25 Things You Can Compost, But Thought You Couldn't

Composting is a fantastic way to recycle organic waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. However, many people are still unsure about what items can be composted. In this comprehensive guide, we explore an extensive list of 25 surprising items that you can compost, which you may not have thought possible.

Many people assume that composting is limited to fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, and grass clippings. While these are certainly the backbone of any compost pile, you might be surprised to discover that there are many other lesser-known items, often found in our homes, that can be successfully composted. By including these items in your composting efforts, you can not only significantly reduce the amount of waste you produce but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable planet.

At Plastno, we are committed to raising awareness about sustainable living and innovative recycling practices. In this blog post, we dive into the world of composting to debunk some common myths and shed light on a multitude of other items you can add to your compost pile. From everyday household items to unexpected materials, we unveil the true potential of composting, turning waste into a valuable resource.

As you read through our list of 25 surprising compostable items, you will gain valuable insights into what can be transformed into nourishing garden soil. We are confident that our comprehensive article will not only help you make better use of your compost pile but also inspire you to embrace sustainable living practices that benefit our environment.

Join us as we dive deep into the world of composting, and learn how everyday items can have a significant impact on our efforts to reduce waste and promote a greener lifestyle. 

Unconventional Kitchen Waste You Can Compost

1. Eggshells: Crushed eggshells provide essential nutrients, such as calcium, to your compost, promoting healthy plant growth.

2. Coffee grounds: Rich in nitrogen, coffee grounds work as a great composting ingredient and help neutralize the pH levels of your compost pile.

3. Tea bags: Remove any staples or plastic packaging before composting tea bags, as they introduce fundamental elements like nitrogen and carbon to the pile.

4. Stale bread, crackers, and cereal: As long as they are not moldy, these items can be composted to add more carbon-rich elements to your pile.

5. Nutshells: These compostable items slowly break down, adding long-term sources of nutrients to your compost mix.

6. Wine corks: Chop up natural wine corks into small pieces to speed up the decomposition process and introduce additional nutrients into your pile.

Creative Compostable Items from Your Bathroom

7. Toilet paper rolls: Shred these cardboard materials into small pieces to aid the composting process.

8. Hair and nail clippings: Human hair and nails provide essential nutrients like nitrogen and protein to a compost pile.

9. Cotton balls and swabs: Ensure the cotton swabs have wooden or paper sticks, and remove any traces of makeup or chemicals before composting.

10. Used facial tissues: As long as they are not contaminated with chemicals or non-organic substances, tissues can be composted.

11. Pumice stones: These natural rocks will break down over time and provide a gritty element to your compost mix, improving aeration.

Surprising Yard Waste that Boosts Your Compost

12. Small branches and twigs: Chopping or shredding these materials expedites the composting process. They provide necessary carbon and help improve airflow within the pile.

13. Dead houseplants and leaves: These items not only decompose easily, but also contribute significant amounts of carbon and nitrogen to your compost pile.

14. Weeds: Precaution is necessary when composting weeds to avoid the introduction of seeds into the mix. Heated compost piles will eliminate seeds, making the weeds safe to compost.

15. Pine needles and cones: Though they decompose slowly, they provide essential carbon and nutrients to balance your compost pile.

16. Sawdust and wood chips: Use untreated wood only and mix it well with other ingredients to compensate for its high carbon content.

Unique Compostable Items You Didn't Expect

17. Old newspapers and non-glossy paper: Shred before composting and avoid using papers with colored ink to ensure a healthy compost pile.

18. Vacuum cleaner dust and bag contents: Discard any non-organic materials and compost the remaining dust for an added nutrient boost.

19. Pet fur and feathers: These items are high in nitrogen and help balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in your compost pile.

20. 100% cotton or wool clothing: Cut up and compost these natural fibers as they break down slowly, releasing nutrients back to the soil.

21. Dryer lint: Ensure the lint is free of synthetic fibers and only consists of organic materials like cotton, wool, or linen.

22. Chewing gum: Made from natural tree sap, gum can be composted, but keep in mind it will take some time to break down.

23. Latex balloons and gloves: As natural rubber, latex products can be composted, but remember to cut them into smaller pieces for easier degradation.

24. Bamboo products: Chop or crush bamboo toothbrushes (excluding bristles), skewers, and utensils before composting to increase their rate of decomposition.

25. Pizza boxes: Cut or tear pizza boxes into smaller pieces, ensuring any heavily greased areas are discarded beforehand. This cardboard addition provides a great carbon source for your compost.

Expanding the Spectrum of Composting

As we've explored in our comprehensive list of 25 surprising compostable items, there are numerous unexpected household items that can be composted to help reduce waste and create nutrient-packed soil for your garden. The key to unlocking the full potential of composting lies in our willingness to experiment and get creative with our recycling practices.

By expanding the range of items we compost, we actively contribute to a sustainable environment, reducing waste in landfills, and nurturing a healthier, more vibrant garden. Embrace these innovative composting solutions and take a significant step towards greener living.

Cherish the earth, reap the benefits, and happy composting with Plastno’s biodegradable compostable garbage bags!