What you CAN’T compost:
- Meat (and anything that came in contact with meat), dairy and bones
- Animal products such as meat have the potential for carrying diseases, and they could potentially attract rodents.
- Fats and oils (such as peanut oil, canola/ vegetable oil, etc)
- The oils may attract pests and rodents
- Walnuts
- Contain juglone, a compound toxic to some plants
- Eggs and dairy products
- Attract pests
- Cigarette butts
- Made of plastic
- Store bought shampoos/soaps
- Chemicals and dyes contaminate the compost
- Baked goods
- Due to their oils that would attract pests such as rodents and ants
- Human and animal Feces
- Due to harmful bacteria and the possibility of parasites and infectious diseases
- Specific types of water:
- Soapy water from baths/showers or washing cars
- Dishwater from washing up
- Washing machine waste water
- Waste water from the toilet
- Flood water
- Water contaminated with bleach or other cleaning agents
- Water contaminated with petrol or oils
- Rice
- Attracts unwanted bacteria and pests
- Anything made of inorganic material: polyester, rubber, acrylic, plastic
- Take a very long time to compost
- Bits of clothing
- They contain dyes and chemicals that would be harmful
- Baked beans
- Worms which might help with decomposition don’t like baked beans, they shouldn’t be included
- Specific types of paper
- Glossy or coated paper (that are treated with chemicals)
- Colored paper
- Dryer lint and contents from vacuum cleaner
- Contaminate compost
- Personal hygiene products: tampons, feminine napkins
- Potential health risk with bacteria
- Tea and Coffee Bags
- While tea leaves and ground coffee can be composted, their bags shouldn’t be in the pile, as they have harmful chemicals and are difficult to decompose.