Home composting
What you can and cannot compost
 What to put in your compost bin |
 Do not put in yopost bin |
|---|---|
| Shredded paper and torn card, junk mail, cardboard tubes | Meat or any material prepared with meat |
| Dead cut flowers, soft hedge clippings, fallen leaves, old plants | Fish, cheese and other dairy products |
| Grass cuttings | Plate scrapings (raw or cooked), or cooked leftovers |
| Weeds (but not persistent weeds or weeds in seed) | Japanese knotweed (compost separately) |
| Rabbit/guinea pig bedding, sawdust, hair, nail clippings | Perennial weeds or weeds with seed heads |
| Raw vegetable peelings | Coal and coke ash |
| Tea bags and leaves, coffee grounds, egg shells | Cat and dog litter |
| Natural fibres (e.g. 100% wool or cotton) | Disposable nappies |
A good compost requires a balance of 'greens' and 'browns'. 'Green' materials rot quickly, making the heap most and nitrogen-rich, whereas 'browns' provide carbon and fibre to the mix, as well as creating air pockets.
Making compost
- Home Composting - from advice on how to make your own compost, to composting myths, hints and tips and compostable packaging.
- Recycle Now - view the composting video, a step-by-step guide to making compost and advice on making leafmould.
Build your own compost bin
Why not have a go at making your own composter?
