WHAT TO COMPOST

(See related story on how to balance these materials for a successful compost.)

Fruits and vegetables
Eggshells
Coffee grounds and filters
Tea bags (no staples)
Nut shells
Shredded newspaper
Cardboard
Paper
Yard trimmings
Grass clippings
Houseplants
Hay and straw
Leaves
Sawdust
Wood chips
Cotton and wool rags
Hair and fur
Fireplace ashes

WHAT NOT TO COMPOST AND WHY

Black walnut tree leaves or twigs: Releases substances that might be harmful to plants.
Coal or charcoal ash: Might contain substances harmful to plants.
Dairy products (e.g., butter, milk, sour cream, yogurt) and eggs*: Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies.
Diseased or insect-ridden plants: Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plants.
Fats, grease, lard or oils*:  Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies.
Meat or fish bones and meat scraps*: Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies.
Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter)*: Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans.
Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides: Might kill beneficial composting organisms.

* Check with your local composting or recycling coordinator to see if these organics are accepted by your community curbside or drop-off composting program.

BENEFITS OF COMPOSTING

Enriches soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests.

Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

Encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material.

Reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers your carbon footprint.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

MORE INFO ON COMPOSTING

— Make your own compost bin: https://www.almanac.com/video/how-make-compost-bin

— In-garden composting: https://www.almanac.com/video/garden-composting

— Guide to composting at home: https://www.almanac.com/how-compost-guide-composting-home