The 5 Best Things to Put in a Composter You Have at Home

Composting is one of the most effective ways to reduce household waste while creating nutrient-rich soil for gardening. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner just starting out, a compost heap is an excellent way to repurpose organic waste and contribute to a more sustainable environment. However, not everything should go into your compost bin, and choosing the right materials can significantly impact the quality of the compost you produce.

Here we’ll explore five of the best things you can put into your home composter to ensure a successful and productive composting process. Each of these items is commonly found in most households, making them easy to collect and use in your compost heap.

1. Fruit and Vegetable Scraps

One of the most valuable additions to any compost heap is fruit and vegetable scraps. These organic materials are rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which help create a balanced compost mixture. Common fruit and vegetable scraps that can be composted include:

Banana peels

Apple cores

Citrus peels (in moderation)

Carrot tops

Potato peels

Leftover salad greens

Fruit and vegetable waste decomposes relatively quickly, providing a steady source of moisture and nutrients to the compost pile. However, it’s best to avoid adding cooked vegetable scraps that contain oils, butter, or dressings, as these can attract pests and create an unpleasant odour.

2. Coffee Grounds and Tea Bags

If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, you likely generate coffee grounds and used tea bags regularly. These items are fantastic for composting because they are rich in nitrogen, a crucial element for healthy decomposition. Coffee grounds also help to maintain a slightly acidic pH balance, which can be beneficial for certain plants in the garden.

Tea bags are another excellent addition, but it’s essential to check whether they are made from synthetic materials. Some commercial tea bags contain plastic, which won’t break down in the compost. Opt for biodegradable tea bags or simply remove the tea leaves and discard the bag separately if needed.

As an added bonus, coffee grounds can deter certain pests and improve the texture of compost, making it more aerated and balanced.

3. Eggshells

Eggshells are a fantastic source of calcium, a vital nutrient that helps plants build strong cell walls. Adding crushed eggshells to your compost can improve soil structure and support the overall health of your plants. Since eggshells decompose slowly, breaking them into smaller pieces before adding them to the compost will speed up the process.

One important note: While eggshells themselves are great for composting, it’s best to avoid adding whole eggs, as they can attract rodents and produce an unpleasant smell. Rinsing eggshells before composting can also help prevent unwanted pests from being drawn to your compost bin.

4. Shredded Paper and Cardboard

Many people overlook paper products when composting, but shredded paper and cardboard can be excellent sources of carbon, which is essential for balancing the nitrogen-rich food scraps in your compost heap. Some good paper products to include are:

Newspaper (non-glossy)

Brown paper bags

Paper towel and toilet paper rolls

Uncoated cardboard

Junk mail (without plastic windows or glossy coatings)

Shredding paper and cardboard before adding them to your compost helps them break down more quickly and prevents large clumps from forming. Mixing them evenly with food scraps can also improve airflow and reduce excess moisture in the compost.

5. Grass Clippings and Garden Waste

If you have a garden, lawn, or even a few potted plants, you’re likely to generate a good amount of organic waste that’s perfect for composting. Grass clippings, leaves, and small plant trimmings provide valuable nitrogen and carbon to the compost pile, depending on their state.

Fresh grass clippings are high in nitrogen and should be mixed with dry materials like shredded leaves or paper to maintain balance. If added in large amounts, they can become compacted and create a smelly, anaerobic environment. Dried leaves and small twigs, on the other hand, contribute carbon, which helps with aeration and structure in the compost.

Avoid adding diseased plants or weeds that have gone to seed, as they may introduce unwanted pathogens or invasive species to your garden when the compost is eventually used.

By incorporating these five household items into your compost, you can create a nutrient-rich, well-balanced compost pile that benefits your garden and reduces household waste. Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, shredded paper, and garden waste all contribute essential nutrients and structure to the composting process, making them excellent choices for any home composting system.

A successful compost pile requires a balance of nitrogen-rich “green” materials (such as food scraps and grass clippings) and carbon-rich “brown” materials (such as paper and dried leaves). By regularly mixing and maintaining this balance, you can ensure efficient decomposition and produce high-quality compost for your plants.

So next time you’re about to throw out banana peels, coffee grounds, or shredded paper, consider adding them to your compost bin instead. Your garden—and the environment—will thank you!