What Can and Cannot Go in Compost
One of the easiest ways to keep a compost pile healthy is to know what belongs in it.
Good Compost Materials
Kitchen Scraps
Add:
- Fruit scraps
- Vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds
- Coffee filters
- Tea leaves
- Crushed eggshells
Yard Materials
Add:
- Dry leaves
- Grass clippings
- Small plant trimmings
- Spent annuals
- Straw
- Small amounts of untreated sawdust
Paper Products
Add in moderation:
- Shredded plain cardboard
- Uncoated paper
- Paper towels without harsh chemicals
Remove tape, plastic, and glossy coatings.
Materials to Avoid
Do not add:
- Meat
- Fish
- Bones
- Dairy products
- Grease
- Large amounts of oil
- Pet waste from cats or dogs
- Diseased plants with persistent pathogens
- Weeds loaded with mature seed
- Treated lumber scraps
Why Avoid Meat and Dairy?
They can:
- Smell
- Attract animals
- Break down poorly in small home piles
What About Citrus?
Citrus scraps are fine in normal quantities.
Do not worry about a few orange peels.
What About Onion and Garlic Scraps?
Also fine.
What About Grass Clippings?
Yes, but mix them with browns.
A thick layer of wet grass can become slimy and anaerobic.
GardenGrowz Tip
When in doubt, ask:
Will this material break down safely without attracting pests or introducing contaminants?