What To Compost and What Not to Compost

What to Compost

If you are new to the world of composting and don't know what is OK and what is not to add to your compost- I have a comprehensive reference list here for you. The biggest thing to remember is that if its natural its generally OK, within some guidelines, as these items will all eventually break down. If you are composting to use in your food garden or containers remember that whatever you put in there will end up as part of your food- so avoid any chemicals or chemically treated materials. You may also choose to avoid things like rice, pasta, and bread as they can attract pests. Keep your compost pile layered with lots of brown and green wastes, keep it aerated and moist and it will reward you with rich, healthy soil. Food and Yard wastes make up somewhere between 20 to 30 percent of the garbage we throw out. Using these items in compost instead can keep that large percentage out of the landfills.

Best Compost Bins

Here are our picks among the best compost bins of several types.

Lists of What To Compost and What Not to Compost

What to Compost

Household Waste
egg shells
coffee grounds
bagged and loose tea
nut shells- except walnut
banana peels
fruit and vegetable tops and scraps
soy, rice, or almond milk
chopped avocado pits
stale chips and bread
stale spices and herbs
cooked rice or pasta
dog and cat food
citrus and melon rinds
seeds-chopped so they don't sprout
tobacco waste
popcorn and popcorn kernels
corn husks and cobs
coffee filters
dryer lint
vacuum bag contents
cardboard-shred first
black and white newspaper
clean cat litter
paper towel and toilet paper rolls
trimmings from house plants
Christmas trees/wreaths, remove all plastic, wires, decorations,etc.
grass clippings
horse manure and chicken droppings
dead, dry leaves
fresh leaves
vegetable garden waste
very small twigs
pine cones
wood chips and sawdust-untreated
pine needles
pine straw
garden soil
straw / hay
shrub prunings
garden soil
stale beer (see other uses for beer in the garden)

What not to Compost
meat
bones
fat
dairy
oil
mayonnaise, salad dressing
batteries
diapers
colored paper
pizza boxes
styrofoam
diseased plants
human or animal feces
used personal products
walnuts-toxic to some plants
medical waste
chemically treated wood
lime