What should I NOT put in compost bins?
Some organic materials are not suitable for home composting. The following is a list of materials that should not be composted at home and the reasons for their exclusions.
| Waste Item | Why should I not put it into a compost bin? |
| Meat and fish scraps | Attract pests |
| Grease and oil | Slow to decompose and attract pests. |
| Cat litter or cat/dog faeces | Temperature of the bin too low to kill pathogens (diseased cells) |
| Glossy papers or magazines | Plastic coating will not compost |
| Barbeque and coal ashes | Coals have been chemically treated and will chemically contaminate the compost |
| Large woody material | Slow to compost |
| Evergreen shrubs | Too acidic |
| Disposable nappies or septic tank sludge. | Temperature of the bin too low to kill pathogens (diseased cells) |
