Do Compost / Don’t Compost

What to include in your compost bin can be almost as important as whether or not to compost in the first place. For compost to be of the best quality for your plants, it must be made from the best components. In this guide, we’ll provide an In List and an Out List to make choosing what to include very easy.

The In List:

These items are excellent for starting your compost pile in a homemade bin or purchased composter. To ensure proper composting, add water and put the bin where direct sun can get to it for at least 4-6 hours per day – the more the better. And work your compost for the quickest, best results!

Dead leaves Grass clippings

House plants Hay or straw

Shredded paper Tea bags

Wool scraps Wood chips or saw dust

Cardboard rolls Egg shells

Coffee grounds Hair of fur

Nut shells Cotton (100%) rags

Animal manure Fireplace or Fire pit ashes

Fruits and vegetables, or their scraps

The Out List:

These items should NEVER enter your compost bin. When it’s not obvious why, we’ll add a brief reason.

Diseased or insect-infested plant matter.

Black Walnuts or Black Walnut trimmings. They contain juglone which is harmful to other plants.

Yard waste that has been treated with pesticides. The pesticide might kill helpful microorganisms.

Coal or charcoal ash. It releases harmful toxins.

Fats, grease or lard. Hinder composting and attracts unwanted rodents.

Invasive weeds. The seeds or spores may not break down, and will cause havoc.

Glossy or colored paper: Glossy won’t break down readily, and colored may contain toxic inks.
There is no strong agreement about adding dairy and meat to the compost bin. Generally speaking, if you have a very hot compost bin, it may be okay. Heat is essential to the quick break down of these substances. If you have a slower-going bin or pile, leave them out. Adding them will cause odors and will attract unwanted rodents and insects.