Whether it’s food scraps or yard waste, composting is a great way to turn organic matter into a nutrient-rich mulch for our gardens. Not only is it a natural and inexpensive way to grow vegetables and plants and take care of the garden, but it also helps reduce our kitchen waste.
But, while you may think all organic things are compostable, there are things you shouldn’t throw on your compost pile. This is mainly because some waste can contaminate or slow or stop the compost decomposition process. Additionally, you don’t want to add anything potentially toxic to the soil, which could be harmful to you or your houseplants. Moreover, some foods will give off an unpleasant odor that may attract pests and all kinds of insects to your backyard!
Basically, composting is a process in which organic matter is broken down (or “eaten”), by naturally occurring microorganisms. These break down waste and change its structure to create healthy food for plants. However, for composting to work, organic waste requires air and water, and it needs to be a balanced mixture of wet and dry matter to get the right ratio of nutrients.
Depending on your materials, conditions, and method, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several years to compost. In any case, this is the best form of natural fertilizer for plants and lawn care, and it should save you money in the long run.
So, if you want to get the most out of your household waste, here are some common things you should never throw on your compost pile.
1. Leftover meat and fish
While meat scraps and fish bones are organic, avoid throwing them on your compost pile at all costs! Firstly, the smell of rotting and decomposing meat and fish will only attract pests, including insects raccoonRodents, worms, and more.
Second, only a few specialty composters can handle such items, while the average enclosed compost bin cannot. So if you want to avoid trouble (and pest control), don’t throw these items in the pile.
If you have unwanted pests in your garden, you may need them 7 plants that prevent mice and rats from infesting your home.
2. Dairy products
Likewise, throwing away spoiled dairy products will cause them to stink once they start to break down. Again, this creates ideal conditions to attract pests and rodents.
Although small amounts of dairy are relatively harmless, avoid dumping the entire contents of expired milk, yogurt, cheese, or other dairy products onto your compost pile. The same goes for leftover cooking oils, butter, or any other fat. Not only will this change the look and feel of the composting environment, but the rotting dairy products will emit an unpleasant odor.
3. Citrus peels
While most fruits are ideal for a compost pile, the peels of citrus fruits take a long time to fully break down and decompose. Since it’s acidic, this also risks throwing off the pH levels in your compost bin, which can slow the process as a whole.
Additionally, if you own a Vermicomposter, the citrus can kill the active worms needed to make your healthy compost. Alternatively, you can reuse citrus peels and Make your own cleaning productsThis way, you will be able to save money on your purchase bills as well!
4. Onion and garlic scraps
Just like the peels of citrus fruits, the high acidity of onion and garlic droppings can be harmful to those hard-working worms and other beneficial organisms necessary to break down organic waste. This will also slow down the decomposition process. However, if you only have small amounts, this should do fine in standard compost bins, provided they are mixed with other items.
Alternatively, you can try transplanting onion cuttings and growing them into new bulbs. Or if you want to grow garlic from scratch, follow our guide on hand How does garlic grow? In 6 simple steps.
5. Herbs
While it may seem like the perfect place to throw away weeds or dandelions after gardening, never throw them on your compost pile. These plants are notoriously invasive and weed seeds will survive to germinate in compost conditions.
Unless compost temperatures reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit, there is a good chance it will grow back into the finished compost after it has already been used in or around your lawn. And the last thing you want is to know How to get rid of dandelions without damaging your lawn.
6. Large twigs or treated wood
Usually, anything woody is fine for composting. However, large branches, sticks, or even twigs take a long time to decompose. This can make it difficult to turn the compost pile to produce healthy soil. It’s always a good idea to divide them into sections or chop them into smaller pieces before tossing them into the compost pile.
Additionally, never compost treated, painted, or varnished wood. The chemical residue from the treatments will affect your plants/garden once the compost has been applied.
Likewise, avoid plants treated with insecticides, fungicides, or herbicides. Residues from powerful chemicals used to kill garden bugs can inadvertently kill the beneficial organisms needed to make high-quality compost.
7. Coal/coal ash
If you need to get rid of coal ash, avoid spreading it on your compost pile. Unlike the ash from a wood stove or stove outdoor fire pitAnd charcoal and charcoal contain high levels of sulfur, which can make compost too acidic for gardening. In addition, briquettes are often loaded with toxic chemicals that can harm soils, plants, or those who consume the local vegetables.
The best way to dispose of charcoal ash safely is to let it cool outside for up to 48 hours. Once it has completely cooled, carefully wrap it in aluminum foil or place it in a small metal bowl. Then dispose of it in an outdoor, non-combustible trash can.
8. Rotten plants
Although it may seem like the best place to repot diseased plants, this is not recommended. Sick plants are usually the result of a fungus or insect infestation that can infest your compost pile. Infected plants will not make healthy compost and can affect quality.
And while it takes high temperatures of 141°F to 145°F for at least several days to kill such a fungus or bacteria, most home compost bins never reach those high levels. So it’s best to avoid them altogether, if you want the best fertilizer.
9. Coated cardboard material
Despite most cardboard packaging and materials claiming to be sustainable, never throw any coated cardboard onto your compost pile. Not only is coated plastic impossible to compost, but it can also release toxins into organic matter. These packages include takeaway coffee cups, cartons, juice boxes, and any foil-lined packaging and cookie bags.
And if you’re disposing of the right kind of cardboard, don’t forget to remove any stickers, packing tape, or labels before adding to your compost. Again, these are not going to crash and slow down the overall process.
10. Processing grass clippings
Grass clippings are the perfect addition to a compost pile. However, never add grass clippings that have been treated with pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.
These chemicals harm the natural microbes and will slow down the composting process. Even worse, it can release harmful toxins into vegetables or other local foods. Only compost untreated natural grass clippings after you mow your lawn. Just be sure not to make any of these things common Lawn care mistakes when you do.
11. Cat and dog litter
Although manure is often used as fertilizer, dog and cat waste should never be used Go on your compost pile. Both cats and dogs carry bacteria and parasites such as roundworms that cause human disease. This will inevitably lead to contamination and turn compost into hazardous waste.
In particular, cat feces and droppings pose a greater risk because they carry the organisms that cause toxoplasmosis – a disease that can affect pregnant women and seriously harm an unborn baby. Always dispose of pet feces in a designated bag, then dispose of it directly in the trash!
Things that can be put in compost
- vegetable clippings
- Eggshell
- Fruit scraps (except citrus)
- coffee filters
- Leaves
- Untreated garden waste
- Unbleached paper towels
- wood chips
- Uncoated cardboard
More Tom’s guide
Dealing with leaves on your lawn? Check out these 5 ways to use up fallen leavesAnd the. Also be sure to check out how I use this leaf vacuum – a game-changer in my yard, I also used four different leaf vacuum tools – here’s what worked best; How to clean gutters – with or without a ladder.
Other tips about the lawn: 7 lawn mowing mistakes you’re probably making right nowAnd How to separate the grass And how much should you water your lawn to keep it green, according to experts. Also check out 5 ways to prepare your garden tools for spring.
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