Say Goodbye to These Materials in Your Compost

Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste and nourish your garden with nutrient-rich soil. It’s a natural process that involves decomposing organic materials to create a dark, crumbly substance called compost. However, not all materials are suitable for composting, and it’s essential to know what should be kept out of your compost pile. In this article, we will explore some common materials that you should bid farewell to when it comes to composting.

First and foremost, avoid adding any meat, fish, or dairy products to your compost pile. These items can rot quickly, produce foul odors, and attract pests such as rats and flies. Furthermore, they may take longer to decompose and can disturb the balance of your compost. Instead, dispose of them in your regular trash or explore alternative options like home composting or worm composting for kitchen scraps.

Similarly, oily or greasy substances should also stay away from your compost. These substances, such as cooking oils, fats, or oily liquids, can create a barrier in your compost pile, preventing proper airflow and disrupting the decomposition process. The oil or grease can also attract unwanted critters and cause an unpleasant smell. Rather than risking an unhealthy compost, dispose of these materials by pouring them into a sealable container and throwing them in the trash.

While paper and cardboard are often considered compostable, some types should be excluded. Laminated or coated paper, like magazines or paper with a glossy finish, can take a significant amount of time to break down. Additionally, paper products that have been soiled with chemicals or non-compostable substances should also be kept out. These materials can contaminate your compost and hinder decomposition. Remember to recycle any paper that cannot be composted and reserve uncontaminated paper products for your compost pile.

Another item to avoid adding to your compost is treated wood or sawdust from treated wood, as it contains harmful chemicals that can harm plants and soil organisms. Treated wood is often used for outdoor constructions like decks, fences, or furniture and should be recycled or disposed of responsibly instead of being composted. Instead, opt for natural or untreated wood products as an environmentally friendly alternative.

Additionally, diseased plants or weeds with seeds are best kept out of the compost. Diseases can survive the decomposition process and may spread to your garden when you use the compost as mulch. To avoid this, discard any diseased plants in the regular trash or burn them if allowed in your area. Weeds with seeds can also cause problems as the seeds might survive the composting process. It’s best to discard them separately or place them in a sealed container until they no longer pose a risk.

Lastly, pet waste, including dog or cat feces, should not be incorporated into your compost pile. These wastes can contain bacteria harmful to humans, and composting may not reach a high enough temperature to kill them off. It’s better to have a separate system for pet waste, such as a designated pile for dog waste, and dispose of it properly.

By avoiding the inclusion of these materials, you can ensure the health and quality of your compost. Remember, composting is a natural process that requires the right balance of materials – specifically, a mix of greens (nitrogen-rich materials like kitchen scraps) and browns (carbon-rich materials like dry leaves or shredded paper). Keeping contaminants out of your compost will help you achieve a productive and nutrient-rich soil amendment that will benefit your garden for years to come.