What Should I Compost – Your Complete ‘Yes’ And ‘No’ List

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever stood in your kitchen, banana peel in hand, and hesitated over the compost bin? You’re not alone. The question of what should i compost can feel surprisingly complex, filled with conflicting advice that leaves even seasoned gardeners scratching their heads.

It’s a common feeling, that moment of uncertainty. You want to do the right thing for your garden and the planet, but you’re worried about creating a smelly mess or attracting unwanted pests.

I promise you, it’s much simpler than it seems. This guide is here to demystify the process completely. Think of me as your friendly neighbor leaning over the garden fence, ready to share the simple secrets to creating rich, beautiful compost—what we gardeners lovingly call “black gold.”

In this complete what should i compost guide, we’ll walk through the easy-to-remember ‘Greens’ and ‘Browns’, create a definitive ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ list, and even troubleshoot the most common hiccups along the way. Let’s turn your kitchen scraps and yard trimmings into the best food your garden has ever had!

The Magic of Composting: More Than Just Dirt

Before we dive into the lists, let’s talk for a moment about why we’re even doing this. Composting isn’t just about getting rid of waste; it’s an act of creation. You’re transforming everyday scraps into a powerhouse soil amendment that will make your garden thrive.

The benefits of what should i compost are truly incredible. When you add finished compost to your garden beds, you are:

  • Enriching the Soil: Compost is packed with essential nutrients and beneficial microorganisms that feed your plants naturally.
  • Improving Soil Structure: It helps sandy soil retain water and breaks up heavy clay soil to improve drainage and aeration. It’s a win-win!
  • Reducing Waste: Composting significantly cuts down on the amount of household waste you send to the landfill, which is a huge step toward a more sustainable, eco-friendly what should i compost lifestyle.
  • Saving Money: You’ll spend less on fertilizers, soil conditioners, and bagged soil from the garden center.

Essentially, you’re creating a closed-loop system right in your own backyard. You’re recycling nature’s resources to grow healthier, more vibrant plants. It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do as a gardener.

Understanding the ‘Greens’ and ‘Browns’: The Foundation of Good Compost

Okay, here’s the single most important concept in composting, and I’ll make it super simple. A healthy compost pile needs a balance of two types of materials: ‘Greens’ and ‘Browns’. Getting this balance right is the secret to fast, odor-free decomposition.

Think of it like making a lasagna. You need layers of different ingredients to create the perfect dish. In composting, our ingredients are nitrogen and carbon.

‘Greens’ (The Nitrogen-Rich Activators)

‘Greens’ are the wet, fresh materials that are rich in nitrogen. They provide the protein and moisture that kickstart the microscopic organisms responsible for breaking everything down. They are the ‘fuel’ for your compost pile.

Common ‘Greens’ include:

  • Fruit & Vegetable Scraps: Apple cores, banana peels, carrot tops, lettuce that’s gone limp—all fantastic.
  • Coffee Grounds & Filters: Don’t let anyone tell you coffee is too acidic. It’s a wonderful source of nitrogen that worms love.
  • Tea Bags: Just be sure to remove any plastic mesh or staples first.
  • Fresh Grass Clippings: A great activator, but add them in thin layers to prevent them from becoming a slimy, smelly mat.
  • Eggshells: A fantastic source of calcium! Pro-Tip: Crush them up before adding them to help them break down much faster.
  • Plant Trimmings: Freshly pulled weeds (before they set seed!) and deadheaded flowers are perfect.
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‘Browns’ (The Carbon-Rich Bulk)

‘Browns’ are the dry, woody materials that are rich in carbon. They provide the structure and bulk for your pile, create air pockets for circulation (which prevents bad smells), and serve as the long-term food source for your decomposers.

Common ‘Browns’ include:

  • Dry Leaves: The absolute best and most abundant ‘brown’ for most gardeners. Stockpile them in the fall!
  • Shredded Cardboard & Newspaper: Think non-glossy materials like shipping boxes, paper towel rolls, and black-and-white newspaper.
  • Twigs & Small Branches: Break them into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.
  • Straw or Hay: Excellent for adding bulk and air to the pile.
  • Sawdust & Wood Shavings: Only use sawdust from untreated, unpainted wood.
  • Dryer Lint: As long as you’re washing natural fibers like cotton and wool, the lint is compostable.

Getting the Ratio Right: A Simple Rule of Thumb

Don’t get hung up on precise measurements. The goal is a healthy balance. The most important of all what should i compost tips is this: aim for roughly three to four parts ‘Browns’ to one part ‘Greens’ by volume.

An easy way to do this is to keep a pile of ‘browns’ (like a bag of dry leaves or shredded cardboard) next to your compost bin. Every time you add a bucket of kitchen ‘greens’, cover it with a few generous handfuls of ‘browns’. This simple habit keeps your pile balanced, prevents odors, and discourages pests.

The Definitive ‘What Should I Compost’ Checklist: Your Yes List

Feeling more confident? Let’s make it even easier with a quick-reference list. Here’s a detailed breakdown of all the wonderful things you can and should be composting.

From the Kitchen

  • Vegetable peelings (potato, carrot, cucumber, etc.)
  • Fruit scraps (apple cores, melon rinds, strawberry tops)
  • Citrus rinds and onion skins (in moderation)
  • Coffee grounds and paper filters
  • Tea leaves and paper tea bags (staple-free)
  • Crushed eggshells
  • Stale bread, crackers, and cereal (not coated in sugar)
  • Cooked pasta and rice (plain, no sauce or butter)
  • Corn cobs and husks
  • Nutshells (except for tough ones like walnuts, which take a long time)

From the Garden & Yard

  • Grass clippings (in thin layers)
  • Fall leaves (a true treasure!)
  • Small twigs and wood chips
  • Deadheaded flowers and old plant stalks
  • Weeds that have not gone to seed
  • Old potting soil
  • Straw and hay

Around the House

  • Shredded newspaper (black and white ink)
  • Shredded non-glossy cardboard and paper
  • Paper towel and toilet paper tubes
  • Natural fiber scraps (cotton, wool, linen)
  • Hair (from your hairbrush) and pet fur
  • Dryer lint (from natural fiber clothing)

The ‘Absolutely Not’ List: What to Keep Out of Your Compost Pile

Knowing what to exclude is just as important as knowing what to include. Adding the wrong items is the root cause of most common problems with what should i compost. To maintain a healthy, happy pile, avoid these materials at all costs.

  • Meat, Fish, and Bones: These will cause horrendous odors and are a magnet for pests like raccoons, rodents, and flies.
  • Dairy Products & Grease: Milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and oily foods have the same problem as meat—they smell bad and attract pests.
  • Diseased Plants: Fungal or bacterial diseases like blight or powdery mildew can survive the composting process and be spread right back into your garden next season.
  • Weeds with Seeds or Invasive Roots: Things like dandelions that have gone to seed or persistent weeds like bindweed will simply sprout and create a nightmare in your garden.
  • Pet Waste (Cat & Dog): Feces from dogs and cats can contain harmful parasites and pathogens that are dangerous to human health. (Waste from herbivores like rabbits and chickens is okay!).
  • Treated or Painted Wood: Sawdust or shavings from pressure-treated, painted, or stained wood contain chemicals you do not want in your garden soil.
  • Coal or Charcoal Ash: Contains sulfur and other compounds that can harm plants. Wood ash is okay in small amounts.
  • Glossy or Coated Paper: Magazines, catalogs, and coated cardboard contain plastics and toxic inks that won’t break down properly.

Common Problems with What Should I Compost (And How to Fix Them!)

Even the most experienced gardeners run into a little trouble now and then. Don’t worry! Most compost problems are incredibly easy to fix. Here is your go-to troubleshooting guide.

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“My Compost Pile Smells Awful!”

A foul, ammonia-like smell is the most common complaint. This almost always means your pile is too wet and has too many ‘greens’ (nitrogen).

The Fix: The solution is to add more ‘browns’! Generously mix in shredded cardboard, dry leaves, or straw. Use a garden fork to turn the pile and introduce air. The smell should disappear within a day or two.

“My Compost Isn’t Breaking Down.”

Is your pile just sitting there, not heating up or changing? This usually indicates the opposite problem: it’s too dry and has too many ‘browns’ (carbon).

The Fix: Add more ‘greens’ like kitchen scraps or fresh grass clippings. Give it a light watering with a hose—it should feel as damp as a wrung-out sponge, not soggy. Turn it to mix the new materials in.

“I Have Pests in My Compost!”

Seeing flies, mice, or other critters is a sign that you’re either composting forbidden items or not managing your pile correctly.

The Fix: First, stop adding any meat, dairy, or oily foods. Second, always bury your fresh kitchen scraps deep in the center of the pile. Then, cover them with a thick layer of ‘browns’. This simple layering technique is one of the best what should i compost best practices to follow.

FAQ: Your Questions on What Should I Compost Answered

Can I compost citrus peels and onions?

Yes, absolutely! There’s a common myth that they are too acidic. While they are acidic, a balanced compost pile easily neutralizes them. They may take a bit longer to break down, so just use them in moderation like any other ingredient.

How do I know when my compost is ready to use?

Finished compost is a beautiful thing! It will be dark brown, crumbly, and uniform in texture. Most importantly, it will have a rich, pleasant, earthy smell, like a forest floor after it rains. You should not be able to identify any of the original materials you put in.

Do I need a special bin to start composting?

Not at all! A simple pile in a corner of your yard works perfectly fine. Bins and tumblers are great for keeping things tidy and can sometimes speed up the process, but the principles of what you put inside remain exactly the same. Don’t let the lack of a fancy bin stop you from starting!

What about “compostable” bioplastics or packaging?

This is a tricky one. Most of these products require the high temperatures of an industrial composting facility to break down. They will not decompose effectively in a typical backyard pile. It’s generally best to avoid adding them unless the packaging is certified for home composting.

Your Journey to Black Gold Starts Now

See? You’ve got this! The question of “what should I compost” is no longer a mystery. It all comes down to a simple, beautiful balance of greens and browns, of kitchen scraps and yard waste.

Remember the basic ratio, keep the ‘no-no’ list in mind, and don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty. You’re not just reducing waste; you’re actively creating the most vital ingredient for a lush, productive, and happy garden.

So go ahead, take that bucket of scraps out to your pile with confidence. Your garden—and the planet—will thank you for it. Happy composting!

Rimon Chowdhury
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