In the world of composting, there are some items that may surprise you with their ability to break down into nutrient-rich soil. Beyond the typical fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells, there are some lesser-known items that can also be added to your compost pile. Not only will adding these items help reduce waste in landfills, but they will also provide valuable nutrients to your garden. Here are five surprising things you can compost that you may not have known about.
1. Hair
Have you ever thought about composting your hair? Hair is composed of keratin, a protein that will break down in a compost pile over time. Whether you’re cleaning out your hairbrush or sweeping up hair clippings from a haircut, adding hair to your compost bin is a great way to put those strands to good use. Just be sure to break up the clumps of hair to help them decompose more quickly.
2. Wine Corks
After you’ve enjoyed a bottle of wine, don’t just toss the cork in the trash – compost it! Wine corks are made from natural cork oak trees, which means they will eventually break down in a compost pile. To help the process along, be sure to cut or shred the cork into smaller pieces before adding it to your compost bin.
3. Cotton Balls
If you use cotton balls for removing makeup or applying skincare products, don’t throw them away – compost them! Cotton balls are made from natural fibers, which means they will biodegrade in a compost pile. Just be sure to use cotton balls that are 100% cotton and free of synthetic materials. You can also compost cotton swabs with paper sticks, as long as the stick is made from natural materials.
4. Nail Clippings
Believe it or not, even your nail clippings can be composted! Nails are made of keratin, the same protein found in hair, which means they will break down in a compost pile. If you’re cutting your nails at home, save those clippings and add them to your compost bin. Just like with hair, breaking up the clippings into smaller pieces will help them decompose more quickly.
5. Cardboard
While many people know that paper products like newspaper and cardboard can be composted, cardboard that is glossy or has a wax coating is typically not recommended. However, plain cardboard – such as toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, and pizza boxes without grease stains – can be composted. Be sure to tear or shred the cardboard into smaller pieces to help it break down faster in your compost pile.
In conclusion, composting is a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. By adding some surprising items to your compost pile, you can further minimize your environmental impact and enrich your plants. Next time you’re wondering what to do with those wine corks, cotton balls, nail clippings, or cardboard, remember that they can all be composted!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I compost cooked food scraps?
Yes, you can compost cooked food scraps, but they may attract pests and create odors in your compost pile. It’s best to avoid adding large quantities of cooked food scraps, especially meat and dairy products, to your compost bin.
2. How long does it take for items like hair and nail clippings to break down in a compost pile?
Items like hair and nail clippings can take several months to a year to break down fully in a compost pile. Breaking them up into smaller pieces and turning your compost regularly can help speed up the decomposition process.
3. Can I add pet waste to my compost bin?
It is not recommended to add pet waste, such as cat litter or dog feces, to a traditional compost pile that will be used on edible plants. Pet waste can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can be transferred to humans. Consider setting up a separate compost system specifically for pet waste, or dispose of it in the trash.
