Composting in Winter – What Should You Keep in Mind?

Composting in Winter

Composting slows down significantly in the winter. When it freezes, microorganisms are only partially active, but the process does not come to a complete halt.
The compost “hibernates,” so to speak, and resumes its activity as soon as temperatures rise again.

Compost worms adapt as well:
They retreat and survive the cold season inside cocoons. In the spring, new worms hatch from these cocoons and actively support the composting process once again.

Important to know

Even though composting slows down in the winter, the process remains stable. Organic material continues to decompose, just at a slower pace.

Continue filling in winter

You can continue to add waste to the composter even in winter. Kitchen scraps are stored temporarily in the compost and will be broken down more actively once temperatures rise.

It is important not to add only very wet material. Paper, paper bags, dry leaves, or cardboard help absorb moisture and maintain structure.

What happens when it freezes

When temperatures drop well below freezing, the outer layer may freeze. This does not cause any damage and is not a sign of poor-quality compost. The biological process simply slows down and will resume on its own when temperatures rise.

Why does this work SUPERCOMP well in SUPERCOMP ?

Thanks to the SUPERCOMP design, the compost SUPERCOMP active even in cooler temperatures. Vertical aeration ensures a continuous supply of oxygen—a key requirement for microbial activity.

These microorganisms break down organic material, generating heat in the process. This creates a steady source of heat within the compost, which helps the process continue even when outside temperatures are low.

This keeps the composting process going during the winter.

FAQ

Can compost freeze?

Yes, when temperatures drop well below freezing, the compost may freeze partially. The process then stops temporarily, but resumes automatically as temperatures rise.

Should you keep refilling it in the winter?

Yes, that's no problem at all. The waste is stored temporarily and processed more quickly in the spring.

What happens to compost worms in the winter?

They retreat and survive the cold by forming cocoons. In the spring, new worms hatch and actively contribute to the composting process once again.

What else should be kept in mind during the winter?

Very wet waste should be mixed with dry material. This keeps the compost aerated and maintains stable conditions for decomposition.