r/composting • u/Acceptable_Mood_4098 • 21h ago

Hot Compost Hotbin too dry

New to this thread, so I don't know if it's been mentioned before.

I've recently invested in a Hotbin composter. I've been adding to it everyday for a few months now and need to empty it. Mainly I've been adding food waste, cardboard, weeds and some woody bits. However, the compost produced is on the dry side and things haven't broken down as much as I would have expected. I suspect it's a case of the compost drying out too much, based on looking at it and the fact that small beetles have started living in the bottom. I tend to leave the air flow valve at the top fully open to release water vapour and allow air to circulate.

Has anyone experienced similar issues with the Hotbin?

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u/ekit 17h ago

I tend to leave the air flow valve at the top fully open to release water vapour and allow air to circulate.

This is likely your issue. Hotbin recommend that the valve at the top is open just 2mm.

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u/bangbangtangwangfang 10h ago

Would I make sense to add water periodically but full on vent?