Composting is a fantastic way to reduce waste and give back to the environment. While most people are aware of composting food scraps and yard waste (and if you’re not, read the Basics of Composting blog to get started), there are several unusual items that can also find a new life in your compost pile. We will explore some often-overlooked items that can be composted, highlighting how they help create nutrient-rich soil and promote sustainability.
Believe it or not, hair and nail clippings are compostable! They consist of keratin, a protein that can break down over time and provide valuable nitrogen to your compost. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces to speed up the decomposition process. If the compost pile is open, you may even see birds sweep in to collect the hair for a soft lining in their nests. Pet hair and nails can also be added to the compost pile, so even they can help add a little something.
Did you know those small grey particles collected and dusted off furniture are dead skin cells? Dead skin is one of the main ingredients for dust, and since all organic material breaks down, dust can be added to your compost! Emptying your vacuum cleaner bag or canister into your compost pile is an excellent way to divert household waste from landfills while also enriching the compost with nutrients. If you have a wool carpet, its natural fibers that get vacuumed up also make for an excellent composting material.
Did you know that the lint collected from your tumble dryer can be composted? This fluffy material, usually composed of fibers from fabrics, can break down easily in your compost pile, contributing to its overall organic matter and aiding in creating a well-balanced compost mixture. Make sure to break up the fluff into small pieces to help the decomposition process go by faster.
If you’ve got printer paper, napkins, or paper towels that are free from chemicals or excessive inks, they can be torn into small pieces and composted. Paper helps to aerate the compost pile, providing carbon that balances the nitrogen-rich materials.
Algae removed from fish tanks can be valuable for composting due to its high nitrogen content. Rinse and remove excess water from the algae before adding it to your compost. It not only enriches your compost but is also a great way to recycle materials from your aquarium.
If you have rabbits, hamsters, or other small pets, their droppings and the straw or bedding you use for their cages can be composted. Ensure the bedding materials are organic and free from any chemicals or treatments. These waste materials break down readily and provide nutrients that benefit your compost. Never add litter from meat-eating pets such as cats and never add dog mess to the compost heap as it will attract flies, vermin, and disease.
Old wine corks can be put in the compost, as they add another layer of brown matter which enriches the pile. However, you will want to grind the corks into small pieces to help with decomposition. If you have extra pieces, they work great as a mulch alternative or as drainage material at the bottom of plants.
Coffee grounds and filters can also be added because they attract beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which help to break down organic matter and create rich, nutrient-dense compost. Grounds can also improve compost structure by helping aerate the mixture and drainage. This can be especially useful for compost piles that are prone to becoming compacted and waterlogged.
Herbs and spices, including those that are fresh, dried, and even spicy, are compostable. Avoid including excessive amounts, as this may deter insects necessary to the decomposition process. With the right conditions, most food scraps decompose within 6 to 12 months in compost. Tender herb leaves and stems decompose quickly within seasons. Heartier woody herbs take a little longer. Ground spices break down faster than whole spices.
Composting isn’t limited to traditional kitchen scraps and garden waste. By composting these unusual items, you not only reduce waste but also create nutrient-rich soil for your plants. Embrace the opportunity to compost these unconventional items and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. For tips on how to make your own compost pile, make sure to read the Basics of Composting blog.
