Leachate can be difficult to manage because, as the water evaporates, sludge forms, which should be removed periodically. It can clog screens, grates, and filters in some composters; block outlet holes and openings, drain hoses, and pipes; and harden on internal mixing equipment — causing maintenance headaches over time.

Some composters have fittings that can be connected to drain pipes. A marine bilge pump can be used to manually pump out the leachate from most composters.