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Composting is one of the simplest ways to reduce household waste while giving your garden a significant boost. While most people know to add items like fruit peels and coffee grounds, there are many everyday items you might be throwing away that could actually help your compost pile.
Surprisingly, some pretty common stuff can break down into rich, healthy compost. Here’s a look at 14 everyday items you might not have realized you can compost.
Paper Towels and Napkins
If you’ve used paper towels just to dry your hands or wipe up water, they’re perfect for composting. Since they’re made from natural fibers, they break down quickly and add a good dose of carbon to balance out your kitchen scraps. Tear them into smaller pieces to speed things up.
Hair and Pet Fur
Hair from haircuts or pet brushing sessions is packed with nitrogen and breaks down over time in a compost pile. Just scatter them evenly so they don’t clump together.
Old Spices
That jar of paprika that’s been sitting in your cupboard for years? Toss it into the compost. Even old or expired spices add nutrients to your pile and help keep your kitchen clutter-free at the same time.
Cardboard Egg Cartons
Plain cardboard egg cartons are great for composting. They’re full of carbon and help soak up moisture from food scraps. Tear them into smaller pieces for quicker decomposition.
Related: How to Start Seeds in an Egg Carton
Wine Corks
Real corks (not plastic ones) are a surprising compost addition. They’re made from tree bark and will eventually break down in your pile. Chop them into smaller pieces first to help them decompose more quickly.
Cotton Balls and Swabs
100% cotton balls and swabs (without synthetic fibers) are compost-friendly if they haven’t been used with harsh chemicals like nail polish remover. Add them to your food scraps to increase the organic material in the pile.
Tissue Paper
Leftover tissue paper from gifts, if it’s free of glitter or coatings, makes a quick-to-break-down compost material. It’s another easy way to add more carbon to your compost.
Shredded Newspaper
Newspaper can be a great help in balancing a compost pile, especially when mixed with wetter kitchen scraps. Stick to the non-glossy pages, and shred it into smaller strips to help it decompose faster.
Stale Bread
Bread that’s gone stale or even moldy doesn’t have to go to waste. Tear it into small chunks before adding it to the compost to help it break down quicker and avoid attracting pests.
Nut Shells
Peanut, walnut, and almond shells can all go into the compost bin. Since they break down slowly, it’s best to crush them before adding them.
Tea Bags and Coffee Filters
Most paper
Houseplant Trimmings
Next time you prune your houseplants, save the leaves and stems for future use. They’re a good source of nitrogen and break down nicely to help build richer compost.
Wine
Leftover wine can be added to your compost in small amounts. The natural sugars help feed the microbes that break everything down. Just be sure not to overdo it—too much liquid can make the compost too wet and slow the process.
Beer
Like wine, beer can also give your compost pile a little boost. Its sugars promote microbial activity and help speed up decomposition. Pour small amounts in at a time to keep the balance right.
Natural Loofahs
Old natural loofahs, made from plant fibers rather than plastic, can also be added to the compost. Cut them into pieces first, and they’ll add texture that helps keep your compost pile aerated.
