Composting is a fantastic way to reduce kitchen waste and enrich your garden with nutrient-rich soil. However, not all kitchen scraps are compost-friendly. To help you compost like a pro, here’s a guide on what can be composted and what should be avoided.
Compostable Kitchen Scraps
Fruits and Vegetables
Peels and Cores: Apple peels, banana skins, and citrus rinds.
Leftover Produce: Wilted lettuce, carrot tops, and spoiled fruits.
Trimmings: Onion skins, garlic ends, and potato peelings.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee Grounds: Including the paper filters.
Tea Bags: Ensure they are compostable (avoid plastic-containing bags).
Grains and Bread
Stale Bread: Break it into small pieces.
Cooked Grains: Rice, quinoa, and pasta (in moderation).
Eggshells
Crushed Eggshells: Rinse and crush them for better decomposition.
Nutshells
Non-Toxic Nutshells: Peanut, pistachio, and sunflower seed shells.
Herbs and Spices
Fresh and Dried: Excess herbs and expired spices.
Kitchen Scraps to Avoid
Animal Products
Meat and Fish: Can attract pests and create odor issues.
Dairy Products: Cheese, milk, and yoghurt can also attract pests and create unpleasant smells.
Bones: Take a long time to decompose.
Oils and Fats
Cooking Oil and Grease: Slow to break down and can create a greasy compost pile.
Treated Food Scraps
Processed Foods: Contains preservatives and artificial ingredients.
Baked Goods: Avoid cakes and cookies with high sugar content.
Certain Fruits and Vegetables
Citrus in Large Amounts: Can alter pH balance (use sparingly).
Onions and Garlic: Use in moderation to avoid overpowering smell.
Pet Waste
Cat and Dog Feces: Can contain harmful pathogens.
Litter: Unless it’s labelled as compostable.
Glossy Paper Products
Paper with Coatings: Avoid glossy or plastic-coated paper and packaging.
Conclusion
Composting kitchen scraps is a practical step towards sustainable living. By knowing what to include and what to avoid, you can create a thriving compost pile that benefits both your garden and the environment. Happy composting!