How to Compost Leaves in a Garbage Bag Guide
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Leaves are often overlooked by us. They are a very valuable organic fertilizer. Leaves can be converted into organic fertilizers that are useful to plants after fermentation.Using compostable garbage bags to compost leaves not only turns leaves into “treasures”, but also reduces the amount of garbage, improves the soil, and even helps you save money on buying fertilizers!
So how to Compost Leaves in a Garbage Bag? This article will introduce it in detail, I hope it will be helpful to you.
Benefits of Garbage Bag Composting:
Low cost – only a black garbage bag is needed, no need to buy a compost bin!
Easy to operate – suitable for beginners, does not take up space, can be done on balconies and small yards.
Environmental protection and zero waste – reduce the pollution of burning fallen leaves and recycle resources.
If you don’t have a large compost bin at home, but want to try composting, then this [garbage bag composting method] is definitely your best choice!
How to Compost Leaves in a Garbage Bag
1. Prepare tools and materials
- Leaves: Collect fresh leaves, preferably a mixture of multiple types of leaves to provide rich nutrients.
- Bags: Choose biodegradable bags or cloth bags, and make sure the bags have enough space to accommodate the leaves and leave room for fermentation.
- Water: Used to moisten the leaves and promote their fermentation process.
2. Fermentation steps
- Put the collected leaves into the bag, filling about two-thirds of the bag.
- Add an appropriate amount of water to the bag to make the leaves moist. Be careful not to make it too wet to avoid affecting the fermentation effect.
- Tie the bag tightly and place the bag in a warm, dark place, such as indoors or in a garage. Avoid direct sunlight to avoid affecting the fermentation process.
- Check the condition of the bag regularly to ensure that there are no leaks or cracks. If necessary, you can gently pat the bag to promote uniform fermentation of the leaves.
3. Completion and use of fermentation
After a period of fermentation for several weeks to several months (depending on the ambient temperature and humidity), the leaves will gradually be transformed into organic fertilizer. The fermentation is complete by observing the expansion of the bag and the color change of the leaves.
After the fermentation is complete, spread the organic fertilizer in the garden or farmland to provide nutrients for the plants. This environmentally friendly fertilizer can also improve the soil structure and increase the soil’s water retention capacity and fertility.
Using bags for rapid fermentation of leaves is a simple and practical method. In this way, you can not only effectively utilize the waste leaf resources, but also provide beneficial organic fertilizer for plants.
How to Compost Leaves Quickly
- Add bacteria: EM bacteria, decomposition agent, a small amount of composted soil.
- Turn it regularly (once every 2 weeks) to provide oxygen and avoid odor.
- Mix “green materials” (such as vegetable leaves and grass clippings) to balance the carbon-nitrogen ratio.
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Compost smells bad | Too wet / Excess nitrogen (e.g., too much food scraps) | Add dry leaves / Turn the pile for aeration |
| Leaves not decomposing | Too dry / Lack of microorganisms | Sprinkle water / Add microbes or soil |
| Insects or mold | Poor sealing / Contaminated materials | Sun exposure / Cover with thick soil layer |
Trash Bag Composting vs. Traditional Compost Bins
Performance of the compost bin:
When the compost bin is full of materials, it usually enters the high temperature zone within three days.
The first round of high temperature lasted for nineteen days, with the temperature reaching 72 degrees.
After four or five days, the volume of the materials decreased significantly, the color changed significantly, and the white mycelium was evenly distributed.
The second round of high temperature lasted for nine days, and the temperature rose to 72 degrees again.
Performance of the compost bag:
After the compost bag was filled with materials, the temperature became high within three days, but the temperature was only over fifty degrees.
After turning the compost, the temperature could not rise, even if the cotton jacket was wrapped outside, the effect was not ideal.
After two or three days of high temperature, the temperature dropped, and the temperature still could not rise after turning the compost.
If you want to start with a low-cost option, choose to use garbage bags for composting!
If you have a large amount/a yard, you can consider using a compost bin.
Why Does Leaf Compost Not Decompose?
The failure of leaf compost to decompose is usually related to unsatisfactory composting conditions. Composting requires a balance of carbon (provided by fallen leaves), nitrogen, oxygen, water and microorganisms. Any imbalance in any link will slow down or stop decomposition. The following are common causes and solutions:
– Imbalanced carbon-nitrogen ratio: fallen leaves are high-carbon materials (carbon-nitrogen ratio is about 30:1 to 80:1). If there is a lack of nitrogen source (such as kitchen waste, grass clippings), microorganisms cannot effectively decompose.
– Insufficient or excessive moisture: Composting requires about 40-60% moisture, similar to the humidity of a wrung-out sponge. Too dry or too wet will hinder decomposition.
– Insufficient oxygen: The fallen leaves are piled too densely and the lack of turning the pile will lead to an anaerobic environment, slowing down decomposition.
– Too low temperature: Microorganisms are active at 15-60°C, and winter or cold environments may slow down decomposition.
– Leaf types: Some leaf litter (such as oak leaves) contain tannins and decompose more slowly.
Solutions:
Adjust the carbon-nitrogen ratio: The ideal carbon-nitrogen ratio is 30:1. Add a nitrogen source, such as kitchen waste (fruit and vegetable peels), fresh grass clippings or coffee grounds, and mix with the leaves (volume ratio is about 1:2 to 1:3).
Control moisture: Check the moisture content of the compost: Grab a handful of compost and squeeze it gently. There should be a small amount of water but no dripping.
Sprinkle water when it is too dry, and add dry leaves or shredded cardboard when it is too wet to increase air permeability.
Increase oxygen: Turn the compost once a week, using a shovel or fork to turn the compost inside and out to ensure oxygen circulation.
If the compost pile is too large (more than 1.5 meters high), divide it into small piles to improve ventilation.
Increase temperature: In cold areas, the compost pile should be at least 1 cubic meter to maintain internal heat.
Cover the compost (e.g., with compostable trash bags or tarps) to keep it warm and leave ventilation holes.
Handling high-tannin leaf litter: Crush or chop oak leaves, etc. to increase surface area and speed up decomposition.
Mix in other leaf litter (e.g., maple leaves) or nitrogen sources for balance.
Add compost starter: If microbial activity is low, add a small amount of mature compost or a commercial compost starter (e.g., a preparation containing lactic acid bacteria) to speed up decomposition.
Expected results: After adjustment, leaf litter compost usually begins to decompose (temperature rises, volume decreases) within 2-4 weeks and can be fully mature in 6-12 months.
What to Do if There Is an Odor When Composting Garbage Bags?
Compostable garbage bags (such as BPI-certified or OK Compost-certified bags) do not produce odors themselves, but odors during composting are usually caused by the following reasons:
Anaerobic decomposition: Insufficient oxygen causes anaerobic bacteria to produce hydrogen sulfide or ammonia, which smells like rotten eggs or pungent odors.
Too much nitrogen source: Too much kitchen waste (such as meat and dairy products) releases ammonia.
Too much water: Wet compost is easy to rot and produce a foul odor.
Improper use of garbage bags: If garbage bags are overfilled or not transferred to the compost pile in time, the contents may rot.
Solution:
Increase oxygen: Turn the pile 1-2 times a week to ensure ventilation inside the compost.
If using a compost bin, check whether the vents are blocked, or insert a perforated PVC pipe in the compost pile to increase air circulation.
Balance the carbon-nitrogen ratio: Odors are often caused by too much nitrogen source (such as kitchen waste). Add carbon source (such as dry fallen leaves, sawdust, shredded cardboard) in a ratio of about 3:1 (carbon: nitrogen).
Avoid adding high-protein waste (such as meat, fish, cheese), or add a small amount and cover the carbon source immediately.
Control moisture: Check the humidity. If it is too wet (grab a handful of compost dripping water), add dry carbon source (such as fallen leaves) to absorb water.
In rainy areas, protect the compost pile with compostable garbage bags or other coverings to prevent excessive moisture.
Use compostable garbage bags correctly:
Use compostable garbage bags certified by BPI or EN 13432 (such as Orizon brand) to ensure that they can be fully decomposed.
Leave 1/3 of the space when filling the garbage bag, tie the bag tightly to reduce air entry and prevent internal rot.
Transfer the garbage bag to the compost pile every 2-3 days, tear it open or punch holes and mix it into the compost to avoid anaerobic fermentation in the bag.
Cover up the odor:
Sprinkle a layer of dry fallen leaves, soil or sawdust on the surface of the compost to temporarily absorb the odor.
If the odor is severe, sprinkle a small amount of quicklime or charcoal (about 100 grams per cubic meter of compost) to neutralize the odor.
Correct Way to Punch Holes in Garbage Bags for Composting
Choose the right trash bag:
Make sure you use certified compostable trash bags (such as BPI, OK Compost or EN 13432 certified), avoid ordinary plastic bags or bags that are simply labeled “degradable”.
Orizon’s 13-gallon compostable trash bag is suitable for home composting.
Fill the trash bag: Put in an appropriate amount of organic waste (such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, grass clippings), avoid high-protein waste such as meat and grease.
Fill to 2/3 of the capacity, leaving space for punching and mixing when turning the pile.
Tie the bag tightly to prevent leakage during transportation.
Punching method:
Tools: Use scissors, knives or a special puncher (such as a garden fork).
Hole size and number: Punch 10-15 holes with a diameter of about 1-2 cm per square meter of the bag surface, evenly distributed.
Tips: Punch holes on the sides and bottom of the bag to ensure that oxygen and microorganisms in the compost pile can enter.
Note: Too large holes may cause the contents to spill, and too small holes will not ventilate enough.
Add to compost pile:
Bury the perforated trash bag in the compost pile, about 20-30 cm from the surface, to avoid exposure to air and drying.
Mix carbon sources (such as leaf litter) and nitrogen sources (such as food waste) around it, keeping the carbon-nitrogen ratio at about 30:1.
If using a compost bin, tear the bag open or punch more holes before mixing in compost material.
Turn the pile regularly:
Turn the pile every 1-2 weeks to check the decomposition of the trash bag. Certified compostable trash bags usually decompose in 90-180 days in industrial composting, and may take 6-12 months in home composting.
If the bag decomposes slowly, turn the pile more often or add mature compost to replenish microorganisms.
Monitor composting conditions:
Keep the compost at 50-60°C (measured with a compost thermometer) and as wet as a wrung-out sponge.
If the compost pile is too dry, sprinkle water; if it is too wet, add dry leaf litter.
Notes:
Check whether local composting facilities accept compostable trash bags; some facilities may require the bags to be removed.
Avoid exposing perforated trash bags directly to sunlight; ultraviolet rays may slow decomposition.
If the compost pile is small (less than 1 cubic meter), tear open the trash bags first and mix directly to speed up decomposition.
How to keep your garbage bag compost warm in winter
Low temperatures in winter (below 15°C) slow microbial activity, causing the compostable garbage bags and their contents to decompose slowly. Here are some insulation tips for home or small composting systems to ensure composting continues
Methods:
Choose the right size of compost pile:
The compost pile should be at least 1 cubic meter (1m x 1m x 1m) to generate and retain enough heat.
For small compost piles, use a compost bucket with a lid (e.g. 50-100 liters) to keep it warm.
Add nitrogen sources to raise the temperature:
Add high-nitrogen materials (e.g. kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, fresh grass clippings) in a ratio of 1:2 (nitrogen:carbon) to stimulate microbial activity and generate heat.
Cover with insulating materials:
Cover the surface of the compost pile with compostable garbage bags (torn and laid flat), hay, fallen leaves or tarpaulin, about 10-20 cm thick to prevent heat loss.
If using compostable bags (such as Orizon’s certified bags), make sure they are perforated or ripped for breathability.
Use wooden planks, straw bales or foam boards around the area to reduce wind chill.
Indoor or semi-indoor composting:
If the temperature outside is below 0°C, move small compost bins to a garage, shed or balcony to avoid freezing. Ensure good ventilation to prevent odor accumulation.
Add insulation:
Add dry leaves or sawdust to the inside of the compost pile as a “filler layer” and cover it with a layer each time you add a new bag to keep the inside warm.
If the compost pile is wet, add a water-absorbing carbon source (such as shredded cardboard) to prevent freezing.
Turn the pile regularly but less often:
Turn the pile every 2-3 weeks and check the internal temperature (ideally 30-50°C).
Avoid completely exposing the compost when turning it, and keep the cover to retain heat.
Tips for using compostable bags:
Put food scraps in compostable bags (such as Orizon’s 13-gallon bags) and store indoors for no more than 2 days to prevent freezing or stinking.
When transferring to the compost pile, punch holes or tear open the bag and bury in the center of the pile (where the temperature is highest).
If the compost pile is cool, add a small amount of hot water (about 40°C) to the center to stimulate microbial activity.
Supplemental heating (optional):
If your budget allows, use a compost heating mat (commercially available, about $50-100) or place the compost pile in a greenhouse.
Natural method: Place the compost pile near the south side of the house to absorb sunlight heat.
Notes:
Composting in winter may only decompose at 1/3 the rate of summer, so be patient.
Avoid adding too much wet waste (such as soup) to prevent the compost from freezing.
Check whether the garbage bag is certified compostable (such as BPI or EN 13432) to ensure that it can still decompose at low temperatures.
How Long Does It Take for Leaves to Compost
| Method | Timeframe  | Speed-Up Tips  |
|---|---|---|
| Piled alone (cold) | 1–2 years | Shred leaves, keep moist |
| Mixed with greens | 6–12 months | 3:1 ratio (leaves:food waste) + turn monthly |
| Leaf mold (just leaves, moist) | 1–2 years | Store in bags/containers with occasional aeration |
| Bokashi/branched composting | 2–4 months | Ferment with EM before burying |
FAQ
Can I use a transparent garbage bag?
Not recommended! Black absorbs more heat and decomposes faster, while transparent bags are prone to moss growth.
Can I compost leaves in winter?
Yes, but the speed is very slow. It is recommended to put it on the balcony in the sun or wrap it in an old blanket for insulation.
What things should not be put into the leaf compost?
Meat, grease, pet feces (easy to stink and attract insects)
Are Leaves Good Compost
Yes! Fallen leaves are a fantastic source of carbon (“browns”) for compost, improving soil structure, moisture retention, and microbial activity.
