Hot Compost Pile Maturity Assessment Checklist
Physical Assessment
Pile has reduced in size
Original ingredients are no longer recognizable
Material is crumbly and loose
Moisture is similar to wrung-out sponge
Temperature
Pile has cooled to ambient temperature
Color & Smell
Color is deep brown or black
Smells earthy, not sour or rotten
Time
At least 6–12 weeks of composting completed
Other
No heat remains on turning
Stable: No re-heating after turning