This is our second composting article from Trash Talking Mama, Hayley. As promised, she has listed items you can compost at home, some of which may even surprise you.

Composting is a very effective way to drastically reduce landfill waste and harmful greenhouse gases, even if you don’t have very much space you can still compost by using a bench top composter like the Urban Composter, or check out the selection at Briscoes.

  • Food – stale items, leftovers, fruit and vegetable scraps. Generally not meat but small amounts can be fine.
  • Dust bunnies and sweepings (pick out any inorganic stuff, like synthetic fibres and Lego!)
  • Crumbs from counter, under couch cushions and bottom of snack food packaging
  • Paper (not receipts) and card (unwaxed). Shred first.
  • Hair from brush and pets
  • Animal fur and feathers
  • Dry pet food
  • Nail clippings
  • Dryer lint if natural fibres
  • Clothes made from natural fibres such as wool or cotton. Shred first.
  • Rope and twine (chopped, natural, unwaxed only)
  • Cotton balls and buds made from 100% cotton and cardboard (not plastic) sticks
  • 100% cotton tampons and sanitary pads (including used)
  • Pencil shavings
  • Liquids from canned fruits and vegetables. Wine and beer are actually helpful to your compost.
  • Coffee grounds and paper coffee filters
  • Natural corks from wine bottles
  • Plant trimmings and clipped grass that’s free from toxins like pesticides or weed killer
  • Dead plants and flowers, leaves, twigs, pine cones, hay, straw, unwanted potting soil, finely chopped wood chips and bark
  • Matches, toothpicks and bamboo skewers
  • Bamboo toothbrushes, remove bristles
  • Natural loofahs and sea sponges
  • Compostable utensils and dishes. Shred first.
  • Paper towels, napkins and tissues (not used during illness or to wipe up chemicals or your bum!)
  • Nuts and their shells (except walnut shells)
  • Algae, seaweed and kelp
  • White glue, and compostable tape
  • Cellophane, ensure it’s the real plant-based variety and not plastic wrap
  • Wood ash from fireplace
  • Balloons, gloves and some condoms made from latex

Please note that different rules apply to worm farms.

Hayley

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