Composting is a great way for individuals, families and communities to work together to reduce waste and positively impact the environment. While it is a relatively easy process, there are some tips that can make it simpler and more effective, especially when it comes to households that use an indoor composter. A device like a tabletop composter can make composting easy and accessible for anyone, no matter their garden space or experience with gardening/ composting. Knowing what food waste products can be safely used, as well as how to use the resulting compost most efficiently is an important part of this process and will help users to get the best results.
What to compost: Dos and Don’ts:
If you are using an indoor composter, it is essential to know what kinds of food waste can and cannot be processed to maximize its efficiency and avoid damage. While individual products will differ, these are some general tips for devices such as a tabletop composter:
Items that can be composted:
These items should form the bulk of the waste that goes into your indoor composter and will form a large amount of the nutrients in your compost:
Fruit and vegetable scraps: Peels/ skins, cores, trimmings, uneaten or expired fruits and vegetables are perfect, nutrient-rich items for your compost. They can be added to your composter in any form (raw or cooked) making them one of the easiest items to compost without too much thought.
Coffee grounds and tea leaves: These materials are rich in nitrogen and make great additions to your composter. They can also improve the texture of your soil and keep your plants and soil healthy.
Eggshells: Eggshells are a great source of calcium for your compost and soil and can also help to manage the pH levels of soil. Calcium can be quickly depleted from soil while plants are growing, so this is an excellent addition to your indoor composting system.
Meal leftovers: In smaller quantities than the above, scraps of prepared meals can introduce essential nutrients to your compost and soil. Grains, fish and meat (cooked), and dairy products will decompose well and contribute to the overall quality of your compost, though they should only form a small portion of your composting material.
Items that should be limited:
Fibrous materials: Items such as nut shells or corn husks that are very fibrous may not biodegrade at the same rate as the other materials in your indoor composter, so it is advisable to limit the amount of these types of materials.
Biodegradable material: Unbleached and non-glossy napkins and paper can be added in limited quantities, as they are naturally carbon-rich. However, you want the bulk of your compost to come from organic matter, so ensure that you do not add too much of this into your tabletop composter.
Items to avoid putting in your indoor composter:
Large amounts of meat or dairy products, processed sugars, and fats should be avoided in your at-home composting system. Too much of these materials can compromise the quality of your soil and may attract unwanted pests. Bones should not be put into your composting device as they do not degrade at the same rate as other organic materials.
Synthetic materials: It should not go into your at-home composter if it is not natural. Plastic, beauty products, and other general waste products should always be avoided. This is applicable for recyclable materials, too: while glass and plastic can be recycled, they cannot be composted.
Diseased plants or weeds: While adding plant waste like this to your compost material may seem intuitive, it can significantly compromise your soil. If plants have succumbed to a disease or weeds are carrying seeds, these will not necessarily be destroyed during the composting process and can go on to affect the healthy plants in your garden when added to your soil.
Pet waste: While natural, your pet’s waste should never be used in your compost. Cats and dogs can carry pathogens that cause diseases, and adding their waste to your compost may turn it into a hazardous substance.
Citrus skins: Vegetable and fruit scraps might form the bulk of your composting material, but some components should be used more sparingly than others. Avoid adding too much skin from citrus fruits, as it could make your soil too acidic for your plants.
Conclusion
Most of the time, you can make super healthy and effective compost for your home made from household ingredients. It’s a great way to make sure your home grown flowers and veggies get all the nutrition they need without breaking the bank.
