42 Things You Didn't Know You Could Compost

You likely already know that you can compost most kitchen scraps: eggshells, vegetable peels, spoiled fruit, and the odds and ends from your crisper bin.

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And technically, you can compost any organic material out there… but I’m not going to list some of the stranger stuff you may have heard about, because let’s face it, are you really going to compost your nail clippings or shed dog fur?

Here’s a practical list of items around the house that will break down easily in your compost bin and make rich, nutritious compost for your garden.

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Stale bread, cereal, crackers, and tortillas

01. If you’re cleaning out your pantry, see what can be composted rather than trashed. Learn more

Freezer-burned vegetables

02. Did you forget about that carrot and pea medley in the back of your freezer? Throw them in the compost heap. Learn more

Shredded paper

03. If you have a paper shredder at home, this is an easy source of carbon for your compost pile. Just try to stay away from glossy inserts and magazines. Learn more

Pomace

04. For you homebrewers out there, winemaking waste (either fermented or unfermented) is the perfect thing to put in your compost! Learn more

Human urine

05. Human urine is high in nitrogen as well as phosphorus and potassium, and, well—it can be delivered in a form that’s perfect for assimilation. Learn more