What can you compost? A List of 100+ Items
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Making your own compost is not just a sustainable practice but also a rewarding journey toward reducing waste and enriching the soil in your garden or green space.
The earthy aroma of damp leaves, the crunch of turning a compost pile, and the thrill of witnessing kitchen scraps turning into black gold are the magic of composting.
1. Introduction
When you embark on the journey to composting at home, every vegetable scrap, fallen leaf, and eggshell will start to feel like a tiny treasure, not waste, and will join the ever-growing compost pile.
But amidst the excitement, you may have often come across a nagging question:
Am I doing this right? What exactly can I compost?
From questionable pizza crusts to mysterious garden clippings, the world of compostables seems like a vast and uncharted territory, leaving you wondering what goes in a compost bin.
But fear not, fellow green thumbs! In this enlightening exploration, we present a comprehensive list of 100 items that demystify the art of composting—clarifying what can be the backbone of your compost pile and how to turn your organic waste into nutrient-rich black gold for your garden.
So roll up your sleeves and get ready to turn waste into wonder.
2. Basics of Composting
Before we explore the list of items you can use to make your own compost, let’s understand the basics of composting. Composting, at its core, is a natural process that transforms organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner. Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic materials through the activity of microorganisms, turning kitchen and garden waste into a valuable soil amendment.
3. The Process of Composting
Composting is a cyclical process that involves several stages, each playing a crucial role in the decomposition and creation of compost.
● Stage 1 -Collection : Gather a mix of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. This can include kitchen scraps, yard waste, and more.
● Stage 2 - Piling : Layer the materials to optimize the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, which is essential for microbial activity.
● Stage 3 - Decomposition : Microorganisms break down the organic matter, generating heat and causing the pile to decompose.
● Stage 4 - Curing : Allow the compost to cure or mature, ensuring the breakdown process is complete and the compost is stable.
4. What Can You Compost?
This versatile and eco-friendly process allows you to turn a wide array of household and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost. However, amidst the enthusiasm for composting, confusion often arises about what can and cannot be tossed into the compost bin.
Let's unravel this mystery and explore the fascinating world of compostables, discovering the list of items that can seamlessly integrate into your compost pile to nurture a thriving and sustainable garden.
5. Kitchen Items
Here is a list of kitchen items you can add to your compost:
1. Fruit and vegetable scraps and peels - Green
Banana peels, apple cores, and potato peels are rich in nutrients.
2. Citrus peels - Green
3. Eggshells - Brown
4. Coffee grounds - Green
5. Teabags - Brown
6. Loose-leaf tea - Green
7. Stale bread or tortillas - Brown
8. Onion Skins - Brown
9. Legumes - Green
10. Garlic Peels - Brown
11. Potato Peels - Brown
12. Tomato Scraps - Green
13. Avocado Peels - Brown
14. Carrot Tops - Green
15. Corn Cobs - Brown
16. Pineapple Peels - Green
17. Melon Rinds - Green
18. Nutshells - Brown
19. Lettuce Leaves - Green
20. Old herbs and spices - Brown
21. Cooked or uncooked pasta and rice - Green
22. Crushed egg cartons - Brown
23. Coffee filters - Brown
24. Seaweed - Green
25. Spoiled soy/almond/coconut/oat milk - Green
26. Tofu - Green
27. Avocado Pits - Brown
28. Old Seeds - Brown
6. Yard Items
Your backyard is a treasure trove of organic compost material. Here is a list of items from your yard that you can use for composting:
1. Grass Clippings - Green
Grass clippings should be mixed with other compost materials to prevent matting and allow for proper aeration. Avoid adding grass clippings treated with herbicides or pesticides, as they can harm beneficial organisms in the compost pile.
2. Leaves - Brown
3. Twigs - Brown
4. Flowers - Green
5. Pruned Branches - Brown
6. Weeds - Green
7. Dead Plants - Green
8. Excess fertilizer - Green
9. Dead leaves - Brown
7. Bathroom Items
Bathroom items, often overlooked in composting, can make meaningful contributions to your compost pile. Bathroom items that can be tossed into the compost bin include:
1. Hair - Brown
Hair is rich in nitrogen and can be added to the compost pile. It helps to improve aeration and moisture retention.
2. Nail clippings - Green
3. Dryer lint - Brown
4. Tissues and cotton balls - Brown
5. Toothpicks and Wooden Items - Brown
6. Old cotton towel - Brown
8. Household Items
Household items, often considered waste, can find a second life in your compost pile. By incorporating these items into your composting routine, you not only divert them from the landfill but also contribute to the creation of nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Here is a list of items you can add to your compost bin:
1. Cereal boxes - Brown
Empty cereal boxes made of cardboard can be torn up or shredded into smaller pieces and added to the compost bin. They provide a good source of carbon and helps to balance the nitrogen-rich materials in the compost pile.
2. Paper Towels and Napkins - Brown
3. Toilet paper rolls - Brown
4. Newspaper - Brown
5. Wine Cork - Brown
6. Fireplace ashes - Brown
7. Bamboo - Brown
8. Pizza box - Brown
9. Office Items
Embracing composting in the office not only minimizes waste but also fosters a sustainable and eco-friendly workplace environment. Here is a list of office items you can put into your compost bin:
1. Shredded paper - Brown
Dispose of shredded paper to introduce carbon to your compost, repurposing office-related waste. Ensure the paper is free of glossy or colored ink.
2. Office plants and flowers - Green
3. Non-coated paper cups and plates - Brown
4. Pencil shavings - Brown
5. Cardboard (packaging boxes) - Brown
6. Envelopes - Brown
7. Used paper towels - Brown
8. Sticky notes - Brown
9. Used printer paper - Brown
10. Business cards - Brown
11. Paper-based calendars - Brown
10. Animal/Pet Waste
Composting animal and pet waste requires careful consideration due to potential pathogens. Here are some items from this category that can be composted with proper management:
1. Dog and cat fur - Brown
Shed pet fur is an excellent source of nitrogen, contributing to the overall nutrient content of the compost.
2. Pet Bedding - Brown
3. Droppings from herbivorous pets - Green
4. Chicken manure - Green
5. Goat manure - Green
6. Horse manure
7. Cow manure - Green
8. Fish tank water
9. Feathers - Brown
10. Dry dog or cat food - Brown
11. Rabbit droppings and hay
12. Bird cage liner - Brown
13. Reptile bedding (Coconut Coir, Bark) - Brown
14. Aquarium plants - Green
15. Alfalfa hay - Green
11. Miscellaneous Items
Composting extends beyond the typical kitchen, yard, household, and office waste, welcoming a variety of items that might surprise you. Let’s explore the composting potential of miscellaneous items, turning what might be considered 'waste' into valuable contributors for your compost bin:
1. Hair and fur - Brown
Whether from your hairbrush or pet grooming sessions, hair and fur are rich in nitrogen and can be tossed into your compost bin.
2. Cotton fabric scraps - Brown
3. Burlap sack - Brown
4. Old rope and twine - Brown
5. Junk mail - Brown
6. Paper Tablecloths - Brown
7. Christmas Trees - Brown
8. Garlands - Brown
9. Jack-O-Lanterns - Green
10. Seashells
11. Latex Balloons - Brown
12. Paper Cupcake Liners
13. Saw dust - Brown
14. Used Matches - Brown
15. Old Unusable Cotton Bags - Brown
16. Bamboo Skewers - Brown
17. Soil from flowers and houseplants - Brown
18. Cotton tampons and sanitary pads - Brown
19. Biodegradable sponges - Brown
20. Brewery wastes
21. Dust bunnies - Brown
12. Conclusion
Composting is a rewarding and eco-friendly practice that anyone can adopt.
By composting a diverse range of materials, you contribute to healthier soil, reduce waste, and play a role in sustainable living.
As we've explored the extensive list of "What Can You Compost," it becomes evident that our daily waste holds immense potential to nourish the earth rather than burdening landfills.
So, gather your compostable items, nurture your compost pile, and witness the transformation of waste into a valuable resource. Happy composting!
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