Monday, February 14, 2011

What should I not put in compost bins?

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)