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c/apartment-compostingsandraleesandralee1mo agoProlific Poster

Stopped using a plastic bin after a mold disaster in my closet last July

I was keeping my compost in a sealed plastic bin under the sink and it turned into a slimy green mess after a heatwave. Had to throw out the whole batch and scrub the bin with vinegar three times. Now I use a stainless steel countertop pail with a charcoal filter and it keeps things way drier. Anyone else switch materials after a bad mold experience?
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the_fiona
the_fiona1mo ago
Oh man, that sounds like a science experiment gone wrong. Moldy compost is basically nature's way of saying "you messed up, friend." I switched to an open wire bin after my own slime disaster, and now I just accept that my compost will always look slightly suspicious.
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ryanburns
ryanburns1mo ago
People who act like mold is some huge tragedy in compost are being dramatic. Mold is literally how compost breaks down. You just had too much moisture and not enough airflow, the bin itself wasn't the problem. Sealed plastic bins work fine if you layer in dry browns like shredded paper or cardboard. Stainless steel with a filter is just paying extra for the same result without the ventilation. Honestly the real issue is people not balancing greens and browns, not the container material.
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ivan82
ivan8227d agoMost Upvoted
But isn't mold literally breaking down your closet too, @the_fiona?
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