What items can be composted?
I'll answer
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.20
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.
40more
40more
Isabella Parker
Studied at the University of Buenos Aires, Lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
As an expert in the field of composting, I'd like to share some insights on what can be composted. Composting is an excellent way to recycle organic waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Here's a comprehensive list of items that can be composted, categorized into green materials and brown materials, which are the two main components of compost.
Green Materials (High in Nitrogen):
1. Fruit and vegetable scraps (G): These are the most common green materials used in composting. They decompose quickly and provide a good source of nitrogen for the compost pile.
2. Egg shells (crushed) (B): While technically a brown material, crushed eggshells can be used in compost as they are rich in calcium and help to balance the pH of the compost.
3. Coffee grounds (G): Coffee grounds are another excellent source of nitrogen. They can be added directly to the compost pile or used as a top dressing for potted plants.
4. Coffee filters (B): These can be composted as they are made from paper, which is a brown material.
5. **Tea bags (Make sure they are made of natural materials like hemp or cotton, and not rayon or other synthetics.) (B):** Tea bags made from natural fibers can be composted. However, it's important to ensure they don't contain any plastic or synthetic materials.
6. Loose leaf tea (G): Similar to tea bags, loose leaf tea can be composted as long as it's made from natural materials.
7. **Spoiled soy/rice/almond/coconut milk (G):** These liquid plant-based milks can be composted, but it's best to avoid adding too much at once to prevent the compost from becoming too wet.
8.
Used paper napkins and paper towels (B): These can be composted, but it's better to use them sparingly as they can take a long time to break down.
Brown Materials (High in Carbon):
1. Leaves: Fallen leaves are a classic brown material for composting. They provide a good source of carbon and help to balance the nitrogen-rich green materials.
2. Garden waste: This includes plant trimmings, dead flowers, and other yard waste. These materials break down slowly and add bulk to the compost pile.
3. Wood chips and sawdust: These are excellent for adding structure and aeration to the compost pile, but it's best to avoid using treated or painted wood.
4. Paper and cardboard: Shredded paper and cardboard can be added to the compost pile. Avoid using materials with glossy or colored inks.
5. Small branches and twigs: These can be composted, but it's important to chop them into smaller pieces to speed up the decomposition process.
6. Straw and hay: These are great for adding bulk and carbon to the compost pile, but they should be chopped or torn into smaller pieces.
7.
Certified compostable food waste bags: These bags are designed to break down in the compost and can be added along with the food waste inside.
8.
Manure: Animal manure, such as from cows, horses, or chickens, can be composted. It's a rich source of nutrients but should be aged before use to avoid burning plants.
Items to Avoid:
1. Meat, dairy, and fish products: These can attract pests and diseases and are best avoided in composting.
2. Pet waste: This can also attract pests and is not recommended for composting.
3. Diseased plants: If a plant is diseased, it's best to dispose of it properly rather than composting it.
4. Plastic and synthetic materials: These do not decompose and can contaminate the compost.
5. **Oil-soaked pizza boxes or greasy food containers:** These can introduce unwanted substances into the compost.
6. **Diseased plants or plants with invasive species:** These can spread disease or invasive species if composted.
Remember, the key to successful composting is to maintain a good balance between green and brown materials and to turn the compost pile regularly to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process. By following these guidelines, you can create a rich, dark compost that will greatly benefit your garden.
Green Materials (High in Nitrogen):
1. Fruit and vegetable scraps (G): These are the most common green materials used in composting. They decompose quickly and provide a good source of nitrogen for the compost pile.
2. Egg shells (crushed) (B): While technically a brown material, crushed eggshells can be used in compost as they are rich in calcium and help to balance the pH of the compost.
3. Coffee grounds (G): Coffee grounds are another excellent source of nitrogen. They can be added directly to the compost pile or used as a top dressing for potted plants.
4. Coffee filters (B): These can be composted as they are made from paper, which is a brown material.
5. **Tea bags (Make sure they are made of natural materials like hemp or cotton, and not rayon or other synthetics.) (B):** Tea bags made from natural fibers can be composted. However, it's important to ensure they don't contain any plastic or synthetic materials.
6. Loose leaf tea (G): Similar to tea bags, loose leaf tea can be composted as long as it's made from natural materials.
7. **Spoiled soy/rice/almond/coconut milk (G):** These liquid plant-based milks can be composted, but it's best to avoid adding too much at once to prevent the compost from becoming too wet.
8.
Used paper napkins and paper towels (B): These can be composted, but it's better to use them sparingly as they can take a long time to break down.
Brown Materials (High in Carbon):
1. Leaves: Fallen leaves are a classic brown material for composting. They provide a good source of carbon and help to balance the nitrogen-rich green materials.
2. Garden waste: This includes plant trimmings, dead flowers, and other yard waste. These materials break down slowly and add bulk to the compost pile.
3. Wood chips and sawdust: These are excellent for adding structure and aeration to the compost pile, but it's best to avoid using treated or painted wood.
4. Paper and cardboard: Shredded paper and cardboard can be added to the compost pile. Avoid using materials with glossy or colored inks.
5. Small branches and twigs: These can be composted, but it's important to chop them into smaller pieces to speed up the decomposition process.
6. Straw and hay: These are great for adding bulk and carbon to the compost pile, but they should be chopped or torn into smaller pieces.
7.
Certified compostable food waste bags: These bags are designed to break down in the compost and can be added along with the food waste inside.
8.
Manure: Animal manure, such as from cows, horses, or chickens, can be composted. It's a rich source of nutrients but should be aged before use to avoid burning plants.
Items to Avoid:
1. Meat, dairy, and fish products: These can attract pests and diseases and are best avoided in composting.
2. Pet waste: This can also attract pests and is not recommended for composting.
3. Diseased plants: If a plant is diseased, it's best to dispose of it properly rather than composting it.
4. Plastic and synthetic materials: These do not decompose and can contaminate the compost.
5. **Oil-soaked pizza boxes or greasy food containers:** These can introduce unwanted substances into the compost.
6. **Diseased plants or plants with invasive species:** These can spread disease or invasive species if composted.
Remember, the key to successful composting is to maintain a good balance between green and brown materials and to turn the compost pile regularly to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process. By following these guidelines, you can create a rich, dark compost that will greatly benefit your garden.
2024-05-17 16:45:40
reply(1)
Helpful(1122)
Helpful
Helpful(2)
Studied at the University of Sydney, Lives in Sydney.
100 Things You Can CompostFruit and vegetable scraps (G)Egg shells (crushed) (B)Coffee grounds (G)Coffee filters (B)Tea bags (Make sure they are made of natural materials like hemp or cotton, and not rayon or other synthetics. ... Loose leaf tea (G)Spoiled soy/rice/almond/coconut milk (G)Used paper napkins and paper towels (B)More items...
2023-06-11 14:09:06
Felix Turner
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
100 Things You Can CompostFruit and vegetable scraps (G)Egg shells (crushed) (B)Coffee grounds (G)Coffee filters (B)Tea bags (Make sure they are made of natural materials like hemp or cotton, and not rayon or other synthetics. ... Loose leaf tea (G)Spoiled soy/rice/almond/coconut milk (G)Used paper napkins and paper towels (B)More items...
