Mastering Composting: What You Can and Can’t Compost

Hands holding food waste

(Composting for Beginners Part 3)

Composting is a fantastic way to recycle organic waste, reduce landfill emissions, and create rich, nutrient-dense soil for your garden. But as you dive into composting, you might wonder: What can I compost? What should I leave out? Here’s a quick guide to help you find the balance.

Safe to Compost

Add these items to your compost pile with confidence:

  • Veggie & fruit scraps
  • Leaves & plant material
  • Eggshells (a great source of calcium!)
  • Shredded paper
  • Grass clippings
  • Hay & straw
  • Bread & grains
  • Tea bags (without staples)

Not Safe to Compost

Keep these out of your compost:

  • Meat & bones
  • Diseased plants
  • Fats & oils
  • Pet waste
  • Medication
  • Coal & coal ash
  • Plastic or glass
  • Glossy or coated paper

Maintain the Balance

Even when using safe compost ingredients, it’s vital to maintain the right balance between greens (nitrogen-rich) and browns (carbon-rich) for a healthy, productive compost pile. Need help? Check out Let’s Go Compost for their in-depth troubleshooting guide and expert tips for managing odors and achieving compost perfection.

🌳 Happy Composting!

With a better understanding of what you can and can’t compost, you’re well on your way to reducing waste and enriching your garden. Stay tuned for downloadable guides that will soon be available to help you compost like a pro.

About Waste Free Society: Waste Free Society is on a mission to make sustainable living accessible to everyone. Through our Waste Free Certification program, we offer compost pickup services for businesses ready to go green. Our Waste Free Academy hosts hands-on workshops in composting, gardening, art, and sustainability for kids and adults. Join us at our Second Saturday Market for community compost drop-off, thrifting, and more ways to live waste free.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for tips, tools, and ways to take action.

#WasteFreeSociety #SustainableCommunity #EcoEquity

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