[sandygreen]

I went to put some cardboard in my compost bin (oh the benefits of internet shopping!) and noticed that there appears to be a sort of white mould covering the top  but not all over.  I started to move it around a bit with the fork and a fine dust seemed to come up from it so I stopped, not knowing what it was.  I also saw some fruit which had definitely turned mouldy.  I have never had this before but wondered if, as the weather has been quite mild for the time of year, this is what is causing it.  If so, will it just go away and am I ok to turn it over.

Does anybody have any idea of what it would be.  The only things in the compost bin are stuff from the garden, kitchen waste (fruit & veg only) and some paper/cardboard.

[JayG]

It will be just one of 100's of types of moulds and bacteria currently favoured by the materials and conditions in your compost bin.

They're all helping with the job of recycling/composting, and it doesn't really matter whether you turn it or not, although keeping the contents mixed and aerated is good general practice of course.

[richie3846]

I agree with JayG, it's totally normal. I would recommend covering your face with a mask, or a scarf or something when turning it though - mould spores are no good for your health if you breath them in 

[sandygreen]

Thanks very much for this, I have never seen it before so it threw me.  Think I will cover my face though, don't fancy breathing it in!