What Food Can't Go in Compost?
Compost consists of organic matter that has decayed and broken down into rich, black soil. This decomposition process occurs naturally over the course of years in forests. Under the right conditions, you can make compost in a compost bin within a month or two. Layering wet and dry yard wastes, such as leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps speeds composting -- but there are some foods that do not belong in the compost bin. Does this Spark an idea?
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High Protein Foods
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Meats, poultry, and fish scraps break down slowly, making them unsuitable for the compost bin. Separate meats, poultry, and fish from vegetable and fruit scraps before adding your kitchen scraps to the compost bin.
Dairy Products
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Dairy products such as cheese are typically high in fats and are not suitable for the compost bin. As microbes break organic matter down into compost, the carbon and nitrogen from the plant cells provide them with the fuel they need to flourish. Cheese and other high-fat dairy foods do not provide the carbon and nitrogen microbes need.
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Bones
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Bones should not be added to the compost bin because they break down much slower than yard wastes or fruit and vegetable scraps. Adding bones to the compost bin may attract animals or cause unpleasant odors.
Oils and Fats
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Oils and fats should be avoided for the above reasons. These include casseroles with high fat sauces, cooking oil, butter, margarine and mayonnaise. Discard these scraps in the garbage.
Do Compost Fruits and Vegetables
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Fruit and vegetable scraps decompose quickly, and provide fuel for the microbes responsible for decomposition. Save peelings, cores, and scraps of fruits and vegetables during preparation. Cooked fruits and vegetables can be added to the compost bin as long as they do not contain fatty sauces or oils. Chop large scraps, such as corn husks, into smaller pieces before adding to the compost bin.
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