Composting decoded: The ultimate guide to understanding what can & cannot be composted
Composting is not only a fantastic way to reduce waste but also a rewarding process that yields nutrient-rich compost for your garden. To ensure successful composting and reduce the confusion on what can and cannot be composted, let's dive into the types of materials you can use and those to avoid in your compost pile.
For a step-by-step guide on how to get started, check out our blog, From scraps to soil: How to compost at home in 8 simple steps.
Green materials
Green materials are rich in nitrogen and provide essential nutrients for the composting process. Collect these kitchen and garden scraps to kick-start your compost pile:
Fruit and vegetable scraps (peels, cores, rinds, seeds)
Coffee grounds and compostable filters
Tea bags
Fresh grass clippings (not chemically treated)
Green leaves and plant trimmings
Seaweed and algae (rinse off excess salt)
Plant-based kitchen scraps (lettuce leaves, carrot tops, cucumber ends)
Egg shells
Hair (human and pet)
Nail clippings
Dust (what is collected from floors is typically organic matter from bodies or soil tracked into the home)
Spices, including salt, sugar and pepper
Jelled or powder gelatin
Brown materials
Brown materials are high in carbon, offering the necessary structure for your compost pile and helping maintain proper aeration. Gather these materials to balance out the nitrogen-rich greens:
Dry leaves (crushed or shredded)
Straw and hay
Peat moss
Untreated wood chips, small twigs, and sawdust
Paper, newspaper, and brown bags (avoid colored inks and glossy paper)
Cardboard (shredded or torn into small pieces, no wax coating, tape or glue)
Corn stalks and husks
Cotton swabs (no plastic)
Tissues
Dry, dead plants and flowers
Pine needles (in moderation)
Pencil shavings
Ashes from burnt natural wood
Dryer lint
Natural fibers (silk, leather, cotton, wool, wool felt, linen)
Eco-friendly packaging (cornstarch- and wheat-based Styrofoam)
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Items to avoid
Certain items can disrupt the composting process, attract pests, or introduce harmful substances. Keep the following out of your compost bin:
Meat, fish, bones, cheese and dairy products (attract pests and create odors)
Fats, oils and greases (do not break down well)
Produce stickers
Diseased or insect-infested plants (to avoid spreading diseases)
Pet waste (may contain harmful pathogens)
Coal or charcoal ash (contains substances harmful to plants)
Glossy or colored paper (slower to break down due to chemical coatings)
Synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and treated wood (can harm beneficial organisms)
Weeds with mature seeds (they may survive composting and spread)
Large branches (take a long time to decompose)
Treated or painted wood
Compostable food service ware and compostable bags (home composters do not reach high enough temperatures to fully decompose these items)
Cooked food (small amounts are fine)
Herbicide treated plants
Involve kids!
Composting is a fantastic, hands-on way to teach kids about the impact we have on our planet with the amount of waste we generate. Involve kids in the process of setting aside waste to be composted, shredding paper and cardboard, and mixing it all in the bin, tumbler or pile. Also use the opportunity to educate them about decomposition and the role various critters and organisms play in the process of breaking down waste.
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Composting at home is an enriching experience for both you and the environment. Remember, a good mix of greens and browns (start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust as needed) ensures a balanced compost pile, leading to faster decomposition and nutrient-rich compost that your plants will love.
📌 Pin for later and check out these other composting tips and ways to reduce waste:
