Indoor Composting Tips

  • If you don't have room for an outdoor compost pile, you can compost materials indoors using a counter top compost bin.

  • Remember to maintain your pile and keep track of what you put in it. A properly managed compost bin will not attract pests or rodents and will not smell bad.

  • Keep track of the moisture levels and run occasional tests to measure the acidity of the compost material.

  • Once the compost bin is full, move it outside, especially during warmer weather to help speed up the process.

  • Your compost should be ready in two to five weeks.

  • Alternately, you can use a composter for easy collection of organic waste to be taken away in your community curbside compost bins.

 

What to Compost:

  • Fruits & Veggies

  • Egg Shells

  • Coffee Grounds & Filters

  • Shredded Newspapers

  • Yard/Garden Trimmings

  • Dryer & Vacuum Cleaner Lint

  • Hair and/or pet fur

  • Teabags

  • Paper

  • Sawdust

  • Cardboard

 

What Not to Compost:

  • Dairy products (e.g., butter, milk, sour cream, yogurt) and eggs*

    • Creates odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies

  • Diseased or insect-ridden plants

    • Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plants

  • Fats, grease, lard, or oils*

    • Creates odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies

  • Meat or fish bones and scraps*

    • This can cause odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies

  • Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter)*

    • Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans

  • Black walnut tree leaves or twigs

    • Releases substances that might be harmful to plants

  • Coal or charcoal ash

    • Might contain substances harmful to plants

  • Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides

    • Might kill organisms that are beneficial to composting

* Check with your local composting or recycling coordinator to see if these organics are accepted by your community curbside or drop-off composting program. 

 

 

Tips provided by Bamboozle