Household Items You Can Compost

As a gardening enthusiast, I can tell you firsthand that composting is a great way to reduce waste and nourish your garden, too. You might be surprised at how many household items can be used in the compost bin. As someone who spends a great deal of time outdoors, I can assure you that composting is a great option to boost plant growth, and also a rewarding process. Let’s delve into some common items you can use in your composting journey. 

Coffee Grounds and Tea Bags

If you love your morning brew, you should know that used coffee grounds are an excellent addition for your compost! They add nitrogen and help balance the carbon from twigs and leaves. They also improve soil structure. Try to avoid flavored coffee grounds, as they might contain unwanted chemicals.

Another good option is your tea bags, and they are mostly compostable as long as they’re made from natural fibers. 

Fruit and Vegetable Scraps

As you may already know, leftover fruit peels, cores, and scraps from veggies are perfect for your compost. Just think carrot tops, leftover veggies, banana peels, or apple cores. They break down quickly, adding valuable nutrients to your compost mix.

Tip:

Cut down large scraps into small pieces to speed up decomposition.

Eggshells

After cooking breakfast, don’t toss those eggshells just yet! They are a fantastic source of calcium for your garden. Rinse them off and break them into smaller pieces before adding them to your compost bin. This way, they can decompose efficiently and release essential nutrients into your soil.

Nut Shells

Crushed nut shells like walnuts, almonds, or pecans add texture to your compost. Nuts may take a bit longer to break down, so crush them down before adding them to your pile. You may want to skip oily nuts like peanuts, as they can attract pests.

Paper Products

This one might surprise you! Paper products like cardboard, old newspaper, and even paper towels can all go into your compost. They provide the carbon-rich material that balances the nitrogen-rich “greens” in your pile. Do not add anything with inks though.

Hair and Fur

Not many people know this one, but pet fur and human hair are also great options for your compost. They decompose a bit slower but provide a good dose of nitrogen. Just collect some hair from your brushes or your pet’s grooming leftovers. 

Spices and Herbs

Another great composting ingredient can be found in the kitchen - your unused spices and dried herbs. These will add a variety of nutrients and can even help repel some garden pests due to their strong aromas. 

Tip:

Before adding to your compost, check and ensure your herbs are not chemically treated, and your spices have not been mixed with salt or sugar.

Things to Avoid

There are some household items that cannot be composted. These include meat, dairy, and oily foods, as they will attract pests and create foul odors. Pet waste is also to be avoided, as these contain harmful pathogens. Synthetic materials like rubber or plastics cannot be broken down so they should be avoided too.

Composting is an excellent way to transform your household waste into a nutrient-rich resource for your garden. By incorporating the aforementioned household items, you're helping to cut down on landfill waste while also enriching your soil.

The key to a successful compost is balance. You should aim for a solid mix of "browns" (carbon-rich materials) and "greens" (nitrogen-rich materials like vegetable scraps). This balance will ensure you don’t have too much of one ingredient - which can throw off the entire process.

All in all, composting is a rewarding journey that connects you to the cycle of life. So get out there and get your hands dirty, and watch your compost thrive! Next time you’re in the kitchen or tidying up your house, take a moment to think about what can be composted!