"Chunks" are not uncommon. Especially if you don't mix thoroughly every time you add stuff or turn the pile regularly, and by regularly I mean at least once a week.

This is especially common in cold composting. If you throw stuff in and don't mix well every time, then stuff will clump together. Sifting is the best way to separate out the uncomposted material. I run my finished compost through a chipper shredder to break up everything into very fine compost. I'm guessing that you don't have one of those.

If you don't, it's ok, to use the stuff if you haven't added anything since 2003. Just bury it at the bottom of your garden soil. If you've been adding stuff continually since 2003, then it depends on what you've been adding. If you've just been adding vegetative matter, then it's fine to use. If you've added any manure recently, you probably want to let the stuff on the top of the pile age a month or two. The stuff on the bottom is probably fine. Don't worry about the clumps.

Good luck.

* * * *
Composting is more than good for your garden. It's a way of life.

Karen,
Here's a picture of some of mine...
When I first dump it into my sifter...

And then I sift it...
for it to be finer to use in my seed starting mix.


* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

Heyyyyy, you sound just like me...
I have a tarp over mine, but it has a few holes
in it... and mine's not soup, but it's very close..

Well, it will dry out, once the ole sunshine hits it..
I'll just get the other wheelbarrow out and start sifting for the potting soil mixture I make....

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/