Composting: What to Put in the Mix
Composting: What to Put in the Mix
Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic materials, such as leaves, grass, and food scraps, by microorganisms. The result of this decomposition process is compost, a crumbly, earthy-smelling, soil-like material. Yard trimmings and food scraps make up about 25 percent of the waste U.S. households generate, so composting can greatly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or incinerators.
These are some items that can be put in a composting bin. Some food products should not be included because they can attract pests or compromise the quality of the compost. This list is not meant to be all inclusive.
Materials To Include:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Egg shells
- Coffee grounds with filters
- Tea bags
- Fireplace ash
- Leaves
- Grass
- Yard clippings
- Vacuum cleaner lint
- Wool and cotton rags
- Sawdust
- Nonrecyclable paper
Materials To Exclude:
- Meats
- Dairy foods
- Fats
- Oils (including peanut butter and mayonnaise)
- Grease
- Pet excrement
- Fish scraps
- Diseased plants
- Bones
Source - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
