Composting: The Ins, Outs & Troubleshooting

The IN List

Animal manure

Cardboard rolls

Clean paper

Coffee grounds and filters

Cotton rags

Dryer and vacuum cleaner lint

Eggshells

Fireplace ashes

Fruits and vegetables

Grass clippings

Hair and fur

Hay and straw

Houseplants

Leaves

Nut shells

Sawdust

Shredded newspaper

Tea bags

Wood chips

Wool rags

Yard trimmings

The OUT List & Reason Why

• Black walnut tree leaves or twigs

– Releases substances that might be harmful to plants

• Coal or charcoal ash

– Might contain substances harmful to plants

• Dairy products (e.g., butter, milk, sour cream, yogurt) and eggs

– Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies

• Diseased or insect-ridden plants

– Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plants

• Fats, grease, lard, or oils

– Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies

• Meat or fish bones and scraps

– Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies

• Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter)

– Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans

• Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides

– Might kill beneficial composting organisms