What Can You Compost
What can be and what cannot be composted is a common question among garden lovers.
Generally speaking, most organic materials can be used in a compost pile. Some organic waste though, is not suitable for composting for various reasons. Some kitchen scraps, may attract vermin and pests or be slow to rot. Some organic materials can be composted but you would get better and faster results if they are put in a separate pile or are ‘conditioned’ before going into the compost heap.
By familiarising yourself with what is best to use in your compost pile, you can better control your composting efforts and keep harmful stuff out. You can also choose to mix and match different household waste and garden waste to create different type of compost. Check out this amazing black gold compost recipe.
Compostable materials are usually divided into two groups, green and brown. Greens are soft young green plant growth that are quicker to compost and browns and tougher materials that are slower to compost.
We put together a comprehensive list of household waste and garden waste items with explanation attached to each item.
Yes – can be composted
No – cannot be composted
Caution – Maybe suitable for composting but there will be reservations. Check the notes to decide if suitable
Bokashi Bucket would be most suitable in this case
Soft young green plant growth that composts quickly
Tougher woodier materials that are slow to compost
Most plant materials are a mix of green and brown in varying proportions. More brown than green as they get older and tougher.
- Tal Jagoda
