Composting pitfalls: Scraps you should never toss in the bin

Composting is not only a method to dispose of organic waste but also a means to obtain high-quality fertilizer for growing garden plants. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes in composting by putting unsuitable waste into the container. We explain which scraps can be discarded and which should not be thrown into the composter.

We often don't realize that animal-origin scraps should not be found in the composter. Meat, bones, and even dairy products should not be placed in the composter. Why? These products attract pests such as rats or insects and can emit unpleasant odors.

A composter containing animal scraps attracts pests and becomes a source of various pathogens. In these conditions, bacteria and viruses can multiply intensively, making the compost dangerous for the plants it was meant to enrich. Therefore, it's important to remember that meat and fish scraps should go into the trash, not the composter.

Let's now move to the kitchen, which is often a source of many scraps that seem suitable for compost. However, not every kitchen waste is suitable for composting. Many fruits and vegetables can be placed in the composter, but special care should be taken with citrus fruits. Peels from lemons, oranges, or grapefruits can acidify the compost, making it unsuitable for fertilizing plants.

Citrus fruits are often covered with pesticides and preservatives that can disrupt the development of microorganisms essential for the proper decomposition of organic scraps.

Do not throw cooked dishes, especially those containing fats and oils, into the composter, as they can negatively affect the processes occurring in the compost. Instead of improving soil quality, such waste can retain moisture and impede oxygen access, leading to rotting and unpleasant odors.

We should also not forget about waste from our gardens. Although many plants compost well, those that are diseased or pest-infested can become a serious problem. Mold spores and pest eggs thrive in a moist composter, spreading to the rest of the waste.

Some weeds, especially those that have already produced seeds, should be kept away from the compost. There is a risk that such a mixture will only create ideal conditions for their propagation, which will later end up in our flower beds.

Avoid throwing large branches into the compost, as they decompose slowly. Cut branches into small pieces if you want to place them in the compost. Pet waste should also not be placed in the composter, as it may contain pathogens and parasites dangerous to our health. You should also not throw colored newspapers, foil, synthetic materials, or coal ash into the compost.

Composting waste is an excellent way to obtain valuable fertilizer 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, make sure to perform a thorough selection. It is also important to remember the balance between green and brown materials, which support the decomposition process and facilitate air circulation. Regularly turning the compost and adding fresh organic ingredients allows for obtaining very good fertilizer.