QUESTION: Should I drill holes in my compost bin?
ANSWER: Composting is an aerobic operation, meaning air circulation is a necessary component in every compost bin to ensure proper decomposition. Having air in your compost bin is not simply dependent on air holes, however.
In fact, the presence of air in your compost bin is much more dependent on the mix of materials in your bin and the structure of the materials mixed together in your bin than the presence of air holes in the composting container. For this reason, drilling air holes in your compost bin is not necessary as long as the structure allows proper air flow.
By adding crumpled paper, twigs, and cardboard, you ensure that your pile will have ample airflow due to the space in between ingredients within the pile. If the mixture of materials within your pile is too compact, holes in the bin will not be sufficient enough to facilitate proper air flow to the center of the pile where it is needed most. Having lots of holes in your compost bin can also allow air to escape the container, as well as releasing valuable moisture.