Many, many food items can be composted! But unfortunately not every food item can be composted. Our primary composting method uses worms to break down food items (vermicast). Vermicompost systems will thrive with the following items:
Practically any fruit and their peelings:
- Bananas
- Berries
- Apples
- Pears
- Melons
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Plums
- Apricots
- Mangoes
- Coconut
- Kiwi
- Tomatoes
- Cranberries
- Papaya
- Persimmons
- Figs
Practically any vegetable and their peelings:
- Leafy greens
- Carrots
- Sweet bell peppers
- Cucumbers
- Broccoli
- Celery
- Corn, cobs, husks
- Asparagus
- Gourds (squash, pumpkin)
- Avocado
- Beans
- Cauliflower
- Beets
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Herbs
- Ginger
- Jicama
- Turnip
- Peas
- Artichokes
- Endive
- Okra
- Olives
- Eggplant
Paper:
- Coffee filters (bleached or non-bleached)
- Shredded newspaper
- Paper egg cartons
- Shredded cardboard (however, not paperboard)
- Non-bleached napkins
Miscellaneous:
- Egg shells
- Nut shells
- Pet fur & hair
- Coffee grounds
- Tea bags
- Floral arrangements
The following items may also be included in your bucket for traditional compost bins:
- Pasta
- Rice
- Bread
- Potatoes
- Onions, garlic
- Citrus & citrus peels
- Pineapple
These items are not particularly healthful for worms, but will be sorted.
The following items should NOT be composted:
- Meat, fish, bones
These items do not work well in most composting systems and we do not accept them at this time.
- Dairy, eggs
These items do not work well in most composting systems and we do not accept them at this time.
- Hot peppers
Capsaicin, found in hot peppers, is an irritant that causes burning in any tissue it comes into contact with (including our worm friends). Since we cannot accurately sort out hot peppers, we ask that you exclude them from your bucket.
- Greasy, spicy or processed foods
Oils and additives aren't good additions to a compost recipe.
- Pet waste
Your pet's waste can contain pathogens that will harm or kill natural bacteria in compost bins.
- Non-degradables (foils, plastics)
These won't decompose in our lifetime. It's wise to look at what you buy and try to minimize items that are packaged with non-degradable materials. Your grandkids will thank you!
We've listed many common foods and compostable items, but if something is not specifically listed and you are in doubt, please feel free to contact us! Remember: if it grows in the ground and is unprocessed, it's likely acceptable.