How to Know What You Can Compost: All You Need to Know

Composting is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to reduce waste and contribute to a healthier planet. But figuring out what you can and can’t compost can be tricky, especially if you are going through local programs or relying on “composting certifications”. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about what can go into your compost pile and what should stay out. Let’s dive in!

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What You Can Compost: The Basics

Composting works by breaking down organic materials. These materials fall into two categories: greens and browns. Getting the balance right between these is key to a successful compost pile.

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Green Materials (Nitrogen-Rich)

Green materials are typically moist and break down quickly, providing nitrogen, a crucial nutrient in the composting process. Here’s a list of common green materials you can compost:

1. Fruit and Vegetable Scraps – Peels, cores, and leftovers from fruits and veggies are perfect for composting.
2. Coffee Grounds and Tea Bags – Coffee grounds add nitrogen, while tea bags made of natural fibers break down easily.
3. Grass Clippings – After mowing your lawn, collect the clippings and add them to your compost pile.
4. Eggshells – While not technically a green, eggshells are excellent for compost, adding calcium as they decompose.
5. Houseplant Trimmings – Dead leaves and cuttings from houseplants are also great composting material.

Brown Materials (Carbon-Rich)

Brown materials break down more slowly and help to create structure and airflow in the compost pile. Here’s what to add for that all-important carbon content:

1. Dry Leaves – Perfect for adding in fall when the trees shed their leaves.
2. Paper and Cardboard – Shredded newspaper, paper bags, paper towels (as long as they haven’t been used with harsh chemicals), and cardboard are excellent carbon sources.
3. Wood Chips and Sawdust – Be sure the wood hasn’t been treated or painted to avoid introducing chemicals into your compost.
4. Straw and Hay – These are excellent carbon sources that break down slower and help balance the moisture in your compost pile.
5. Compostable Paper Liners – If you use kitchen pail paper liners to collect food scraps, make sure they are 100% paper with no wax coatings or PLAs. Wax coatings and PLAs often include plastics even when labeled “plant-based”     and “certified compostable”.

What You Shouldn’t Compost

While many organic materials can be composted, some should stay out of the pile. These items can either slow down the composting process, attract pests, or create a foul odor. Here's what you should avoid:

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Food Waste to Avoid

1. Meat, Bones, and Fish Scraps – These break down slowly, smell bad, and attract pests.
2. Dairy Products – Cheese, butter, and other dairy can cause bad odors and attract animals.
3. Oily Foods – Oil, grease, and fatty foods don’t compost well and can slow down the breakdown process.

Other Items to Keep Out

1. Bioplastic bags – Even if these items are labeled “certified compostable”, they don’t break down in a compost pile. They contaminate compost leaving behind microplastics that come back to us in our food. At composting centers, they gum up composting machinery and have to be hand-picked out of piles.
2. Pet Waste – While manure from plant-eating animals like cows or chickens is great for compost, waste from pets like dogs and cats can introduce harmful bacteria and parasites.
3. Treated or Painted Wood – These can contain toxic chemicals that you don’t want in your compost.

How to Strike the Right Balance

To create the best environment for composting, you’ll want to use about 2/3 brown materials and 1/3 green materials. If your compost pile is too wet or starts to smell, you may have too many green materials. Adding more brown materials will help soak up moisture and improve airflow. On the other hand, if your pile is too dry or doesn’t seem to be breaking down, mix in more greens to add moisture and boost decomposition.

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The Convenience of Compostable Liners

If you’re using kitchen pail paper liners to collect food scraps, you’re already on the path to more convenient composting. Compostable liners make it easy to keep your kitchen clean and transfer food waste directly to your compost bin without a mess. Just make sure they are 100%paper to ensure they break down properly.

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Final Thoughts

Composting is a great way to reduce your household’s waste and give back to the earth by creating nutrient-rich soil. By knowing what can and can’t be composted, you’ll not only make the process smoother but also ensure that your compost pile stays healthy and effective. Whether you're composting in your backyard or using a small kitchen pail, start small andbuild from there.

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Ready to get started? Shop our compostable kitchen pail liners to make your composting journey even easier!