Don’t kill your compost!

‍Pesticides or weed killer

The residue on plants that have been treated with pesticides or chemical weed killer can kill the beneficial organisms produced by composting. Any weed killer residue could also affect plants once the compost is added to your garden.  

How to get rid of weeds without nasty chemicals

The natural way to get rid of pesky pests

Diseased or pest infested plants

Home composting doesn’t reach temperatures high enough to kill plant material with insects and diseases, so by adding to compost, you could spread them further in your garden. How to control aphids

Weeds that have gone to seed

Seeds from weeds can survive home composting, so you could be spreading them all over your garden in your compost!  

Animal waste from your pets

This can turn your home compost into hazardous waste. Lots of animals can carry bacteria and parasites that can be harmful to humans.  

Citrus peels and onions

In small quantities, citrus and onions are fine in the compost, but they can cause problems in large quantities as the acidity can kill worms and other microorganisms. Also remove any produce stickers from citrus first as these are made from plastic.

Tea bags which contain plastic

Tea bags with crimped edges contain plastic to hold the bag together – and this won’t break down.  If you are unsure, empty the leaves into your compost and throw the bag away. How do you like your tea - with or without plastic?

Glossy paper

Small batches of paper are an excellent carbon source for your compost, but glossy paper is coated in plastic which is not so good as it won’t break down. Shredded paper is the best as this will break down faster.  

Meat and fish

While these food items will break down in your compost – your relationship with your neighbours might as well! The smell won’t be great and can attract pests like cockroaches and rats.

Dairy and oils

Dairy products such as milk, sour cream, and yogurt, as well as fats and oils, should be avoided for the same smelly reason (but don't be tempted to pour them down your sink!)

Fabric

Lint from your tumble dryer will compost nicely but most fabrics these days contain dyes, chemicals and plastics which shouldn’t be composted.  What to do with clothes that aren't good enough to donate

Items labelled ‘compostable’ or ‘biodegradable’

Most products marked 'compostable' or 'biodegradable' (such as rubbish bags or containers) will only break down at large composting facilities (such as those that compost the contents of the FOGO kerbside bin in some local council areas). Unfortunately, they won’t break down properly in your home compost.

If composting doesn’t appeal to you, why not give worm farming a try?

How composting your food waste helps the environment

3 ways to recycle your food waste

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