Composting caution: Avoid these common waste mistakes
Composting is an effective way to transform waste into valuable fertiliser. However, not all scraps are suitable for this process. Find out what should not be included in the composter.
Composting is not only a method for disposing of organic waste but also a means of obtaining high-quality fertiliser for cultivating garden plants. Unfortunately, many people make errors in composting by putting unsuitable waste into the container. Here, we clarify which scraps can be discarded and which should be excluded from the composter.
What not to throw into the compost?
We often fail to realise that animal-origin scraps are unsuitable for the composter. Meat, bones, or even dairy products should not be placed in the composter. Why? These items attract pests such as rats and insects and can produce unpleasant odours.
A composter containing animal scraps attracts pests and becomes a source of various pathogens. In such conditions, bacteria and viruses can multiply rapidly, making the compost hazardous for the plants it is intended to enrich. Therefore, it's important to remember that meat and fish scraps should be disposed of in the rubbish, not the composter.
Let's now move to the kitchen, which is often a source of many scraps that appear suitable for compost. However, not all kitchen waste is appropriate for composting. Many fruits and vegetables can be placed in the composter. Special care should be taken with citrus fruits. Peels from lemons, oranges, or grapefruits can acidify the compost, rendering it unsuitable for fertilising plants.
Citrus fruits are frequently covered with pesticides and preservatives that can disrupt the development of microorganisms essential for properly decomposing organic scraps.
Do not throw cooked dishes, especially those containing fats and oils, into the composter, as they can negatively affect the processes occurring within the compost. Rather than improving soil quality, such waste can retain moisture and impede oxygen access, leading to rotting and unpleasant odours.
We should also not overlook waste from our gardens. Although many plants compost well, those that are diseased or pest-infested can present a serious issue. Mould spores and pest eggs thrive in a moist composter, spreading to the rest of the waste.
Some weeds, particularly those that have already produced seeds, should be kept away from the compost. There is a risk that such a mixture will create ideal conditions for their propagation, which will eventually end up in our flower beds.
Avoid throwing large branches into the compost, as they decompose slowly. If you wish to include branches in the compost, cut them into small pieces. Pet waste should also not be placed in the composter, as it may contain pathogens and parasites harmful to our health. You should also avoid disposing of coloured newspapers, foil, synthetic materials, or coal ash in the compost.
What to remember when composting waste?
Composting waste is an excellent way to obtain valuable fertiliser for garden plants. However, to achieve good compost soil, it is crucial to adhere to guidelines regarding the waste that can be placed in the composter.
Before discarding waste, ensure you conduct a thorough selection. It is also important to remember the balance between green materials and brown ones, which support the decomposition process and facilitate air circulation—regularly turning the compost and adding fresh organic ingredients results in very good fertiliser.
