[Charl89]

i was unsure where to put this thread, so sorry if it is in the wrong place.

i got my allotment last year and built a compost bin out of pallets, however it didnt really rot down well. now i am having issueing with over flowing and dont know where to start in getting to the bottom tohope i find some that has rotted down enough. i havent got enough room to add another so some help would be fab!

[lmpd]

Depending on what you have in it, you could dig a bean trench and stick a load of it in there. If you've got plenty veg peelings and the like from the kitchen - you're on to a winner!!!

[Yorkie]

You will have to fork the compost from the top onto a separate pile temporarily, remove the stuff at the bottom which is composted, and then replace the existing uncomposted stuff into the bin.

Good practice says you should turn the compost a couple of times a year anyway, to speed up decomposition (not that I ever follow good practice with my dalek bin, you understand ... !)

What time in the year did you start putting the stuff into it to rot down?  If later in the year, I'm not surprised that it isn't yet done - decomposition slows right down in the cold.

It might be worth insulating the edges with carpet (about the only still acceptable use for carpet on a lotty) or cardboard if the stuff was in from quite early on in the season but still didn't rot down quickly.

[Charl89]

i think i built it about may june last year but as the previous tenant didnt look after the allotment a hell of alot of weeds came out and onto the compost bin. i have carpet over the top to stop it getting soaked when it rains. sounds like i might need to drag the other half down to help me heave it all off lol.

[Plot74]

I did the same last year after taking over a plot in July
I put all the weeds in a pile took out as many dock roots I could find along with the couch grass roots and burnt them. I turned it all over in October and coverd with black plastic sheeting.
Just last week I turned it again mostly now like a fine soil 
took another barrel full of roots I missed the first time around out . I intend to turn it again in a month or so should be ready for the plot for next spring hoping that not to many seeds survive under the black plastic sheeting.
Unlike yourself I have a second heap on the go with no weeds added this is breaking down very nicely at the moment. Good luck john

[splash101]

I have a couple on the go as i compost the chicken poop and their bedding (woodshavings etc.)
I cover it with and black plastic (a couple of old compost bags cut open) and weigh it down with a couple of bricks.
Once the weather warms up it reduces fairly quickly.
You maybe able to get one of the black plastic ones from your local council at a reduced rate and they dont take up a lot of space.

[compostqueen]

I have a pallet bin and loads of daleks. The dalek stuff rots down faster than the pallet bin but that's useful for the big, thuggish stuff. I have tried to line it with black plastic and cardboard and it's covered.  I take off the cover periodically and prod it with a long pole, stir it up and water it, then put the cover back on. It will all rot down eventually but you have to give it time. Comfrey leaves and/or fresh grass mowings will speed things up and I apply these when the sun is out to kick start the decomposition. In cold weather not much happens. Site your bin in full sun if possible