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In Need of Help?

Please refer to this trouble-shooting page for answers to the most common problems that can occur with composting!

Troubleshooting
Problem
01. Weak Heat/ No heat

Too Dry
Too Wet
Winter wind chill factor

  • Sprinkle some water over the mixture
  • Add dry wood pellets or sawdust and mix well
  • Only empty out a little bit at at emptying time
  • 02. Maggots

    Too wet / weak heat

  • Add dry wood pellets or sawdust and mix well
  • Put in a hot water bottle to help heat
  • 03. Mushrooms

    Natural occurrence

  • None
  • 04. Big lumps

    Too wet

  • Add wood pellets or sawdust to mixture
  • Break up lumps
  • 05. Ammonia Smell

    Intensive process, high pH

  • Add dry wood pellets or sawdust and mix well
  • 06. Rotting Smell

    Too wet
    Too little

  • Add dry wood pellets or sawdust and mix well.
  • 07. Pungent, Acidy Smell

    Not enough oxygen, may be too full
    Too wet
    Sometimes occur in the start of a new chamber cycle

  • Empty out some waste, add wood pellets and mix well
  • Add dry wood pellets or sawdust and mix well
  • Add some ready-made compost and mix well
  • Unclog air vents
  • Please email us with your questions
    info@joracomposters.com
    Jora Composter Tips

    Kitchen Waste

    For best results add kitchen waste on a continuous basis in small quantities, every day or two. DO NOT put waste into the composter in large quantities.

    It is important that waste be chopped into small pieces before putting into the composter in order to greatly reduce the time needed for the waste to decompensate.

    By being very conscientious about cutting up and mixing your kitchen waste, and by closely monitoring the process, it is possible for the unit to handle larger volumes of waste than normal.

    When sorting your kitchen waste add only what you are certain is compostable. If you have any doubt then do not put it in! Keep in mind that if you are planning on using the compost produced from your Jora Composter to help grow vegetables, do not add anything that could possibly pollute the compost, such as sawdust from treated timber.

    https://www.joracomposters.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/kitchen-waste.jpg

    Placement and Accessories

    Your composter should be conveniently placed in close proximity of your kitchen. Place it on a hard surface so that it will not sink down into the ground as it begins to fill up.

    Keep a covered bin next to the composter for handy storage of sawdust and/or wood pellets which need to remain dry.

    The composter may drip liquid from time to time so we recommend placing a tray underneath your composter.

    https://www.joracomposters.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/placement.jpg

    Other

    If you are starting your Joraform composter during winter months and especially if you have a small quantities of waste, it may help to add some hot water to the first chamber to help generate the initial heat build-up.

    As a result of the high temperatures that have developed in the unit, the waste will be so thoroughly composted that it can be used directly on the garden as a mulch or soil improver.

    https://www.joracomposters.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/others.jpg

    Avoid Fuss & Mess

    Check the air vents on a regular basis to make sure holes are clear of waste and compost mixture.

    Drain your kitchen waste of liquid before putting it into the composter to keep the mixture inside from getting too wet.

    If you smell an ammonia-like aroma this means the mixture probably is too wet so you need to add a small quantity of sawdust or wood pellets to the mixture.

    Rotate your tumbler from time to time, and at least every time you add waste, so that oxygen is continually flowing through the mixture, preventing it from rotting.

    https://www.joracomposters.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/avoid-mess.jpg
    Jora Composters
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