What Can You Put in a Compost Bin? A Simple, Clear Guide

January 27, 2025
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Kristine Moore

Composting is an easy and rewarding way to recycle organic waste. It turns everyday scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil that your garden will love. Not only does composting help your plants, but it also reduces landfill waste and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, for beginners, one question often arises: What can you put in a compost bin? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to compost successfully.

Understanding Composting Basics

What is Composting?

Composting is a natural process where organic materials like food scraps and yard waste break down into a dark, crumbly substance called compost. Microorganisms, moisture, and heat work together to decompose the materials into something that enriches soil. Think of it as nature’s recycling program.

The benefits of composting are vast. First, it improves soil health by adding vital nutrients that help plants thrive. Second, it reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, which means less methane—a harmful greenhouse gas is released. Lastly, it saves you money, as you can use compost in place of store-bought fertilizers.

To get started, you need two main types of materials: “greens” and “browns.” Greens are rich in nitrogen, while browns provide carbon. Together, they create the perfect balance for decomposition.

Why Knowing What to Compost is Important

Not all organic materials are compost-friendly. Adding the wrong items, like meat or dairy, can attract pests and create foul odors. Worse, certain materials can harbor pathogens or toxins that harm your plants. Understanding what belongs in your compost ensures the process runs smoothly and results in high-quality compost. This knowledge also helps prevent common mistakes, like having a pile that’s too wet or dry, both of which slow down decomposition.

The Do’s of Composting

Green Materials (High in Nitrogen)

Nitrogen-rich materials, or greens, are crucial because they provide the energy microorganisms need to break down organic matter. Typical green materials include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and fresh grass clippings. These materials break down quickly and add essential nutrients to your compost.

For example, when you chop up vegetable scraps or toss in a handful of coffee grounds, you’re feeding the tiny organisms responsible for decomposition. However, balance is key. Too many greens can make your pile overly wet, which leads to unpleasant smells. To prevent this, mix greens with plenty of dry, carbon-rich materials.

Brown Materials (High in Carbon)

Carbon-rich materials, or browns, are just as important. They help balance the moisture in your pile and provide structure to prevent compaction. Browns include items like dry leaves, shredded paper, cardboard, and sawdust from untreated wood. These materials break down slower than greens but are vital for maintaining a healthy compost pile.

Imagine adding a layer of shredded cardboard on top of your kitchen scraps. Not only does this balance the nitrogen, but it also helps aerate the pile, allowing oxygen to reach the microorganisms. Without browns, your compost could become too dense, making it harder for the microbes to do their job.

Surprising Items You Can Compost

You might be surprised to learn about some of the lesser-known items you can compost. Hair and fur, for instance, are great sources of nitrogen. Eggshells, though slow to break down, add valuable calcium to the mix. Even paper towels, as long as they aren’t soaked in chemicals or grease, can go into your bin.

Adding these unexpected items reduces household waste even further and diversifies the nutrients in your compost. For example, after a haircut, you can sweep up the hair and add it to your bin. It’s a simple way to recycle something that would otherwise go in the trash.

The Don’ts of Composting

What You Should Never Put in Your Compost Bin

While many organic materials are compostable, some items should never go into your bin. Meat, dairy, and oils top the list because they attract pests like rodents and can create an unpleasant smell. Similarly, pet waste is a big no-no, as it may contain harmful bacteria or parasites.

Another common mistake is adding diseased plants or weeds with seeds. Diseased plants can introduce pathogens to your compost, while weed seeds may survive the process and sprout in your garden later. Additionally, avoid synthetic materials like plastics and metals, which don’t break down and will contaminate your compost.

By steering clear of these items, you ensure your compost remains healthy and effective. If you’re ever unsure about adding something, it’s better to leave it out than risk ruining your pile.

Pro Tips for Composting Success

Balancing Greens and Browns

One of the most important aspects of composting is maintaining the right balance of greens and browns. An easy rule of thumb is to use two parts browns for every one part greens. For instance, if you add a bowl of fruit peels, follow it up with two bowls of shredded paper or dry leaves. This ratio ensures that your pile stays moist enough for decomposition but not so wet that it becomes a soggy mess.

Aeration is another critical factor. Turning your compost regularly helps introduce oxygen, which speeds up decomposition and prevents bad odors. If your pile starts to smell, it’s likely too wet or has too many greens. Adding more browns and mixing the pile can fix this.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

New composters often make a few common mistakes. Overloading the pile with greens, for example, can make it smelly and unbalanced. On the flip side, too many browns can slow down decomposition, leaving you with a pile that seems to take forever to break down. Another mistake is forgetting to monitor moisture levels. Compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge moist but not dripping wet.

By addressing these issues early on, you’ll set yourself up for composting success and enjoy a rich, crumbly compost for your garden.

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Conclusion

Composting is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and enrich your soil. By understanding what can and cannot go into your compost bin, you can avoid common pitfalls and create high-quality compost with ease. Remember to balance greens and browns, avoid harmful items, and turn your pile regularly for the best results.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your current setup, this guide has all the information you need to compost like a pro. Start today and make a positive impact on the environment—one compost bin at a time!

FAQs About Composting

What are good things to put in a compost bin?
Avoid adding meat, dairy, oily foods, or pet waste to your compost bin. These items attract pests, produce odors, and take longer to decompose. Additionally, steer clear of synthetic materials like plastics, diseased plants, and weeds with seeds, as they can harm your compost quality.
What are 10 things you can compost?
You can compost a variety of materials that fall into either green (nitrogen-rich) or brown (carbon-rich) categories. Examples of great compostable items include fruit peels such as banana or orange peels, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, dry leaves, grass clippings, shredded paper or cardboard, hair or pet fur, and straw or hay. These materials provide the nutrients and structure needed for a healthy compost pile.
What are good things to put in a compost bin?
Good compost materials include a mix of “greens” like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and fresh grass clippings, as well as “browns” like dry leaves, shredded cardboard, and small twigs. A balance of these two types in a 2:1 ratio ensures optimal decomposition and nutrient-rich compost.
What vegetables should not be composted?
Certain vegetables, such as those cooked with oils or sauces, should not be composted as they attract pests. Additionally, avoid adding large amounts of potatoes, onions, or garlic since they may sprout or create an imbalance. Diseased vegetable scraps should also be excluded to prevent spreading pathogens.
Can you compost banana peels?
Yes, banana peels are an excellent addition to your compost bin. Rich in potassium and phosphorus, they contribute to nutrient-rich compost. Cutting them into smaller pieces can speed up the decomposition process.
Can you compost eggshells?
Absolutely! Eggshells are a great source of calcium for your compost. Rinse them to prevent odors and crush them to accelerate their breakdown. Adding eggshells can help strengthen plant cell walls when used in the garden.
Can I put bread in compost?
Yes, bread can be composted, but it’s best to use it sparingly. Bread decomposes quickly, which can attract pests if not buried properly within the compost pile. Combining bread with browns like shredded paper or leaves can help balance the pile.
Can you compost orange peels?
Yes, orange peels are compostable and a great source of nutrients. They decompose slower due to their thicker texture, but cutting them into smaller pieces can help. The natural acidity of orange peels may also repel pests.
How do I keep my compost bin healthy?
Maintaining a healthy compost bin requires balancing “greens” and “browns” in a 2:1 ratio. Turn the pile regularly to aerate it, monitor moisture levels to keep it like a damp sponge, and avoid overloading the bin with one type of material. Proper layering and regular maintenance will result in nutrient-rich compost.
What happens if you don’t turn compost?
If you don’t turn your compost, it will still decompose, but the process will take much longer. Without aeration, the pile may develop anaerobic conditions, leading to unpleasant odors and uneven breakdown of materials. Turning the pile ensures proper airflow and faster decomposition.

Composting is an easy way to reduce waste and improve your garden. By adding the right materials and avoiding the wrong ones, you’ll create rich, healthy compost in no time. Ready to make a difference? Start your composting journey today!

Kristine Moore

Forestry Author

I'm Kristine Moore, a seasoned garden landscaping professional with over 30 years of experience. My extensive career has been dedicated to transforming outdoor spaces into stunning, sustainable landscapes. With a deep understanding of horticulture, design principles, and environmental stewardship, I have become a respected figure in the field, known for creating harmonious, visually appealing, and eco-friendly gardens. My commitment to excellence and continuous learning in landscaping trends and techniques has solidified my reputation as an expert in garden design and implementation.