10 Unexpected Foods You Can Compost (and Never Knew You Could)
Learn how to rescue foods you thought were destined for the landfill and give them a new purpose through composting.
Reducing food waste is one of the most impactful things you can do for the environment. But what about those tricky scraps and leftovers you’re never sure what to do with? Surprisingly, many items we commonly toss in the trash can actually be composted. Diverting these from landfill not only keeps your trash bin lighter but provides vital nutrients to your compost pile and, ultimately, to your garden soil. Let’s uncover some of the most overlooked foods and items you can rescue from the brink and give a second life through composting.
Why Compost More?
Food waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting these materials instead can:
- Reduce landfill waste and emissions.
- Nourish gardens by returning organic matter to the soil.
- Help conserve water by improving soil’s ability to retain moisture.
- Save money on fertilizers and help plants thrive.
Beyond peels and cores, plenty of foods and scraps you might not expect are not only compostable but beneficial. Here are ten to get you started:
1. Citrus Peels
Many avoid adding citrus peels—orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit—to the compost, fearing they’ll disrupt pH or decompose too slowly. In reality, small amounts finely chopped are just fine in most home compost bins. How to compost: Cut peels into small pieces and mix with other materials. Avoid huge amounts at once, but a few peels here and there won’t harm your microbes. As with all compost, moderation and variety are key.
2. Coffee Grounds & Filters
Coffee grounds are a fantastic source of nitrogen, and most unbleached paper filters break down rapidly. Grounds help to heat up your pile and accelerate decomposition. Tip: Sprinkle thin layers into the pile; too many at once can get compacted and slow airflow. Add some “browns” (like leaves or shredded paper) for balance.
3. Paper Towels, Napkins, and Cardboard Rolls
Soiled paper towels and napkins (without cleaning chemicals or grease) and cardboard tubes from toilet paper or paper towels are all welcome in the bin. They’re considered ‘brown’ compost materials, providing carbon and helping to keep piles airy. Avoid: Papers with colored prints or plastic coatings.
4. Stale Bread and Grains
Loaves of bread that have gone stale—and even old, cooked rice or pasta—can be composted in small amounts. Tear bread into bits to discourage mold and rodents. With grains, mix them well into the pile and avoid large quantities, as they may attract pests.
5. Nut Shells
Many nut shells—such as peanuts (natural, unsalted, and not roasted), pistachios, and walnuts—can go in the bin. Note that walnut shells contain a compound called juglone, which may inhibit plant growth in large amounts, but a few shells generally pose no problem in an active pile.
6. Used Tea Leaves and Tea Bags
What others are reading
Tea leaves are nitrogen-rich, and many tea bags are made from paper. Be sure to check the label: some modern tea bags use plastics, but those made from paper, hemp, or muslin are generally fine. Take out the staple and string before tossing them in.
7. Eggshells
Eggshells add calcium to your compost—a vital nutrient for your plants. Crush them first so they break down more quickly. Some folks dry eggshells in the oven before adding, but this isn’t necessary. Avoid adding raw eggs; only clean, empty shells should go in.
8. Old Herbs & Spices
That ancient jar of paprika or dried thyme lost its punch long ago, but it’s a great addition to compost, providing micronutrients and extra flavor for hungry microbes. You can empty old blends directly into the pile—no need to worry about quantities.
9. Natural Cork
Real corks (from wine or olive oil, not plastic lookalikes) break down slowly but do decompose eventually. Chop them up to speed the process, and add to a hot, active pile for best results.
10. Pet Hair and Human Hair
After cleaning your brush, skip the trash and save that hair for your compost. Both pet and human hair provide nitrogen, though they decompose slowly. Mix in lightly, rather than compacting hairballs, to allow airflow.
Other Surprising Compostables
Besides the above, here are a few more unexpected items worth rescuing for the compost bin:
- Sawdust: Only from untreated wood or logs, never painted or varnished.
- Bread bags and packaging: If they’re labeled as compostable (plant-based materials only).
- Dead houseplants: Potting soil and all—just shake excess dirt away first.
- Avocado pits: They break down slowly, but chopping them up helps.
- Bones (from home broth): Small amounts after cooking can be crushed and added, especially in hot, well-managed piles.
How to Compost These Items Effectively
To get the best results and avoid attracting pests or odors, follow these guidelines whenever composting less common foods:
- Chop or break large items into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.
- Balance ‘greens’ and ‘browns’: Keep a mix of moist, nitrogen-rich foods (greens) and dry, carbon-rich materials (browns). A ratio of about 1:2-3 is ideal.
- Layer materials: Alternate layers to ensure airflow and microbial access to all scraps.
- Maintain moisture: The pile should be as damp as a wrung-out sponge.
- Turn regularly: Aerate your compost every week or two to add oxygen and distribute heat evenly.
- Use a closed bin or cover with leaves to deter rodents and insects, especially with starchy or protein-rich materials.
Common Compost Myths Debunked
- “Citrus and onion peels can’t be composted.” Small amounts, chopped into bits, are fine in most compost bins.
- “Eggshells won’t break down.” Crushed eggshells will gradually decompose, benefiting your soil.
- “Stale bread attracts rodents.” If mixed thoroughly and covered with plenty of brown matter, bread and grains won’t be a problem.
- “Meat, dairy, and bones can never be composted at home.” While large pieces and raw scraps should be avoided in standard piles, cooked bones after broth can be crushed and added to hot, active piles in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you compost all cooked foods?
A: Only plain, minimally processed cooked foods—like rice, pasta, or steamed veggies—should be composted. Avoid items made with oils, dressings, meat, or dairy, as these can cause odor and attract pests.
Q: Is it safe to compost pet fur and hair?
A: Yes, both decompose in compost piles but do so slowly. Spread them thinly to maintain airflow and mix with other materials.
Q: Can I add moldy food to compost?
A: Most moldy fruits, bread, and veggies are fine—all the better for the microbes! However, avoid adding moldy dairy or meat products.
Q: How can I avoid pests when composting unconventional foods?
A: Bury food waste in the center of the pile, keep it covered with a thick layer of “browns,” and avoid adding large amounts of grains or bread at once.
Q: Are compostable plastics okay in home bins?
A: Only items labeled as “home compostable” will break down effectively in a backyard pile. Most commercially compostable plastics require special processing and won’t degrade at home.
Compost Do’s and Don’ts at a Glance
| Do Compost | Do Not Compost |
|---|---|
| Fruit & vegetable scraps | Meat, fish, bones (large/uncooked) |
| Coffee grounds & tea leaves | Dairy products |
| Paper towels/napkins | Greasy or oily food items |
| Eggshells (crushed) | Glossy or plastic-coated paper |
| Bread/grains (in moderation) | Synthetic materials or plastic |
| Nut shells, cork, hair | Treated wood or sawdust |
Composting: Small Steps with Big Impact
Every overlooked food scrap or unlikely ingredient you save from landfill and add to your home compost bin helps the planet. Whether you live in an apartment with a small green bin or maintain a full backyard heap, embracing more kinds of compostables builds healthier soil, reduces your waste imprint, and strengthens local ecosystems.
Next time you’re about to chuck a stale roll or egg carton, think again—your compost (and garden!) may thank you for it in rich, healthy soil months down the line.
References
- https://zerowastechef.com/2015/08/04/compost-for-the-lazy-throw-it-on-the-ground/
- https://compost.css.cornell.edu/SchoolCompostingLetsGetGrowing.pdf
- https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
- https://greenlivingtoolkit.org/sustainable-food/reduce-waste-then-compost/
- https://townofbethlehem.org/609/Composting-including-Food-Scraps
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep4jaTQM1sE
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
