There are a lot of things in your home that you can make into organic compost. Even if all this rubbish is biodegradable, you’re helping reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. However, some things are better left out of a compost pile for health reasons and better compost.
Dog and cat poop
Poop from dogs, cats, and other carnivores will not benefit your compost and the soil. Their waste contains microorganisms and parasites that cannot be introduced to plants or crops. However, if you can get hold of horse, cow, and chicken, they make fine additions to the soil.
Tea and coffee bags
Tea leaves and coffee grounds definitely belong in compost and the soil. They provide essential minerals. However, tea and coffee bags are made of synthetic fibres or nylon and won’t break down in a compost pile or the soil. Some bags made in China even contain plastic particles and chemicals you may be adding to your morning beverage.
Citrus peels and onions
Fruit and vegetable scraps are good ingredients in any compost pile. But citrus peels and onions contain acidic chemicals that will kill worms and other microorganisms that are essential to a compost pile. They also take forever to break down. Instead, you can place onion scraps in the fridge to get rid of bad smells and citrus peels into non-toxic DIY house cleaning sprays.
Fish and meat scraps
Technically, they decompose just fine, but as they rot, they emit a very bad smell that will act as a magnet for mice, rats, racoons, and other stray animals who will dig into the compost to find the scraps.
Glossy or coated paper
Paper that has been treated with a plastic-like coating to make it glossy, like magazines, contains toxins and won’t decompose.
Dairy, fats, and oils
Dairy products like yoghurt, sour cream, milk, butter, cheese, and fats and oils will emit a bad odour while rotting and will attract critters into the compost. These same critters might attempt to enter your home as well.
Labrador Landscape Supplies
If you’re living in the Gold Coast or Brisbane areas, we can provide high-quality soil and organic compost mixtures, as well as good planting soil. Just call Labrador Landscape Supplies at 07 5537 2841. You can also visit our site at http://landscape-supply.com.au/ and view our range of soil supply and other compost mixes and landscape materials.
