12 things you Should never compost

I recently wrote an article that talked about a long list of weird things that you can compost which you might not have thought about.   Today, I am going to discuss those things you should never compost.

Vegetable gardening is greatly enhanced by the addition of organic matter formed by composting.

If you enjoy growing vegetables, you will know how much better your vegetables will grow if you add compost around them.  

The organic matter that is produced nourishes both the soil and the plant, resulting in healthy plants and high yields.

Even though recycling and composting are 2 very important green practices to follow, there are definitely some items that are bad for the environment and should be avoided. 

Never Compost these 12 items.

There are lots of common and not-so-common items that can be composted.  Fortunately, the list of items that you should NOT add to the compost pile is not too long and makes quite a bit of sense. 

For best results do not compost these items:

Pet waste from carnivorous animals. 

Manure is fine, but pet feces from dogs and cats is a definite no-no.  Your cat or dog feces can introduce parasites, which is the last thing you want to be adding to any garden meant for human consumption.

Meat scraps and bones

Most kitchen refuse is fine for the compost pile, but you will want to avoid any leftover meat and bones, which can attract vermin. Adding these also would make for a very foul-smelling compost pile.

It is particularly important not to use meat scraps if you use a direct composting method since the scraps will easily be able to be dug up.

Grease and oil

These products do not break down and can coat materials in the pile. They also attract unwanted pests. Never add either to a compost pile.

Diseased plants and weeds with seeds

Normally, adding plants to a compost pile is a good thing. However, adding plants with the disease, or those that still have seeds is not.

Throw these in the trash can instead. Otherwise, you risk transferring fungal or bacterial problems to plants you treat with the finished compost from the diseased plants.

Seeds from weeds will just make the problem with weeds worse since they might grow and prosper!

Chemically treated wood

Normal branches and small pieces of wood will break down. However chemically treated wood should not be added to a compost pile,  since the chemicals might leach into the compost.

Milk products

These are attractive to vermin so should be avoided.

Glossy paper

This is better off recycled instead of composted. While it can be added if you shred it first, it takes longer to break down if added in whole pieces.

Sawdust

I know this is tempting but unless you know for sure that the wood was not treated with chemicals, avoid using it on the compost pile.

Walnut shells

These shells contain juglone, which is a natural aromatic compound toxic to some plants.

Items that can’t be recycled

This goes without saying but aerosols, chemicals, batteries, and other materials like this are a big no-no. If you can’t recycle it, don’t try to compost it!

Plastics

Plastic bags, lined cardboard boxes, plastic cups (including garden pots), plastic plant tags, plastic seal ties, and plastic labels on fruit should all be avoided.

None of these will break down in a compost pile.

Personal use items

Used personal products such as tampons, diapers, and items soiled in blood are a health risk. Dispose of them with trash, not in a compost pile.

Greens and browns for composting

Keep these two rules in mind when you are trying to compost green and brown materials.  1. Green is something which is living.  2. Brown is something that used to be living.

Share on Social Media