ready to use when it looks dark and crumbly and none of the original ingredients are visible. A simple way to test if compost is finished is to seal a small sample in a plastic bag for 24 to 48 hours. If no strong odours are released when you open the bag, the compost is done.
A number of factors are important in controlling the composting process and the time that the process takes. These factors include temperature, moisture, oxygen, particle size, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of the waste and the degree of mixing or turning involved. In general, the more actively these factors are controlled, the faster the process. The length of the process also depends on the degree of decomposition desired in the finished product. Typically, an immature compost can be produced in about a month, while a mature compost may be allowed to cure for six months to a year.
In the HCBC Study, composting was completed between 40-45 days when the temperature of the composting pile approached ambient temperature as can be seen in Figure 1. The compost was allowed to cure for another 45 days. Mature compost was ready in about 90 days or 3 months. It may take longer if some composting conditions are not fully met. Would composting reduce the volume of the initial waste? Yes. You would expect the composting pile to be reduced to about half of its initial volume. General reduction in stable waste volume after composting is desirable because less space would be required for storage, and it would be less costly to haul compost than stable waste. Would compost reduce the parasitic transmission potential of stable waste? Strongyles are the most abundant roundworm found in horses and ponies. Three previous studies have shown that temperatures above 45oC adversely affect strongyles eggs hatchability and larval survival. HCBC Study showed that there was a significant r
The composting process usually takes 6 to 18 months. If you place your compost bin in the sun it can help to speed up the process. What does ready-to-use compost look like? Ready-to-use compost will be spongy and look dark brown or black in colour. You can use this directly on your garden or mix it with soil or sand to make a potting mix. Further Information Keep an eye out for the new recyclenow compost advert or look on the recyclenow website (external site). There is also further information available on the Composting Association Website (external site). To find out about Manchester’s local composting initiatives information is available on Fairfield Materials Management (external site). For further information on home composting, contact the Waste and Recycling team.
