What Kinds of Food Scraps Can You Compost?
The typical American wastes one pound of food per day, according to Stanford University Global Public Health. Most of the wasted food ends up in the landfills where it contributes to greenhouse gases. Gardeners with a compost pile are able to use a large amount of food debris that would otherwise be wasted. In the form of compost, food returns nutrients to the soil as it improves soil quality and benefits drainage. Does this Spark an idea?
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Fruit and Vegetable Waste
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Fruit and vegetable waste are among the easiest foods to compost, as all parts of the foods can be composted. Even rotten or moldy fruits and vegetables are safe to add to the compost pile. Include rinds, cores, seeds and pulp leftover from juicing.
Coffee and Tea Products
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Coffee grounds are a useful addition to the compost pile, as coffee will increase the soil's nitrogen balance. The grounds can be added to the compost along with paper coffee filters, which will rapidly decompose. Similarly, used tea bags are composted and returned to the soil quickly.
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Bread and Grains
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Breads and grains are healthy additions to the compost pile. Add leftover pizza crust and bread, as long as the bread hasn't been spread with large amounts of butter or mayonnaise. Grain-based desserts, such as cookies and donuts, are acceptable. Pasta and grains, such as rice, barley and wheat, can be composted either cooked or uncooked.
Miscellaneous
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Egg shells add beneficial elements to the compost bin, but the shells should be finely crushed first. If you have outdated food in your pantry, including old pasta or expired spices, feel free to add the foods to the compost bin. Corn husks and cobs can be composted, although the cobs will break down slowly.
Foods to be Excluded
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Meat or fish waste of any type should never be added to the compost bin, as meat products break down slowly, will stink, and will attract maggots, insects and rodents. For the same reasons, dairy products, including cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt and butter should be avoided. Don't attempt to compost any type of grease or oil, including cooking oil, butter or mayonnaise.
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References
- Photo Credit Earthworms image by Ana Dudnic from Fotolia.com
