How to Compost Old Bales
- 1). Clear a location in your yard. Compost in an area that you are not using and one you are not planning to use in the next year.
- 2). Take six hay bales and create a box. Use the remaining three hay bales to add a second layer to the back of the square. Stagger the joints on the hay bales on the second layer. You will load your composting materials into the front where there is only one bale of height.
- 3). Place a layer of dead leaves, shredded paper, or straw on the base. Insert the PVC pipe into the pile by placing one end at the bottom of one corner in the back and the other end out the front so it is over the top and sticking out of the top of the front bales.
- 4). Add a layer of compostable material and then another layer of hay, shredded paper or straw. Keep layering until the bin is overflowing, because this material will decompose and be about half the size. Add water between each layer of materials.
- 5). Add a thick layer of hay or straw to the top of your pile and water it down again.
- 6). Remove the PVC pipe when the pile begins to collapse. This should take a few days.
- 7). Turn the pile every few days as the outside of the pile cools down. Remove the baling wire from the hay bales and turn it with your pile. You will notice the hay will begin to decompose also. Turn the pile five times, and then let the pile sit for two to three months.
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