Compost Materials List (Handy Chart with Useful Tips)

Compost Materials List (Handy Chart with Useful Tips)

The composting process is an excellent way to reduce food/yard waste and create a valuable resource for plants and gardens. However, not all materials are suitable for composting. To help you compost effectively, we have created a compost materials chart that categorizes various composting materials based on their compostability, whether they are green or brown materials, and provides useful tips for composting. 

Whether you are an experienced composter or just starting, this chart will be a helpful guide to ensure that you are composting the right materials in the right way.

Composting MaterialsCompostable?Green/BrownComposting Tips
Vegetable and fruit scrapsYesGreenCitrus fruits and onions are best avoided for composting due to their acidic nature and ability to attract pests, respectively. Chop or shred to accelerate decomposition.
Coffee grounds and filtersYesGreenThey should be balanced with carbon-rich materials like leaves or shredded paper.
Tea bagsYesGreenRemove any staples or tags from the bags.
EggshellsYesBrownCrush or grind the shells before adding to the compost pile.
NutshellsYesBrownCrush or grind the shells before adding to the compost pile.
Yard trimmingsYesGreenCan include grass clippings, leaves, and small branches. Only compost healthy plant trimmings. Do not compost diseased or pest-infested plant material.
Leaves (Oak, Maple, Birch, Ash)YesBrown Don’t add an excessive amount at once, as they can mat and prevent airflow.
Grass clippingsYesGreenDo add grass clippings in layers, mix them with other materials Avoid adding too much at once to avoid clumping. Do not use grass that has been treated with chemicals or pesticides.
Hay and strawYesBrownCan be used as a bulking agent to balance high-nitrogen materials.
Wood chips and sawdustYesBrownAvoid using treated or painted wood.
Shredded newspaperYesBrownCan be used as a bulking agent.
CardboardYesBrownUse uncolored, untreated cardboard in small pieces to provide carbon for the compost pile. Don’t use glossy or coated cardboard or cardboard with tape or glue as they are not compostable.
Paper towels and napkinsYesBrownAvoid using paper towels or napkins with cleaning chemicals or oil residues.
Paper bagsYesBrown 
Cotton and wool ragsYesBrownAvoid using synthetic fabrics or materials with cleaning chemicals.
Dryer and vacuum cleaner lintYesBrownCan be used as a bulking agent.
Hair and furYesGreenCan add nutrients to the compost pile.
Fireplace ashesYesBrownUse in moderation as an alkaline material.
Seaweed and kelpYesGreenRinse off excess salt before adding to the compost pile.
AlgaeYesGreenRinse off excess salt before adding to the compost pile.
Dead plants and flowersYesBrownAvoid adding plants that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
HouseplantsYesGreen/BrownCan include soil and roots.
Wood ashYesBrownUse in moderation as an alkaline material.
Corn cobs and stalksYesBrownCut or break into small pieces.
Pine needlesYesBrownUse in moderation as they are acidic.
BambooYesBrownBreak into small pieces before adding to the compost pile.
CorkYesBrownCan take a long time to decompose, chop into small pieces or shred.
Biodegradable plastic made from…YesBrownBreak the plastic down into small pieces before adding it to the compost pile.
Soy-based inkYesBrownShred paper with soy-based ink before adding it to the compost pile.
Cottonseed mealYesBrownMix cottonseed meal with high-carbon materials to avoid compacting the pile.
Peanut shellsYesBrownBreak the shells down into smaller pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Rice hullsYesBrownMix rice hulls with high-nitrogen materials to avoid compacting the pile.
Wheat strawYesBrownMix wheat straw with high-nitrogen materials to avoid compacting the pile.
Coconut shellsYesBrownBreak the shells down into smaller pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Sugarcane bagasseYesBrownChop sugarcane bagasse into small pieces before adding it to the compost pile.
Banana peelsYesGreenChop banana peels into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Orange peelsYesGreenChop orange peels into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Grapefruit peelsYesGreenChop grapefruit peels into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Lemon peelsYesGreenChop lemon peels into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Lime peelsYesGreenChop lime peels into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Avocado peels and pitsYesGreenChop avocado peels and pits into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Mango pitsYesGreenChop mango pits into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Pineapple tops and coresYesGreenChop pineapple tops and cores into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Watermelon rindsYesGreenChop watermelon rinds into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Pumpkin and squash seedsYesGreenClean and dry seeds before adding them to the compost pile.
Melon rindsYesGreenChop melon rinds into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Artichoke leavesYesGreenChop artichoke leaves into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Cactus padsYesGreenChop cactus pads into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Egg cartons made from paper/cardboardYesBrownBreak the egg cartons into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Biodegradable utensils made from…YesBrownBreak the utensils down into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile.
Chicken manureYesGreenMix chicken manure with high-carbon materials to avoid compacting the pile.
Cow manureYesBrownAdd in moderation, mix with green materials like grass clippings and vegetable scraps
Sheep manureYesBrownAdd in moderation, mix with green materials like grass clippings and vegetable scraps
Horse manureYesBrownAdd in moderation, mix with green materials like grass clippings and vegetable scraps
Goat manureYesBrownAdd in moderation, mix with green materials like grass clippings and vegetable scraps
Worm castingsYesBrownMix with green materials like vegetable scraps, fruit waste and grass clippings
Fish bonesYesBrownChop or grind before adding to the compost pile, mix with green materials like grass clippings
Crab shellsYesBrownCrush or grind before adding to the compost pile, mix with green materials like grass clippings
Lobster shellsYesBrownCrush or grind before adding to the compost pile, mix with green materials like grass clippings
Mussel shellsYesBrownCrush or grind before adding to the compost pile, mix with green materials like grass clippings
Oyster shellsYesBrownCrush or grind before adding to the compost pile, mix with green materials like grass clippings
SeashellsYesBrownCrush or grind before adding to the compost pile, mix with green materials like grass clippings
FeathersYesBrownChop or grind before adding to the compost pile, mix with green materials like grass clippings
Hay and straw bedding from herbivoresYesBrownShred or chop into small pieces before adding to the compost pile, mix with green materials like vegetable scraps and fruit waste
AlfalfaYesGreenAdd in moderation, mix with brown materials like dried leaves and twigs
CloverYesGreenAdd in moderation, mix with brown materials like dried leaves and twigs
LupineYesGreenAdd in moderation, mix with brown materials like dried leaves and twigs
MustardYesGreenAdd in moderation, mix with brown materials like dried leaves and twigs
PeasYesGreenAdd in moderation, mix with brown materials like dried leaves and twigs
BeansYesGreenAdd in moderation, mix with brown materials like dried leaves and twigs
LentilsYesGreenAdd in moderation, mix with brown materials like dried leaves and twigs
BreadYesGreenShred or break into small pieces before adding to the compost pile, mix with brown materials like dried leaves and twigs
Meat and dairy productsNoN/ADo not add to the compost pile, as they can attract pests and slow down the composting process
Fats and oilsNoN/ADo not add to the compost pile, as they can attract pests and slow down the composting process
Pet waste (e.g. dog and cat feces)NoN/ADo not compost pet waste as it can contain harmful bacteria and pathogens that can pose health risks.
Diseased plantsNoN/ADo not compost diseased plants as they can spread pathogens and diseases to healthy plants.
Synthetic materials (e.g. plastics, rubber, and synthetic fabrics)NoN/ASynthetic materials do not decompose and can release harmful chemicals into the soil.
Charcoal or coal ashNoN/ACharcoal or coal ash can contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals that can be toxic to plants.
Glossy or colored paperNoN/AGlossy or colored paper can contain chemicals that are harmful to the soil and plants.
Treated wood productsNoN/ATreated wood products contain chemicals that can leach into the soil and harm plants.
Metals and glassNoN/AMetals and glass do not decompose and can cause physical harm to plants and animals.
Chemicals and hazardous materialsNoN/AChemicals and hazardous materials can pose serious health risk to humans, animals, and the environment. 
BeeswaxNoN/ANot compostable, but can be used for making homemade candles, balms, and other natural products.
Compost Materials Chart – SustainableEcho

Please feel free to suggest any other items that you would like to see included in our compost materials chart by leaving a comment below.

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