What Can You Put In Compost – Your Ultimate ‘Yes’ And ‘No’ List

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Staring at that empty compost bin, wondering if you’re about to make ‘black gold’ or just a pile of smelly mush? You’re not alone. So many enthusiastic gardeners get tripped up by this one simple question.

I’m here to take all the guesswork out of it for you. Think of me as your friendly neighbor leaning over the garden fence, ready to share the secrets I’ve learned over years of turning scraps into treasure. This guide will give you the confidence to know exactly what to toss in and what to leave out.

Together, we’ll explore the simple science behind a healthy pile, break down the ultimate ‘yes’ and ‘no’ lists, and answer all those nagging questions. By the end, you’ll have a complete what can you put in compost guide to create the most beautiful, nutrient-rich food for your garden.

The Secret to Great Compost: Understanding “Greens” and “Browns”

Before we dive into the lists, let’s talk about the single most important concept in composting. It’s all about balance! A healthy compost pile needs a good mix of two types of materials: nitrogen-rich “Greens” and carbon-rich “Browns.”

Getting this balance right is the foundation of all what can you put in compost best practices. A good rule of thumb is to aim for roughly two to three parts “Browns” for every one part “Greens” by volume. Don’t stress about measuring perfectly—just eyeball it. It’s more of an art than a science!

“Greens” – The Nitrogen-Rich Powerhouses

Think of “Greens” as the fuel for your compost pile. They are rich in nitrogen, which feeds the microorganisms that work hard to break everything down. This process generates heat, which is a sign of a happy, active pile!

Common “Greens” include:

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps (apple cores, banana peels, carrot tops)
  • Coffee grounds and used paper filters
  • Tea leaves and staple-free tea bags
  • Fresh grass clippings (add in thin layers to avoid matting)
  • Plant trimmings and young, green weeds (before they set seed)
  • Eggshells (crushed up to decompose faster)

“Browns” – The Carbon-Rich Foundation

If “Greens” are the fuel, “Browns” are the structure. These carbon-rich materials provide bulk, create air pockets for crucial oxygen flow, and prevent your pile from becoming a soggy, smelly mess. They are the key to an eco-friendly what can you put in compost system.

Excellent “Browns” to add are:

  • Dried leaves (the absolute best “brown” you can get!)
  • Shredded cardboard and newspaper (avoid glossy or colored inks)
  • Small twigs and wood chips
  • Straw or hay
  • Sawdust (from untreated wood only)
  • Used paper towels and napkins (as long as they weren’t used with harsh chemicals)
  • Crushed-up paper egg cartons

The “Yes” List: What Can You Put in Compost with Confidence?

Now for the fun part! Here is a more detailed breakdown of all the wonderful things you can and should be adding to your compost bin. This is your ultimate cheat sheet for success.

From Your Kitchen

Your kitchen is a goldmine of compostable materials. Keeping a small caddy or bowl on your counter makes it easy to collect these scraps throughout the day.

  1. All Fruit & Vegetable Scraps: Peels, cores, skins, and rinds are perfect. Things like onion skins and citrus peels are fine, just use them in moderation as they can be acidic and take longer to break down.
  2. Eggshells: An excellent source of calcium for your future soil. Just give them a quick rinse and crush them before tossing them in to speed up decomposition.
  3. Coffee Grounds & Tea Leaves: Don’t throw these away! Microbes love them. You can add the paper coffee filter and most paper tea bags, too—just remove any staples first.
  4. Stale Grains: Leftover bread, cooked pasta, rice, and stale crackers can be composted. Add them in small amounts and be sure to bury them in the center of your pile to avoid attracting pests.
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From Your Garden and Yard

Your garden provides a constant supply of materials, creating a wonderful, sustainable cycle. This is the heart of sustainable what can you put in compost practices.

  • Grass Clippings: A fantastic “green,” but be careful! Add it in thin layers, mixed with browns. A thick, wet mat of grass can go slimy and smelly very quickly.
  • Leaves: The perfect “brown.” Stockpile them in the fall! If you can, shred them with a lawnmower first to help them break down faster.
  • Yard Trimmings: Pruned flowers, deadheaded blooms, and old, non-diseased annual plants can all go in. Chop up tougher stems to help them along.
  • Weeds: Yes, you can compost weeds! The key is to catch them before they develop seeds. Otherwise, you’ll just be planting a future weed problem in your garden beds.

Around the House (The Surprising Stuff!)

You’d be amazed at what else you can compost, reducing your household waste even further.

  • Shredded Paper: Junk mail (non-glossy), old bills, and newspaper act as a great “brown.”
  • Cardboard: Toilet paper rolls, paper towel tubes, and shipping boxes are excellent. Just shred or tear them into smaller pieces first and remove any plastic tape.
  • Natural Fibers: Old cotton or wool clothing (cut into small strips), dryer lint (from natural fibers), and even hair from your hairbrush can all be composted.

The “No-Go” Zone: What to NEVER Put in Your Compost Pile

Knowing what to leave out is just as important as knowing what to put in. Adding the wrong things can lead to foul odors, attract unwanted pests like rodents, and even introduce harmful pathogens into your finished compost.

Avoid these items at all costs:

  • Meat, Fish, and Bones: These will rot, create horrendous smells, and are a magnet for rodents and other pests.
  • Dairy Products & Eggs: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and whole eggs will also cause odor and pest problems.
  • Oils, Fats, and Greasy Foods: These materials disrupt the moisture balance and can coat other materials, slowing down decomposition.
  • Pet Waste: Feces from dogs and cats can contain parasites and pathogens that are dangerous to human health. Never add it to your garden compost.
  • Diseased Plants: Don’t risk spreading fungal diseases or pests. If a plant was sick, it’s best to bag it and put it in the trash.
  • Treated Wood: Sawdust or shavings from pressure-treated, painted, or stained wood can leach harmful chemicals into your compost.
  • Coal or Charcoal Ash: Unlike wood ash, these contain sulfur and other compounds that are harmful to plants and soil life.
  • Weeds with Seeds: As mentioned before, adding weeds that have gone to seed is like planting a weed nursery for your garden.

A Balanced Diet for Your Bin: How to What Can You Put in Compost Correctly

Simply throwing items in a pile won’t guarantee success. The process—the “how”—is what transforms those scraps into black gold. This is your simple what can you put in compost care guide.

The Layering Technique

Think of building your compost pile like making a lasagna. Start with a thick layer of “browns” (like twigs and leaves) at the bottom for aeration. Then, alternate with thinner layers of “greens” and “browns.” Always try to finish with a layer of “browns” on top to act as a biofilter, reducing odors and discouraging flies.

Size Matters: Chop It Up!

The smaller the pieces, the faster they will decompose. Microbes have more surface area to work on. So, tear up that cardboard, chop up large vegetable scraps, and run your lawnmower over leaves if you can. It makes a huge difference!

Water is Life (But Not Too Much)

Your compost pile should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge. Too dry, and the decomposition process will stall. Too wet, and it will become a slimy, anaerobic mess. If it’s dry, add some water with a hose. If it’s too wet, add more dry “browns” and turn the pile.

Give It Some Air

The beneficial microbes in your pile need oxygen to thrive. Turning your pile with a pitchfork or compost aerator every week or two mixes everything together, incorporates oxygen, and speeds up the process dramatically.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with What Can You Put in Compost

Even seasoned gardeners run into issues. Don’t worry! Most compost problems are easy to fix once you know the cause. Here are some of the most common problems with what can you put in compost and how to solve them.

My Compost Smells Bad! (Like Ammonia or Rotten Eggs)

A foul smell is a cry for help. An ammonia smell means you have too many “greens” (too much nitrogen). A rotten egg smell means the pile is too wet and has gone anaerobic (lacking oxygen).

The Fix: Add a generous layer of “browns” like shredded leaves or cardboard and turn the pile thoroughly to introduce air.

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My Pile Isn’t Heating Up

A cold pile is an inactive pile. This usually means the recipe is off. It’s likely too dry, has too many “browns,” or simply isn’t large enough to self-insulate.

The Fix: Add more “greens” to kickstart the microbial activity. Check the moisture level and add water if needed. If the pile is small, try to gather more materials to increase its size.

I Have Pests (Flies, Rodents)

Pests are usually a sign that you’ve added the wrong things or aren’t managing the pile correctly.

The Fix: First, ensure you haven’t added any meat, dairy, or oils. Always bury fresh kitchen scraps in the center of the pile and cover them with a layer of “browns.” Using an enclosed compost bin can also solve this problem immediately.

The Amazing Benefits of What Can You Put in Compost

After all this effort, what’s the reward? The benefits of what can you put in compost are truly incredible for any gardener. You’re not just making soil; you’re creating life for your garden.

  • Enriches Soil: Finished compost is packed with essential nutrients and beneficial microbes that create a thriving soil ecosystem.
  • Improves Soil Structure: It helps bind sandy soil together and loosens compacted clay soil, improving drainage and aeration.
  • Reduces Waste: Composting can divert up to 30% of your household waste from the landfill. It’s a powerful act of sustainability.
  • Saves Money: You’ll drastically reduce your need to buy chemical fertilizers, soil conditioners, and bagged compost.
  • Conserves Water: Compost-rich soil holds moisture more effectively, meaning you’ll need to water your plants less often.

Frequently Asked Questions About What You Can Put in Compost

Can I compost citrus peels and onions?

Yes, absolutely! Just use them in moderation. They are quite acidic and have natural antibacterial properties that can slow down decomposition slightly if you add a huge amount at once. A balanced pile will handle them just fine.

How long does it take to get finished compost?

This can vary widely, from as little as 2-3 months for a well-managed hot pile to a year or more for a passive, cold pile. The types of materials, moisture levels, and how often you turn it are all major factors.

Can I put bread and pasta in my compost?

Yes, but with a caveat. Add these starchy items in small quantities and make sure to bury them deep within the pile. If left on the surface, they can become a magnet for unwanted pests like rodents.

What about ash from my fireplace?

Ash from burning clean, untreated wood can be added, but only in very small, sprinkled amounts. Wood ash is highly alkaline and can throw off the pH balance of your pile if you add too much. Never, ever add ash from coal, charcoal briquettes, or treated wood.

Your Composting Journey Begins Now

See? Composting isn’t so complicated after all. By understanding the simple balance of “greens” and “browns,” knowing your “yes” and “no” items, and giving your pile a little care, you are well on your way to creating that beautiful, dark, earthy-smelling “black gold.”

You’re not just reducing waste; you’re actively creating a healthier, more vibrant garden from the ground up. So grab that kitchen caddy, head out to your bin, and start building your beautiful compost today. Your garden will thank you for it!

Rimon Chowdhury
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