There are some rules to learn and follow about what you can put into your compost bin in
order to keep your pile healthy and working properly. The most widespread organic
material that you will add to your compost will be kitchen scraps. The kitchen scraps are
considered green food that you feed to your compost as they contain nitrogen ñ an
essential element to the process.
It is a good idea to have a container with an airtight lid to store the food waste in your
kitchen. You do not want to attract insects or pests inside your home nor do you want to
be running to your compost bin every time you make a meal or snack. If your kitchen
container is airtight you will also cut down on unpleasant odors.
Here is a list of the most commonly used compost items from the kitchen:
* Vegetable peels and seeds
* Fruit peels, cores, and seeds
* Coffee grounds & you can compost the paper filter too
* Tea bags or loose tea leaves
* Crushed egg shells do not add left-over eggs cooked or raw
You may be tempted to add other food scraps into the bin, but donít. You should not add
any animal meat or bones, oily products, or fish remains not only will they be sure to
attract unwanted pests but they will make your compost smell badly. Whenever you are
adding your green food to the compost bin, make sure you cover it under a thick layer of
brown food (yard waste or other carbon producing agent such as dry leaves, wood chips,
sawdust, or small twigs).
If your food scraps are very wet or moist, in addition to putting brown food on top of the
scraps mix some in with the waste too. This will enable better air circulation.