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What items can I put in my NatureMill Composting System? |
Deposit
almost any biodegradable materials, summarized in the chart below. Cut
or shred materials into small pieces to aid in composting. Add a mix
of "green" and "brown" items for best results. All of this information
is listed in the instructions. Add a tablespoon of ordinary baking
soda now and then to reduce normal food acidity.
RECOMMENDED
materials
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NOT RECOMMENDED
materials |
Add a mix of "green" and "brown" items:
"Green" items:
- fruit, vegetable scraps
- meat, chicken, fish
- fish bones, shrimp tails
- cheese, eggs, egg shells
- tea leaves, tea bags
- grass & plant clippings
"Brown" items:
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sawdust, wood shavings (untreated, unpainted wood)
- bread, rice, pasta, grains
- nuts, nut shells, straw
- dry flowers, small yard leaves
- coffee grounds, paper filters
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pourable liquid, chemicals, soap, cosmetics, medicine
- plastic, metal, glass, rubber, alcohol, cigarettes
- office paper, newspaper, magazines
- hard
or fibrous items: chicken & steak bones, lobster & clam shells,
wine corks, avocado & peach pits, corn cobs & husks, coconut
shells, lemongrass
- diseased foods, human waste, disposable diapers
- limit very acidic items to 2 lbs (900g) per load: oranges, grapes, berries, plums, pickles, tomatoes
- 1-2 piece limit for lemon, lime, grapefruit, pineapple
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With experience, you will get a feel of what composts well and what
does not. A good rule of thumb is that any material that you can
recognize in the final compost should be avoided in the future, or cut
in smaller pieces first. Note that certain materials, such as meat,
fish, and dairy, can be used in NatureMill (unlike in backyard compost
piles where rats, raccoons, and bears can be a problem).
Some items compost better than
others. Coffee grinds decompose easily. We have had mixed experiences
with very dense items, such as very stale bread or hard candy. When in
doubt, add just a little and then check the end result carefully!
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