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Can I Compost That? 100+ Things You Can & Should Compost

Composting is nature’s inherent nutrient recycling system. Anything and everything of organic origin is part of it, where death and decay means a return to life and growth. Over and over again, for all of time.

Nurturing a compost pile in the backyard means we become stewards for this process.

Knowing what materials to keep in (and just as importantly, what to keep out!) so as to host a healthy environment for the microorganisms that break it all down, is essential for an active and productive compost heap.

Whether you’re new to composting or are looking for a quick refresher, here are 100+ things you can and should toss in the compost:

From the Kitchen

1. Fruit and vegetable scraps

An excellent source of nitrogen-rich materials – or greens – for the compost pile. This includes produce trimmings, peels, cores, pits, seeds, stems, stalks, leaves, roots, pulp, rinds, etc.

2. Rotten fruits and vegetables

Fruits and veggies that are bruised or beginning to spoil are safe to add to the pile. Slice or chop up larger pieces.

3. Spent coffee grounds

Coffee is rich in nitrogen and breaks down quickly in the pile, but too much of it can harm earthworms and microbes. Mitigate this risk by adding plenty of carbon materials along with spent coffee grounds.

4. Eggshells

Finely crush up eggshells before adding them to the pile and they will break down much faster.

But first see if you can find a more useful way to use your eggshells.

5. Paper coffee filters

Toss coffee filters in along with the coffee grounds.

6. Loose leaf tea

Add tea leaves to the pile, as is.

7. Tea bags

Only add these to the pile if you are sure they are made from natural materials like paper and cotton.

8. Soiled paper napkins and paper towels

For faster decomposition, wet or tear up paper napkins and towels before adding to the pile.

9. Paper towel tubes

Rip these into smaller pieces first. Or take a look at some more practical ways to upcycle paper rolls.

10. Expired plant-based milks

Such as soy, almond, and coconut milk.

11. Brown paper bags

Paper lunch bags and grocery bags should be shredded into smaller pieces.

12. Cardboard Pizza Boxes

Unwaxed pizza boxes can be ripped up before adding to the heap. A little grease on the box is fine.

13. Food Boxes

Other food boxes, like cereal boxes, pasta boxes, and cracker boxes, can be fodder for the pile too. These should be on the plainer side, non-glossy, and mostly free of dyes and inks.

14. Spoiled leftovers

Leftovers forgotten in the back of the fridge, like cooked pasta and rice, can be added to the bin.

15. Unfinished Meals

Clearing plate

Couldn’t clean your plate? Toss bits and morsels that aren’t worth saving into the pile.

16. Tofu

Since tofu is made from soybeans, it’s definitely suitable for the compost.

17. Aquatic Plants

Seaweed, kelp, nori, and other aquatic edibles add a good dose of potassium to the compost.

18. Stale bread

Chop whole slices into smaller pieces.

19. Stale cereal

All types of breakfast cereal, as well as oatmeal and porridge, can be tossed in the bin.

20. Stale chips, pretzels, and crackers

Crush these up first before adding.

21. Corn husks and corn cobs

Finished corn and husks

These can take a while to break down so tear up the husk and leaves into smaller pieces and chop corn cobs into smaller chunks for a quicker cook.

22. Flour

Flours such as wheat, corn, bread, and cake flour are safe additions to the pile.

23. Expired yeast

Yeast past its expiration date will still contain helpful organisms that can speed the pile along.

24. Animal and fish bones

It’s best to strip animal bones of their meat by boiling them first (or make a delicious bone broth) before tossing them in the compost.

25. Gelatin

Beef gelatin and gelatinous desserts like Jell-O may be added to the pit.

26. Seafood shells

Leftover shrimp shells

Lobster, mussels, oysters, crab, shrimp, clam, and other seafood shells can be composted too. Softer shells can be tossed in as is, but harder shells will need to be crushed first.

27. Stale seeds

Pumpkin, sunflower, and other edible seeds should be chopped up to prevent them from sprouting within the compost.

28. Food crumbs

Empty the dust pan into the compost after sweeping floors and wiping countertops in the kitchen.

29. Paper plates

Add shredded up paper plates to the pile, provided they are plain, unwaxed, and free of dye.

30. Nut shells

Peanut shells in bowl

Chopped or crushed nut shells can be added to the bin. Leave walnut shells out since they are toxic to some plants.

31. Cardboard egg cartons

Tear these up first.

32. Cardboard cup holders

Takeout cup holders made from cardboard should be shredded first.

33. Toothpicks

Can be added as is.

34. Wooden skewers and chopsticks

Used wooden skewers

Break these into smaller pieces.

35. Wine corks

Only wine corks made from actual cork – and not plastic made to look like cork – should be added. Chop them up first.

36. Moldy Dairy

Conventional wisdom states that placing dairy products in the pile should be strictly avoided. However, small amounts of moldy cheese or milk will not throw your compost out of whack. Just make sure to bury it deeply and cover with lots of carbon materials to prevent odor and rummaging critters.

37. Unpopped or burnt popcorn kernels

Can be added as is.

38. Old herbs and spices

Herbs in jars

Can be added as is.

39. Flat beer and wine

The yeast in beer and wine is a compost activator. Dump leftover beverages directly in the outdoor heap to add moisture and boost microbial activity.

40. Paper cupcake liners

Can be added as is.

41. Parchment paper

Undyed, non-glossy parchment paper should be shredded up before adding to the compost.

42. Leftover cooking water

Eggs cooking in water

Save water that would usually be poured down the drain after boiling pasta, vegetables, and eggs. Let it cool down before tossing it in the pile.

43. Leftover brine

Another compost activator, pickling brine can also be tossed directly in the pile.

From the Bathroom

44. Used tissues and toilet paper

Used tissues that have not been used for bodily fluids or feces can be safely composted.

45. Toilet paper tubes

Tear these up before adding. Although you may like to use them in more practical ways.

46. Hair

Clearing hair from hair brush

Cleaned from the hair brush or swept up after a haircut or beard trimming, hair is a plentiful and renewable feedstock for the pile.

47. Nail clippings

Fingernail and toenail clippings – provided they are free of nail polish – can be safely added to the pile.

48. Cotton balls and swabs

Toss only 100% cotton balls and swabs made with cardboard (not plastic) sticks.

49. Natural loofahs

Loofahs made from natural materials, like the luffa plant, can be shredded or chopped up before adding.

50. Urine

Human urine is a well-regarded compost accelerator, and may even boost crop yields! Best reserved for those who are not taking medications and are otherwise healthy.

From the Laundry Room

51. Dryer lint

Dryer lint

Only compost dryer lint from laundry loads composed of 100% plant or animal based fibers like cotton, wool, linen, and hemp. Avoid using dryer lint from acrylic, nylon, rayon, and spandex washes.

52. Old towels, bed sheets, and rags

Rip these up into smaller pieces before adding.

53. Wool socks and sweaters

Animal fibers from sheep, goats, alpaca, and camel should be shredded first.

54. Cotton jeans and t-shirts

Tear up cotton clothing too before adding it to the pit.

55. Silk clothing

Likewise, silk goods should be shredded up first.

56. Leather

It takes a long time for leather to break down so cut it up into very small pieces before adding.

From the Office

57. Plain paper documents

 Put your plain bills, invoices, scrap paper, and correspondence through the shredder first.

58. Paper envelopes

Envelopes

Plastic windows and padding need to be removed before shredding.

59. Business cards

Only the non-glossy kind!

60. Corrugated cardboard boxes

An excellent bulky source of carbon, shred or tear up cardboard into 1 to 2 inch squares. There are also many more practical ways to use cardboard in the garden that you may like to try before composting.

61. Newspaper

Run non-glossy newsprint through the shredder first.

62. Junk mail

Put unwanted ads to good use in the heap, but only the non-glossy variety.

63. Pencil shavings

Pencil shavings

Empty pencil shavings into the bin for a little more carbon.

64. Sticky notes

Adhesive strips on sticky notes, envelopes, and masking tape are typically made with water-based white glue, which is just fine for the compost heap.

Around the Home

65. Dust, dirt, and hair

The contents of the vacuum canister are often just dust, dirt, and hair.

66. Grey water

When you clean with natural products (vinegar, baking soda, lemons, etc.) you can dump the waste water directly on the outdoor heap.

67. Dead houseplants

Wilted house plant

Give your beloved plant a proper burial in the compost pit.

68. Potting soil

When repotting houseplants, toss the old potting soil in the pile.

69. Prunings from houseplants

Dead foliage and leaf prunings can be added too.

70. Dead insects

Dead flies

Swatted flies and dead spiders can go in the bin.

71. Wilted flowers

Cut flowers that are past their prime can be added as is.

72. Old potpourri

Can be added as is.

73. Used matches

Long matches should be broken into shorter lengths before adding.

74. Paper table cloths

Tear these up first.

75. Fireplace ashes

Clearing fire ash

Wood ashes are quite alkaline, so only add these in moderation and consider some of the many other brilliant uses before deciding to compost.

76. Natural holiday décor

Jack O’ lanterns, wreaths, garlands, and decorative hay bales can be chopped up and added to the pit. If you have a wood chipper, you could even add your Christmas tree!

From Pets

77. Pet fur and feathers

That endless stream of pet fur can finally be put to good use.

78. Nail clippings

Collect pet nail clippings after a trim to add to the bin.

79. Stale kibble

Old cat and dog food, as well as fish flakes, can be safely added.

80. Herbivore pet droppings

Rabbit droppings

Droppings from rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other vegetarian pets are great fertilizers for the pile.

81. Change water

Fish keepers can also dump the change water from freshwater aquariums directly into the heap.

82. Pet bedding and nesting

Bedding and nesting made from paper and wood shavings are totally compostable.

From the Yard

83. Autumn leaves

Best added to the pile after they’ve dried out and have been run over with a lawnmower. Alternatively, make a dedicated heap for leaf mold.

84. Green grass clippings

Freshly cut grass clippings are a source of nitrogen. Add them in smaller doses to avoid suffocating the pile. Here are some more ways to use grass clippings.

85. Dry grass clippings

Lawn clippings

When green grass dries out completely, it becomes a source of carbon.

86. Firepit Ashes

As with fireplace ashes, untreated wood ash from outdoor fires can be added to the pile in moderation.

87. Herbivore droppings

Homesteaders and hobby farmers can add chicken, duck, goat, horse, sheep, and cow manure to the pile.

88. Sod

If you have a lot of sod to dispose of, you can make a standalone heap by piling it in layers, roots facing up, and keeping it moist. Otherwise, smaller amounts of sod can be added to the general compost pile.

89. Tree and shrub prunings

Garden chippings

Be sure to chop them up or run them through the chipper.

90. Fallen branches and twigs

Yard clean-up in spring is a treasure trove of carbon materials. Chop them up first.

91. Sawdust and wood shavings

Only add sawdust when it comes from untreated wood.

92. Tree bark and wood chips

Larger pieces will need to be chopped up. Wood chips have a number more uses in the garden.

93. Pine Cones

Pine cones

They can take quite a long time to break down but crushed pine cones may be added to the heap if you can’t find a better way to use them.

94. Pine needles

When dry and brown, pine needles won’t affect the pH of your finished compost. Add them sparingly since they will take some time to break down.  

Here are some alternative, and more exciting, use for pine needles.

95. Dead garden plants

Perennial plants and shrubs can be added, provided they didn’t perish from disease. Woody types will need to be chopped up first.

96. Garden clean up

Toss annuals in the pit when clearing the garden patch in autumn.

97. Flowers

Flowers in compost

When petals and blossoms drop, sweep them up and add to the pile. Deadheaded flowers can also be added.

98. Thinned vegetable seedlings

Toss carrot, beet, lettuce, onion, and spinach thinnings in the pit – or just eat them.

99. Hay and straw

Hay and straw are both excellent carbon materials that help heat up the pile for faster decomposition.

100. Natural rope and twine

Cut these up first.

101. Burlap

Shred up old burlap bags before adding.

102. Fallen bird nests

Bird nests are usually made from grass, twigs, feathers, and mud. Break them apart before adding.

What Not To Compost

It’s perhaps even more important to know what not to put in your home composter. Here are thirteen things way too many people try composting at home, but shouldn’t!



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Lindsay Sheehan

I am a writer, lifelong plant lover, permaculture gardener, and unabashed nature nerd. I’m endlessly fascinated by the natural world and its curious inner workings – from the invisible microbes in soil that help our plants grow, to the hidden (and often misunderstood) life of insects, to the astonishing interconnectedness that lies at the heart of our forests. And everything in between.

My gardening philosophy is simple – work with the forces of nature to foster balanced ecosystems in the landscape. By taking advantage of 470 million years of evolutionary wisdom, suddenly the garden is more resilient and self-sustaining. By restoring biodiversity, we get built-in nutrient cycling, pest control, climate regulation, and widespread pollination. By building healthy soil and supporting the food web, we can have lush gardens and do a small part in healing our local biomes, too.

On my own humble patch of earth in zone 5b, I’m slowly reclaiming the land and planting it densely with native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees. I also tend a food forest, herb garden, and an ever-expanding plot of fruits and vegetables, where I abide by the old adage, ‘One for the mouse, one for the crow, one to rot, and one to grow’.
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