[DavidT]

Originally Posted by marrow

David no disrespect to you, but I really don't need to do much further research into composting techniques, I've read some of your posts and found them very informative so respect there, but to clarify, compost gets socky because of inadequate rain cover/ventilation, there is a big distinction in my mind regarding brown waste and paper/cardboard waste, brown waste is tree/hedge trimmings, straw etc etc to add structure and airway pathways for the microbes to do their job, but I wouldnt include shredded paper or cardboard as they'll just create an anaerobic environment. What is crucial is getting the compost up to a sufficient heat, this can only be done in a aerobic environment. Shredded paper will not provide any structure whatsoever. Likewise grass clippings need to be dispersed as again they will hinder the aerobic process.
The moisture balance with adequate ventilation within the pile is the most crucial aspects of composting, you get these right and the compost will be ready for use within three months, get the balance wrong and you could be waiting a year!

The C/N ratio for paper is very poor compared to green waste, the ideal ratio is 30 to 1 for compost microbes, waste paper is like 600 to one, whilst vegetable waste is 15 to one, manure is actually 30 to 1 .





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You`ll add wood, but not paper and cardboard? What, may I ask, are THEY made from? Check your facts, paper and cardboard are wood products, Too wet a bin is caused by too much green waste.