What Kind Of Materials Can Be Composted?

Understanding The Basics Of Composting

Benefits Of Composting

• Reduces waste: Composting diverts organic waste from landfills, where it would otherwise contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. By composting, you can play an active role in reducing your carbon footprint.
• Improves soil health: Compost is nutrient-rich and enhances soil fertility. It provides essential nutrients, improves soil structure, promotes water retention, and encourages beneficial microorganisms and earthworm activity. Ultimately, this leads to healthier plants and better garden yields.
• Saves money on fertilizer: Compost acts as a natural fertilizer, eliminating the need for synthetic alternatives. By composting, you can save money on store-bought fertilizers while still providing your plants with the nutrients they need.
• Minimizes chemical use: Compost helps to create healthier and more balanced ecosystems. By using compost, you can reduce your reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, minimizing potential harm to the environment and beneficial insects.

How Composting Works

• Feedstock: Start by gathering organic materials such as fruit peels, coffee grounds, leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable scraps. These items will serve as the “ingredients” for your compost.
• Mixing: Combine the organic materials in a compost bin or pile, ensuring a good mix of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. This balance is crucial for proper decomposition and preventing odors.
• Moisture and aeration: Compost requires the right amount of moisture and air to break down effectively. Aim for a moisture level similar to a damp sponge and regularly turn or aerate the pile to provide oxygen to the microorganisms involved in decomposition.
• Decomposition: Over time, microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and insects break down the organic materials, transforming them into compost. This process can take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on various factors.
• Maturation: Once the compost appears dark, crumbly, and earthy, it is considered mature and ready to use. You can use the compost to improve garden soil, nourish potted plants, or as a top dressing for your lawns.

Key Factors For Successful Composting

• Balanced ingredients: Maintain a proper balance of green and brown materials to achieve the right carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. This balance encourages optimal decomposition and prevents odor issues.
• Adequate moisture and aeration: Regularly monitor and adjust the moisture level in your compost pile. Additionally, turn or aerate the pile regularly to provide the necessary oxygen for decomposition.
• Particle size: Smaller particle sizes break down more easily. Chop or shred larger materials, such as branches or cornstalks, before adding them to the compost pile.
• Temperature control: Composting naturally generates heat, which aids in decomposition. Pay attention to the internal temperature of the compost pile, aiming for a range of 120-160°f (49-71°c).
• Patience and time: Composting is not an instant process. It requires time and patience for the organic matter to break down thoroughly. Regularly monitor and adjust the composting conditions as needed.

Organic Materials That Can Be Composted

Kitchen Scraps

• Fruit and vegetable scraps: Any leftover peels, cores, or seeds from fruits and vegetables can be composted. This includes banana peels, apple cores, carrot tops, and potato peels. However, avoid composting citrus fruits and onions as they can affect the ph balance of the compost.
• Coffee grounds and filters: Don’t throw away your coffee grounds and filters after brewing your morning cup of joe. Coffee grounds are a fantastic nitrogen-rich addition to compost, while the filters will break down over time. Just make sure to remove any plastic or metal components from the filters before composting.
• Eggshells: Crushed eggshells provide calcium to the compost and also help to balance the ph level. Rinse the eggshells before adding them to the compost pile.
• Leftover grains and bread: Stale bread, cooked rice, pasta, and other grains can all be composted. Break them into smaller pieces to speed up the decomposition process.
• Tea bags and leaves: Used tea bags and loose tea leaves can be added to the compost pile. Ensure that the tea bags are made from natural materials, such as paper or silk, so they can decompose fully.
• Nutshells: Walnut shells, pecan shells, and other nutshells can be composted if they are crushed or broken down into smaller pieces.

Yard Waste

• Leaves and grass clippings: Fallen leaves and grass clippings are excellent sources of carbon material for composting. Shred leaves with a lawnmower before adding them to the compost pile to speed up the decomposition process. Mix them with other ingredients to maintain a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.
• Branches and twigs: Small branches and twigs can be composted, but it’s best to chip or shred them first. This helps break down the material faster and prevents the compost pile from becoming too dense.
• Flower trimmings and garden waste: Pruned stems, spent flowers, and other garden waste can be composted as well. Cut them into smaller pieces to facilitate decomposition and avoid large clumps in the pile.
• Weeds: While you may hesitate to add weeds to your compost pile due to their ability to regenerate, most weeds can be composted if handled correctly. Make sure to remove seeds and roots to prevent them from sprouting in your compost or garden.

Leaves And Grass Clippings

• Leaves: Fallen leaves are a fantastic source of carbon, an essential element for balanced composting. Shredding leaves before adding them to the compost pile accelerates the breakdown process by increasing their surface area. Mixing them with other nitrogen-rich materials enhances the composting process further.
• Grass clippings: When mowing your lawn, collect the grass clippings and add them to your compost pile. Grass clippings are nitrogen-rich and help balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in the compost. However, ensure that the grass is free of herbicides or pesticides to avoid contaminating your compost.
• Mixing leaves and grass clippings: Combining leaves and grass clippings in your compost pile is beneficial as it creates an ideal blend of carbon and nitrogen. Aim for a ratio of approximately 3 parts leaves to 1 part grass clippings for optimal results.
• Layering: To ensure consistent decomposition, alternate layers of leaves and grass clippings with other organic materials, such as kitchen scraps or yard waste. This layering technique promotes airflow and prevents the pile from becoming too compact.

Plant-Based Materials Suitable For Composting

Fruit And Vegetable Scraps:

• Banana peels, apple cores, and leftover salad greens can all be composted.
• These scraps are rich in nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, which are essential for plant growth.
• Chop or shred larger scraps to speed up the decomposition process.

Eggshells:

• Eggshells are a valuable addition to compost as they provide calcium to the soil.
• Crush the eggshells before adding them to the compost to help them break down faster.
• Avoid adding cooked eggs or egg products to the compost pile as they can attract pests.

Nutshells:

• Nutshells from peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and other nuts are compostable.
• They add carbon to the compost, balancing the nitrogen-rich materials like fruit and vegetable scraps.
• Consider crushing larger nutshells to hasten decomposition.

Tea Bags:

• Tea bags made from natural fibers like paper or cotton can be composted.
• Remove any tags or staples from the tea bags before adding them to the compost.
• Avoid composting tea bags that contain plastic or nylon mesh, as they may not break down properly.

Paper-Based Materials That Can Be Composted

Cardboard And Paperboard:

• Cardboard and paperboard are excellent materials for composting as they consist of natural fibers that break down easily.
• These materials can be used to create aeration in the compost pile, allowing oxygen to circulate and promote decomposition.
• Make sure to remove any non-compostable items such as tape or plastic from the cardboard before adding it to the compost bin.
• Tear or shred the cardboard into smaller pieces to speed up the breakdown process.
• Cardboard and paperboard can be used as a brown or carbon-rich material in the compost, balancing the nitrogen-rich green materials.

Newspaper And Office Paper:

• Newspaper and office paper are also great additions to the compost pile.
• They provide carbon for the compost and help create a balance with nitrogen-rich materials.
• Shred the newspaper and office paper into smaller pieces to enhance decomposition.
• Avoid using glossy paper or paper coated with chemicals, as they may not break down as easily.
• Check that the ink used on the newspaper or office paper is soy-based, as it is generally considered safe for composting.

Shredded Paper:

• Shredded paper can be an excellent carbon source in composting.
• It provides aeration and helps create air pockets, promoting the breakdown of organic matter.
• Use shredded paper in moderation, as it can mat together and slow down decomposition if added in large quantities.
• Mix shredded paper with nitrogen-rich materials to maintain a balanced compost bin.

Paper Towels And Napkins:

• Used paper towels and napkins can be composted if they are made from natural materials like paper.
• Avoid composting soiled paper towels or napkins that may contain chemicals or non-biodegradable substances.
• Tear them into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.
• By composting paper towels and napkins, you can divert waste from the landfill and turn it into nutrient-rich compost for your plants.

Yard Waste Ideal For Composting

• Prunings and small branches are excellent materials for composting.
• Place prunings and small branches into your compost bin or pile.
• Make sure to break them down into smaller pieces to facilitate the composting process.
• These yard waste materials add essential carbon to the compost and help with aeration.

• Weeds and plant trimmings are another great addition to your compost bin.
• As long as you haven’t used any chemical herbicides, you can safely compost these materials.
• Be sure to break down large weeds and trimmings into smaller pieces to accelerate decomposition.
• The organic matter from weeds and plant trimmings provides important nutrients for your compost.

• Hedge clippings can also be composted.
• Chop them into smaller pieces to aid in the breakdown process.
• Hedge clippings enrich your compost with carbon, contributing to a balanced nutrient content.
• Remember to avoid using clippings from plants treated with pesticides or herbicides.

• Hay and straw are excellent sources of carbon for composting.
• Use them as a brown layer in your compost pile or bin.
• They provide structure and maintain proper moisture levels in the compost.
• Make sure they are free from any chemical treatments, such as herbicides or fungicides.

Miscellaneous Items You Can Compost

Dryer Lint:

• Dryer lint is a great addition to your compost pile as it is made up of natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, that can break down easily.
• Ensure that the lint is free from any synthetic materials or chemicals, as these can be harmful to your compost.

Pet Hair:

• If you have pets, you may find yourself constantly cleaning up hair. Instead of throwing it away, consider adding it to your compost pile.
• Pet hair is rich in nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth, making it a valuable addition to your compost.

Fireplace Ashes:

• Adding fireplace ashes to your compost pile can help balance the ph level of your compost, especially if it is too acidic.
• Wood ashes are a good source of potassium, which is beneficial for your plants’ overall health and growth.

Sawdust And Wood Chips:

• Sawdust and wood chips can be composted, but it’s important to consider the source. Avoid using chemically treated or pressure-treated wood, as these can contain harmful substances.
• Mix sawdust and wood chips with other compostable materials to ensure proper decomposition and to avoid clumping.

Materials To Avoid Composting

Meat And Dairy Products:

• Meat and dairy products should be kept out of your compost pile. They can attract pests like rats and raccoons, leading to a smelly mess rather than a healthy compost.
• These products take longer to break down and can create an imbalance in your compost heap, affecting the decomposition process.

Oily Or Greasy Food Waste:

• Foods that are high in oil or grease, such as fried foods or oily sauces, should not be added to your compost pile.
• The oils and fats can create an anaerobic environment, meaning there is a lack of oxygen, which can slow down the composting process and create unpleasant odors.

Diseased Plants:

• It’s important to remove any plants that show signs of diseases, such as fungal infections or pests, from your compost pile.
• These materials can potentially transfer the diseases or pests to the healthy plants in your garden when you use the compost.

Weed Seeds:

• While composting is great for recycling plant materials, it’s best to avoid adding weed seeds to your compost pile.
• Some weed seeds can survive the composting process, and when you use the finished compost, you may inadvertently introduce more weeds into your garden.

Tips For Successful Composting

Achieving The Right Balance Of Materials:

• A successful compost pile requires a good balance of green and brown materials.
• Green materials include fresh grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds.
• Brown materials, on the other hand, consist of dry leaves, straw, and shredded paper.
• Aim for a ratio of roughly 2 parts green materials to 1 part brown materials for optimal decomposition.
• Avoid adding meat, dairy, and oily foods to your compost pile as they can attract pests and slow down the composting process.

Maintaining Proper Moisture Levels:

• Moisture is crucial for a thriving compost pile.
• Aim for a moisture content of around 50-60%.
• Ensure that your compost pile is moist like a well-squeezed sponge.
• If your pile becomes too dry, simply add some water to moisten it.
• Conversely, if it becomes too wet, add more dry brown materials to absorb the excess moisture.

Turning The Compost Pile:

• Regularly turning your compost pile is essential to speed up decomposition.
• Use a pitchfork or shovel to mix and aerate the materials.
• Turning the pile every week or two will help to distribute moisture, oxygen, and microorganisms more evenly.
• This encourages the breakdown of organic matter and reduces the risk of unpleasant odors.

Troubleshooting Common Composting Issues:

• If your compost pile has a foul smell, it may be too wet or lack sufficient oxygen. Turn the pile and add dry brown materials to correct the issue.
• If your compost pile is slow to decompose, it may need more green materials. Add grass clippings or vegetable scraps to provide a nitrogen boost.
• If you notice pests such as rats or flies, avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to your compost pile. Additionally, make sure your pile is secure and covered to deter pests.
• If your compost pile isn’t heating up, it may lack nitrogen or moisture. Consider adding more green materials or watering the pile to activate the decomposition process.

Composting Techniques For Urban Dwellers

Indoor Composting Methods

• Bokashi composting: This method involves fermenting the organic waste using a special mix of microorganisms and adding it to a sealed container. It can break down a wide range of food scraps, including citrus peels and meat.
• Green bin composting: Many cities provide green bins for food and yard waste collection. This waste is then taken to composting facilities where it is turned into nutrient-rich soil.
• Diy compost bin: You can create your own compost bin using a plastic container with a lid. Layer green and brown materials, such as fruit scraps and paper, and turn the contents every few days to encourage decomposition.

Vermicomposting With Worms

• Worm bins: Vermicomposting involves using worms to break down organic waste. A worm bin can be easily set up indoors using a container, bedding materials like shredded newspaper, and red worms. The worms consume the waste and produce nutrient-rich worm castings, also known as vermicompost.
• Kitchen scraps: Vermicomposting is especially suitable for small quantities of kitchen scraps, such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and tea bags. These scraps can be fed to the worms, and they turn them into nutrient-rich compost.

Community Composting Initiatives

• Community gardens: Many urban areas have community gardens that incorporate composting into their practices. They often have designated compost bins where residents can drop off their organic waste.
• Composting programs: Some cities offer composting programs where residents can participate by collecting and dropping off their food scraps and yard waste at designated locations. These programs aim to divert organic waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Composting In Small Spaces

• Compost tumbler: Compost tumblers are compact and designed for small spaces. They provide a quick and convenient way to compost by allowing you to easily turn and aerate the contents.
• Indoor composting options: There are specialized indoor composting systems available, including electric composters and compact composting units that utilize efficient decomposition methods.
• Balcony or patio composting: If you have access to a balcony or patio, you can create a small compost pile using a compost bin or a stackable composting system. This allows you to compost organic waste while making efficient use of limited space.

Adding Compost To Your Garden

Benefits Of Using Compost

• Improved soil structure: Compost helps to loosen heavy clay soils and improve drainage, while also aiding in water retention for sandy soils.
• Increased nutrient content: Compost is a rich source of nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, that are essential for healthy plant growth.
• Enhanced soil fertility: The organic matter in compost improves soil fertility by supporting the growth of beneficial microorganisms and promoting the decomposition of organic matter.
• Reduced soil erosion: By adding compost to your garden, you can help to prevent soil erosion, as it acts as a protective layer against wind and water erosion.
• Suppresses diseases and pests: Compost contains beneficial microorganisms that can help suppress the growth of harmful pathogens and pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

How To Incorporate Compost Into Soil

• Prepare the area: Clear any weeds or debris from the area where you will be adding compost.
• Add compost: Spread a layer of compost evenly over the soil, aiming for a thickness of 1 to 2 inches.
• Mix into the soil: Use a garden fork or a tiller to mix the compost into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. Ensure that the compost is thoroughly incorporated for optimal distribution.

Best Practices For Using Compost As Mulch

• Layer thickness: Apply a layer of compost mulch that is around 2 to 4 inches thick to ensure sufficient coverage.
• Keep it away from plant stems: Avoid piling the compost mulch around the stems of plants, as it may lead to stem rot or other diseases.
• Replenish regularly: As compost mulch breaks down over time, replenish it with fresh compost to maintain an effective layer of mulch.
• Avoid compacting: Take care not to compact the compost mulch, as this can hinder water infiltration and air circulation in the soil.

Frequently Asked Questions Of What Kind Of Materials Can Be Composted?

What Kind Of Materials Can Be Composted?

Can I Compost Paper And Cardboard?

Is It Okay To Compost Meat And Dairy Products?

Can I Compost Pet Waste?

Are Wood Chips And Sawdust Compostable?

Can I Compost Weeds And Diseased Plants?

Can I Add Coffee Filters And Tea Bags To The Compost?

Should I Compost Citrus Peels?

Can I Include Newspaper In My Compost Pile?

Can I Compost Leaves, Grass Clippings, And Twigs?

Conclusion