The “Why Not?” of Compost
There are good reasons to avoid the items on our NO list in your backyard compost. Here’s an expanded explanation of the do NOT compost line up:
Meat & Bones - If the pile doesn’t have the right ratio or sufficient mass, the meat won’t break down quickly and might smell or attract pets/pests.
Dairy - Attracts pests and inhibits the biochemical processes in composting.
Charcoal Briquettes - Ingredients can include petrochemicals and sulfur oxides that may leach into the garden.
Fireplace ash - If from untreated wood, a light dusting could be used periodically but it is strongly alkaline.
Pet Feces - High risk of disease and parasites from meat-eating animals.
Glossy Paper - Can contain toxic heavy metals in the ink or coating.
Waxed Paper - Can be made of petrochemicals and chlorine bleached.
Cooking Oil - It can inhibit the composting process and attract pests.
Weeds - If the mass of the pile and the temperature aren’t hot enough, weed seeds can survive decomposition and come back to life in finished compost.
Thorny Stems/Cactus - Woody as well as sharp, they can survive decomposition and injure gardeners using otherwise finished compost.
Bermuda Grass - Uniquely invasive, even the tiniest bit of root material can regenerate, and is difficult to eradicate once established.
Palm Leaves - Extremely slow to break down.
“Compostable” Foodware/Bags - Takes longer to break down than any other material in home compost. Only compostable in industrial facilities.
