What Can You Put in a Compost Bin: Composting Made Easy

Composting in bins or containers is pretty much problem-free if we observe a few simple rules. Composting is the process of breaking down the remains of plants or any other previously living material into a dark, earthy material that is added to our garden soil for enrichment. It is an excellent way to recycle kitchen and yard waste, and it gives our landfills relief from excess debris. It is not difficult to learn how to compost.

What is compost?

Compost, in its essence, is the remarkable process of transforming organic materials into invaluable fertilizer through natural decomposition. To achieve this transformation successfully, composting experts advocate for the inclusion of three vital components in every compost batch: brown matter, green matter, and water. Let’s delve into the intricacies of composting and explore the significance of each element.

Brown Matter

“Brown matter” encompasses a diverse array of materials, ranging from twigs and branches to paper and cardboard. Essentially, it encompasses anything that is dry or woody. While the majority of brown matter exhibits a natural brown color, exceptions do exist. The primary role of brown matter lies in providing carbon, which acts as a source of energy for the beneficial microbes responsible for breaking down the compost.

Green Matter

“Green matter” refers to organic waste products that were recently alive and possess a certain degree of moisture. This category includes fruit and vegetable waste, grass clippings, and even coffee grounds. In most cases, the green items contribute sufficient moisture to the compost mixture for effective decomposition. However, during dry weather, it may be necessary to add water to prevent the compost from drying out. The ideal ratio of brown to green compost can vary, with some experts suggesting a 2:1 ratio [1]. Should your compost mixture emit unpleasant odors, increasing the amount of brown material can help mitigate the issue.

The Balance

Composting is a delicate balancing act that requires the harmonious combination of brown matter, green matter, and water. The precise ratio and composition of these components may vary based on individual circumstances and preferences. As you embark on your composting journey, strive to find the equilibrium that best suits your needs and yields optimal results. Remember, the key lies in nurturing a symbiotic relationship between the organic materials and the microbial world, fostering an environment where decomposition thrives.

What Can You Put in a Compost Bin?

The beauty of composting lies in its versatility. You’d be amazed by the range of materials that can find a new purpose in your compost bin. Remember, the key is maintaining a balance between “green” (nitrogen-rich) and “brown” (carbon-rich) materials. Here’s a rundown of what you can put in a compost bin:

Green Goodness: Nitrogen-Rich Delights

Green materials are like a nitrogen-packed energy boost for your compost. They provide essential nutrients that help speed up the decomposition process. Here’s a collection of nitrogen-rich goodies to toss into your bin:

1. Fruit and Vegetable Scraps: Those banana peels, apple cores, and carrot tops? Yes, they all belong in your compost bin. These kitchen scraps break down quickly, adding valuable nutrients.

2. Coffee Grounds: Don’t toss those coffee grounds! They’re a fantastic source of nitrogen and can fend off pests like snails and slugs.

3. Eggshells: Crushed eggshells add calcium to your compost, promoting strong cell walls in plants.

4. Green Plant Trimmings: Pruned leaves, grass clippings, and other green plant trimmings provide a burst of nitrogen.

5. Tea Bags: Used tea bags are a convenient way to introduce nitrogen into your compost mix.

Brown Bounty: Carbon-Rich Treasures

Brown materials are the backbone of your compost, providing the carbon necessary for a well-balanced pile. They also help with moisture absorption and aeration. Here’s a list of carbon-rich gems for your compost bin:

1. Fall Leaves: Rake up those fallen leaves in autumn, and let them work their magic in your compost. They’re an excellent source of carbon.

2. Straw or Hay: These can bulk up your compost while balancing out moisture levels.

3. Newspaper and Cardboard: Shred newspaper and cardboard to add carbon content. Just avoid glossy or colored paper.

4. Sawdust: If you’re handy with tools, sawdust from untreated wood can be a great addition.

5. Dry Plant Material: Non-woody plant material, like old flowers and spent plants, can provide the carbon your compost craves.

Magical Mixers: Other Compostable Marvels

Beyond the basic “greens” and “browns,” there’s a fascinating array of items that can join your compost party:

• Hair and Fur: Got pets or a haircut? Save that hair! It’s packed with nitrogen and can deter pests.

• Wood Ash: Small amounts of wood ash add nutrients and help maintain the compost’s pH balance.

• Fireplace Ash: Use ash from your fireplace in moderation, as it’s also a source of potassium.

• Natural Fibers: Cotton and wool scraps can break down in your compost, just avoid synthetic fabrics.

• Nail Clippings: Yes, even your nail clippings can find a place in your compost bin!

What not to put in compost?

1. Pet Waste: One of the things we really do not want to compost is animal waste, even though some gardeners prefer to use aged cow manure in their gardens. It is basically fresh cat litter and dog waste that contain pathogens. It is best to keep those products out of your compost pile. The compost pile will most likely get hot enough to cook the majority of the waste, but it will not destroy the animal pathogens.
2. Meat and Dairy Products: Bread, meat products, and dairy will attract rodents to the compost pile. Unless you have a composter capable of composting dairy and meat products into soil, you want to avoid using them. These products will compost without any problems; it is just that they will attract visitors you really do not want in your yard, such as flies, rodents, bears, and others.
3. Invasive plants: The clippings that come from plants that are invasive in the neighborhood could possibly survive in the compost and cause another population eruption. So many invasive plants like to reproduce, and if some of the pieces are left in the compost pile, they could re-sprout. If you compost any clippings from diseased plants, they could spread the disease. You can compost these diseased plants if they are already dead. Sheep sorrel, morning glory, ivy, and several types of grasses have a tendency to re-sprout from the roots or stems in the compost pile.
4. Weeds with Seeds: If you decide to compost weeds, remember that if they have already gone to seed, they will reproduce in your garden next year unless the temperature in the compost heap is hot enough to kill the seeds. If the weeds are already dried out or dead, you can probably use them in the compost pile.
5. Chemically Treated Materials: Be very leery when it comes to composting toxic materials. Just remember, whatever goes into the compost pile comes out as soil. So, we need to be sure the soil we are going to use in our vegetable or fruit gardens is void of any toxic materials. So, materials such as treated wood and plants that have been heavily sprayed with pesticides are wastes that we are not going to use for composting.
6. Vermicomposting: Worms are good critters to have in the compost pile. But there are some items that they do not like or have problems composting. They may not like onions, citrus, or eggshells. Eggshells are troublesome for worms unless they are crushed before being placed in the compost pile. The oils that are contained in citrus worms may not be liked; the citrus breaks down eventually, even if the worms will not eat it. Worms, for the most part, will probably not eat the onion. Onions may re-sprout in the compost, which you can recycle in the garden.

Here’s a table listing various organic materials that can be used for composting, as well as materials that are not recommended for composting:

Remember, a successful compost pile requires a proper balance between “green” nitrogen-rich materials and “brown” carbon-rich materials. While the items in the left column contribute to a healthy compost pile, those in the right column should be avoided to prevent attracting pests, producing odors, or contaminating the compost.

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