I get mulch/wood chips delivered in bulk. Ten yards at a time, and yes it does stink because it is still composting in that big pile they are getting it from. I live four miles from a site that makes bagged mulch for the big box stores. If the wind is blowing in the right/wrong direction, the smell will bowl you over. I would suggest using pea gravel in the beds of your apartment complex. No fires, and very little addition each and every year,if any.