I have a problem with indoor composting?

Question

Trying to be greener and got an indoor composter with a filter.It is quite small.Trouble is it is plagued by fruit flies which fly out every time I put something in .(yuk).I empty it when its half full and clean it with bleach.Don't suppose any one else had same problem.

Answer 1

Try not to use bleach - it kills the bacteria that break down the organic matter.

Defeats the object really

Answer 2

I suspect that most of your feedstock is scraps from your produce, fairly high in nitrogen and quite wet. Try topping off with a high-carbon material, such as dry leaves or sawdust. As a bonus, your compost will "work" faster. Aim for 2/3 high-carbon and 1/3 high-nitrogen and moisture content about equivalent to that of a damp sponge. Good luck.

Answer 3

Can you compost outside? I suspect that might be the only way to solve the problem. We use an ordinary plastic swing bin in the kitchen for waste destined for the composter and empty it when it's full, loads of insects in the outdoor composter, none in the kitchen bin.

Answer 4

Why do this indoors? Sounds awfull! I keep mine just outside, just a few steps away. No fly problem then.

Answer 5

So do I...hate the smell.

Answer 6

If you put a thin layer of wet newspaper over the top then that will help.  Unfortunately fruit flies are part of the deal.  We have one outside and that does the trick, or I leave the lid off and they get less intense, but can't exactly do that inside.