To collect compost from a bin, look for dark brown, crumbly material that smells earthy, and then scoop it out from the bottom.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Assess Readiness: The compost is ready when it appears dark brown and crumbly, with an earthy smell. It's normal to see some lumps, twigs, and bits of eggshells. If the compost is still recognizable as the original materials, it needs more time.
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Access the Compost: Most compost bins have a hatch or opening at the bottom for easy compost retrieval. If your bin doesn't have a hatch, you may need to lift the entire bin slightly to access the finished compost underneath.
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Gather Your Tools: Use a garden fork, spade, or trowel to scoop out the compost.
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Collect the Compost: Begin scooping the finished compost from the bottom of the bin. This is typically where the most decomposed material will be.
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Separate Unfinished Compost (Optional): If you encounter partially decomposed material while scooping, you can return it to the top of the bin for further composting. Sifting the compost can also help remove larger, undecomposed items.
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Store or Use the Compost: Once collected, you can use the compost immediately in your garden or store it in a dry location for later use.
