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Why Is My Compost Bin Not Heating Up in 2025?

Published on
3 min read
Why Is My Compost Bin Not Heating Up in 2025? image

Best Compost Bins to Buy in December 2025

1 VIVOSUN Outdoor Tumbling Composter Dual Rotating Batch Compost Bin, 43 Gallon Black Door

VIVOSUN Outdoor Tumbling Composter Dual Rotating Batch Compost Bin, 43 Gallon Black Door

  • TWIN CHAMBERS ENSURE CONTINUOUS, HIGH-QUALITY COMPOST PRODUCTION.
  • 360⁰ TUMBLING DESIGN ELIMINATES MANUAL MIXING FOR EFFORTLESS USE.
  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION AND GLOVES MAKE COMPOSTING EASY AND SAFE!
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$71.99 $79.99
Save 10%
VIVOSUN Outdoor Tumbling Composter Dual Rotating Batch Compost Bin, 43 Gallon Black Door
2 EPICA Countertop Compost Bin Kitchen | 1.3 Gallon | Odorless Composting Bin with Carbon Filters | Indoor Compost Bin with Lid | Stainless Steel Kitchen Composter for Food Scraps & Waste Recycling

EPICA Countertop Compost Bin Kitchen | 1.3 Gallon | Odorless Composting Bin with Carbon Filters | Indoor Compost Bin with Lid | Stainless Steel Kitchen Composter for Food Scraps & Waste Recycling

  • COMPACT DESIGN: PERFECTLY SIZED FOR ANY KITCHEN, HOLDS DAYS' WORTH OF COMPOST.

  • ODOR CONTROL: AIRTIGHT LID & CHARCOAL FILTER ELIMINATE KITCHEN ODORS NATURALLY.

  • DURABLE & EASY TO CLEAN: RUST-RESISTANT, ONE-PIECE DESIGN FOR EFFORTLESS MAINTENANCE.

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$29.98 $39.95
Save 25%
EPICA Countertop Compost Bin Kitchen | 1.3 Gallon | Odorless Composting Bin with Carbon Filters | Indoor Compost Bin with Lid | Stainless Steel Kitchen Composter for Food Scraps & Waste Recycling
3 Utopia Kitchen Indoor Compost Bin Kitchen, Odorless Composting with Charcoal Filter, 1.3 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Composter for Countertop & Under Sink, Easy Cleaning, One Extra Filter - (Silver)

Utopia Kitchen Indoor Compost Bin Kitchen, Odorless Composting with Charcoal Filter, 1.3 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Composter for Countertop & Under Sink, Easy Cleaning, One Extra Filter - (Silver)

  • ODOR-FREE DESIGN LETS YOU STORE SCRAPS WITHOUT WORRY.
  • DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL IS BUILT TO LAST AND RESIST DAMAGE.
  • STYLISH LOOK COMPLEMENTS ANY KITCHEN DECOR EFFORTLESSLY.
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$24.28 $33.99
Save 29%
Utopia Kitchen Indoor Compost Bin Kitchen, Odorless Composting with Charcoal Filter, 1.3 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Composter for Countertop & Under Sink, Easy Cleaning, One Extra Filter - (Silver)
4 VIVOSUN Outdoor Tumbling Composter Dual Rotating Batch Compost Bin, 43 Gallon Orange Door

VIVOSUN Outdoor Tumbling Composter Dual Rotating Batch Compost Bin, 43 Gallon Orange Door

  • DUAL CHAMBERS FOR CONTINUOUS COMPOSTING EFFICIENCY
  • EASY TUMBLING DESIGN SAVES TIME AND EFFORT
  • STURDY BUILD WITH INCLUDED GLOVES FOR CONVENIENCE
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$76.99 $109.99
Save 30%
VIVOSUN Outdoor Tumbling Composter Dual Rotating Batch Compost Bin, 43 Gallon Orange Door
5 OXO Good Grips EASY-CLEAN COMPOST BIN - WHITE - 1.75 GAL/6.62 L

OXO Good Grips EASY-CLEAN COMPOST BIN - WHITE - 1.75 GAL/6.62 L

  • UNIQUE DESIGN ENSURES TIDY STORAGE OF KITCHEN BAGS.
  • IDEAL 1.75-GALLON CAPACITY FOR BUSY KITCHENS' NEEDS.
  • EASY TO CLEAN WITH ODOR CONTROL AND STAY-OPEN LID.
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$37.99
OXO Good Grips EASY-CLEAN COMPOST BIN - WHITE - 1.75 GAL/6.62 L
6 OXO Good Grips EASY-CLEAN COMPOST BIN - CHARCOAL - 1.75 GAL/6.62 L

OXO Good Grips EASY-CLEAN COMPOST BIN - CHARCOAL - 1.75 GAL/6.62 L

  • SLEEK DESIGN KEEPS BAGS NEATLY TUCKED FOR A TIDY KITCHEN LOOK.
  • 75-GALLON CAPACITY IDEAL FOR BUSTLING KITCHENS AND HEAVY USE.
  • SOFT-CLOSE LID PRESERVES FRESHNESS WHILE PREVENTING PESTS AND ODORS.
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$32.00 $37.99
Save 16%
OXO Good Grips EASY-CLEAN COMPOST BIN - CHARCOAL - 1.75 GAL/6.62 L
7 Nova Products Kitchen Compost Bin for Food Waste – 2 Gallon (8L) Countertop Compost Container, Odor-Reducing Lid with Filter, Leak-Proof, Durable & Easy to Clean – Beige/White

Nova Products Kitchen Compost Bin for Food Waste – 2 Gallon (8L) Countertop Compost Container, Odor-Reducing Lid with Filter, Leak-Proof, Durable & Easy to Clean – Beige/White

  • ODOR CONTROL LID: SEALED DESIGN TRAPS SMELLS-KEEPS YOUR KITCHEN FRESH!

  • SPACE-SAVING SIZE: PERFECT 2-GALLON CAPACITY FITS ANYWHERE IN YOUR KITCHEN.

  • LEAK-RESISTANT BUILD: DURABLE AND MESS-FREE, IDEAL FOR WET FOOD SCRAPS.

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$29.99
Nova Products Kitchen Compost Bin for Food Waste – 2 Gallon (8L) Countertop Compost Container, Odor-Reducing Lid with Filter, Leak-Proof, Durable & Easy to Clean – Beige/White
8 F2C Compost Bin Outdoor 43 Gallon Garden Dual Chamber Composter Bin - Bundled with Pearson's Gardening Gloves,BPA Free, Heavy-Duty Steel Frame, Rotating Tumbler with Sliding Doors | (Black)

F2C Compost Bin Outdoor 43 Gallon Garden Dual Chamber Composter Bin - Bundled with Pearson's Gardening Gloves,BPA Free, Heavy-Duty Steel Frame, Rotating Tumbler with Sliding Doors | (Black)

  • DUAL CHAMBERS FOR FREQUENT COMPOSTING: USE AND REPLENISH SOIL FASTER!
  • STURDY & WEATHER-RESISTANT DESIGN: STABLE EVEN IN 40 MPH WINDS!
  • QUICK ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED TOOLS: SETUP IN UNDER 30 MINUTES!
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$41.99
F2C Compost Bin Outdoor 43 Gallon Garden Dual Chamber Composter Bin - Bundled with Pearson's Gardening Gloves,BPA Free, Heavy-Duty Steel Frame, Rotating Tumbler with Sliding Doors | (Black)
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ONE MORE?

Composting is a fantastic way to reduce waste and produce nutrient-rich soil for your garden. However, a common challenge for many composting enthusiasts is dealing with a compost bin that is not heating up. In 2025, as more people engage in sustainable practices, understanding the reasons behind this issue remains crucial. In this article, we will explore several reasons your compost bin may not be heating up and provide guidance on how to choose and maintain an effective compost bin.

Understanding the Composting Process

Before delving into the causes of a cold compost bin, it is helpful to understand how composting works. Composting is a natural process where microorganisms break down organic matter into compost. For this microbial activity to occur efficiently, the compost pile must maintain an ideal temperature range, usually between 135 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Reasons Your Compost Bin Isn’t Heating Up

1. Improper Balance of Green and Brown Materials

To generate heat, your compost pile needs a balanced mixture of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. Greens include items like grass clippings and vegetable scraps, while browns include leaves, straw, and wood chips. A lack of either can stagnate the composting process.

2. Insufficient Moisture

Water is an essential component in composting as it helps microorganisms thrive. If your compost bin is too dry, the microbial activity will slow down, reducing the temperature. Aim for a moisture level similar to a wrung-out sponge.

3. Lack of Aeration

Compost requires oxygen for the microbes to function effectively. Without sufficient aeration, the process becomes anaerobic and slows down considerably. Regularly turning your compost pile will help maintain adequate oxygen levels.

4. Cold Ambient Temperatures

Especially during winter or in cold climates, ambient temperatures can impact your compost pile's ability to heat up. Insulating your compost bin or moving it to a sunnier spot can help mitigate this issue.

5. Small Pile Size

A small compost pile doesn't have enough mass to generate and retain heat effectively. Ideally, your pile should be at least 3x3x3 feet in size to ensure proper heating.

How to Choose the Right Compost Bin

Choosing the right compost bin is essential for maintaining optimal composting conditions. Here are a few tips:

  • Size and Capacity: Ensure your compost bin is large enough to handle the amount of waste you plan to compost.
  • Material: Choose a bin made from durable materials like wood or recycled plastic that can withstand various weather conditions.
  • Ventilation: Opt for a bin with good ventilation to allow for proper air circulation.
  • Ease of Use: Look for a design that allows for easy turning and removal of compost.

Additional Resources

If you're interested in making holistic lifestyle changes that include sustainable living and fitness, consider visiting these resources:

Incorporating composting into your life is a rewarding experience that can greatly benefit the environment. By troubleshooting heating issues and selecting the right compost bin, you can ensure your composting efforts are successful.