Beginning a compost pile is simple. Though, that doesn’t mean that it’s completed without a couple of questions. A common question is, “What can you put in a compost bin?” Though, an even more vital question is, “What can I not put in a compost bin?” Keep reading to find out what to put in a compost bin and why.
What to Put in a Compost Bin
What to compost is as straightforward as all things crafted from eco-green organic material. However, not all organic material is okay for most home compost piles. The following materials are okay for your compost pile:
- Grass clippings
- Sawdust or wood shavings
- Printer paper
- Black and white newspaper
- Food scraps
- Disease-free yard waste
- Vegetarian animal manure
- Tree leaves
Some items necessitate more thought before you determine if you should compost them or not. Call your local tree care business if you need more information.
Non-Vegetarian Manure
Waste that come from animals that might eat meat, like cats, pigs, dogs can be composted. However, you must be aware that the feces could carry pathogens that can spread disease.
Food Scraps
Food scraps with little amounts of dairy, fat, oils, and eggs could be enticing to nighttime scavengers like rats, raccoons, and opossums. While noodles, eggshells, and bread are good for your compost pile, they might create an unintentional pest issue. If there is a lock on your compost bin, then you won’t have any problems. If you have an open compost bin, you might want to keep these kinds of items out. Eggshells can still be used in an open compost pile. Just be sure to wash them before composting.
Color Newspaper
Color newspapers (catalogs and magazines) today are printed with a soy-based ink and is very safe to compost. The issue is that there is a thin layer of wax coating some color printed paper. While this wax is not lethal, it can stop the color paper from composting well. Shredding the paper can speed up how quick color paper composts. Though, if you do not have time or can’t shred, you might want to not compost colored paper.
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