May 25, 2020
Question:
What items can I safely put in my compost bin?
Answer:
This is a list of items that the average backyard composter can feel comfortable adding to their compost bin. We will address materials for the adventurous or more experienced composter in a future blog post.
COMPOST THESE:
- Raw vegetable and fruit waste*
- Cooked foods, ex) plate scrapings*
- Moldy foods from the back of the fridge*
- Wine, beer, and liquor*
- Liquid from canned fruits and vegetables*
- Old herbs and spices
- Coffee grounds, paper coffee filters, tea leaves, and paper teabags (some are made from plastic mesh; if you can rip it open easily, it’s made from paper)
- Hair and nail clippings
- Feathers and fur from pets
- Old ropes and cloth made of natural fibers such as wool, cotton, and hemp
- Cotton balls and swabs made from 100 percent cotton and paper (for swab sticks)
- Natural corks from wine bottles (many are made from plastic, so check carefully)
- Unwanted potting soil
- Leaves, trigs, and plant cuttings
- Straw (animal bedding)
- Wood matches, toothpicks, and bamboo skewers
- Shredded plain paper (think: bills and credit card statements; it’s okay if it’s written or printed on since pencil leads and pen/printer inks are biodegradeable)
- Cardboard and newspaper
- Used paper towels, napkins, and tissues, not used to clean up toxic chemicals
- Dry pet food
- Nuts and their shells (excluding black walnut)
- Algae, seaweed, and kelp
- White glue (such as Elmer’s), papier-mâché and masking tape
- Plant-based cellophane (not plastic wrap)
- Natural loofahs and sea sponges
- Silk-based dental floss
- Dryer lint
*Materials with an asterisk may attract pests. You can deter pests by covering these materials with a thick layer of browns or burying at the center of your pile.
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