As you know, composting happens faster when it is warm. Too-low temperatures will slow down the process. (Some composters are also heated to evaporate leachate.) That means that composters might need to be heated where ambient temperatures are too low for active composting, such as northern USA, Canada, Scandinavia and most of Europe

Because faster composting means faster reduction of the material, heating is a way to increase your composter’s capacity. At the same time, the warmer the process, the more you should monitor moisture, as heat dries material.

To get heat to your composter:

Warning: To be safe, don’t let your heater get wet, if it’s not designed to be wet. Keep it away from flammable materials. Always make sure your heating system is installed in accordance with state and local building codes.

1. Locate the composter in sites that are already warm.

2. Connect the composter to warm air sources.

3. Heat and insulate the composter itself. If your system doesn’t come with a heater, you can buy and install a small heater, such as those used for fish tanks.