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The Do’s of Composting
by Wil Wood

So we agree, Trendy Environmental Warrior, composting is a brilliant idea. Think of it as creating a super soldier of soils. Now we can talk about how the microorganisms inside the compost are great for your garden—but no! Instead, we have to throw up some warning signs. What not to compost—because if you do compost it, you’ll regret it.

Your best friend's little presents—Oh yes, the poo tip. Let’s forget about any debate there is about composting pet feces, and just say no. Fact is cats and dogs are adventurous creatures that could sneak a rodent or bird into their diet and never tell you. This can lead to dangerous bacteria and parasites in your compost (Especially dangerous for pregnant women and children) So…flush it, bury it far from water sources, whatever—just do not compost it.
Fish are friends, not compost food. When it is time to say goodbye to Nemo (or your fishy leftovers) the compost pile is a big no. Not for a poisonous reason but I doubt rats and flies are your idea of fun. In fact, let us just scratch off all meat from the compost pile—because no matter how it breaks down, the stench will bring unwanted new friends
Lactose Intolerance. Yes, your compost pile can’t handle a glass of milk, a cup of yogurt, or any cheeses. If you need an idea why, lets be honest. Composting works on heat, and breaking down…so lets pour some dairy into that—The smell will keep you away, and bring those wonderful pests to your compost pile.
The unwanted. Lard or Fat...and the bones. Let’s throw that into the same as meat pile. As in, it doesn’t go into your compost pile for the exact same reason. Remember, if you want to take from your kitchen, keep it on the vegan side: Fruits, Vegetables, and the remains of your morning coffee or tea.
Found on the road, can we compost it? Leaving alone the fact that you found something on the side of the road, don’t compost anything that could get toxins from passing vehicles onto it--this includes cut grass, leaves, and your normal ok to go products. If tailpipe residue and broken pieces of metal get into your compost pile, they get into your garden
Survival of the Weakest. If you have a bunch of sickly plants, crawling with disease—think about it. Bingo! It does not belong in your compost pile because disease spreads. So if a sickly plant infiltrates your compost pile, it will infiltrate the entire garden. Say it with me: Death is not compost.
Former Trees should stay that way. We are talking about paper. Now, newspaper is fine in fact using it in your garden to keep your plants warm and kill weeds is a brilliant idea. But high gloss paper, or paper covered with heavy ink will contain metals so recycle them, don’t compos them. (Btw, plain shredded paper is a-ok in our book)
Fido’s leftovers. No no, we’ve already covered feces, this time we are actually talking about pet food. As my parents use to tell me, you want to put out food for our pets, not the entire neighborhoods pets. If you throw a lot pet food down into your bin (Without some worms to break it down.) Not only will every cat in town be around, but also rodents from tips 2, 3 and 4.
Salad not the Dressing. We know that veggies are great for your compost bin, but what about your salad dressings? Well, dressings contains oils, just like vegetable oil, and car oil. And I hope you wouldn’t put car oil in your compost bin. If oil is involved, it’s not healthy for your compost bin. This is easy to remember, because water and oil don’t mix.

All right, Trendy Environmental Warrior, you’ve learned that your compost bin has a finicky stomach, and is practically a vegan. We usually end these tips with one big important lesson, and I suppose our lesson for today is...Ah, You’re compost bin is not a trashcan. By going green, you are learning to control your waste and watch what you throw away; this same practice should also be applied to organic gardening and composting.

Click here to read part one, the Do's of Composting

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