8 things you probably didn’t know can be composted
As more people embrace sustainable living, composting has become a popular way to reduce household waste. From banana peels to coffee grounds, many know the basics of what can go into a compost bin. But what if your compost pile could do even more? By going beyond the usual kitchen scraps, we can transform more of our everyday waste into nutrient-rich compost and reduce our environmental impact at the same time.
Expanding what we compost has powerful benefits. Each item that avoids the landfill helps lower the total volume of waste we produce. More importantly, when organic matter breaks down in landfills without oxygen, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting diverts this waste from landfills, cutting emissions and promoting a circular economy. On the gardening side, compost improves soil structure, supports healthy microbial life, and helps retain water. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and boosts plant health naturally. Home composting can also save money, reduce garbage pickup needs, and give people a satisfying connection to nature and sustainable living.
So, what can you compost that you might not have thought of? Here are eight surprising items that belong in your compost bin—if handled the right way.
Human and pet hair is rich in nitrogen and decomposes over time. Small clumps work best, and avoiding hair treated with dyes or styling products is best. Similarly, nail clippings from people and pets are made of keratin and add nitrogen to the pile. Though they break down slowly, they’re still a valuable addition if mixed well into an active compost heap.
Dryer lint is another overlooked compostable item—if it comes from natural fabrics like cotton, wool, or linen. Lint from synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon won’t break down and should be kept out. Always check what your laundry contains before adding the lint.
Old spices and dried herbs may no longer flavour your food, but are still organic matter. Tossing small amounts into your compost helps add nutrients and keeps your kitchen waste to a minimum. Just be sure not to overload the pile, as concentrated herbs can attract pests or slow down decomposition if used in excess.
Sawdust and wood shavings from untreated wood are excellent carbon-rich materials. They count as “browns” in compost and help balance out food scraps or “greens.” Avoid any sawdust from pressure-treated, stained, or painted wood, as chemicals in those products are harmful to soil life.
Stale bread, crackers, dry pasta, and cereal can also be composted. These foods are organic waste and break down well if chopped into small pieces. It’s best to make sure they’re not moldy, covered in sauce, or greasy, which could attract rodents or bugs.
Cotton balls and swabs made from 100% cotton are natural and compostable. They can take a while to decompose, but they’ll eventually break down in a healthy pile. Just make sure they haven’t been used with harsh chemicals like nail polish remover or medications.
Used tissues and plain paper towels are often tossed in the trash, but they can be composted if they’re unbleached and free of chemicals or grease. They’re safe to add to your pile if used for simple spills, water, or blowing noses. However, tissues should not be in contact with cleaning products or dyed materials.
It’s important to follow basic composting principles to make the most of these additions. Maintain a good balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. Keep the pile moist like a wrung-out sponge, and turn it regularly to provide oxygen. Chop or tear items into smaller pieces to speed decomposition. Avoid adding meat, dairy, greasy food, synthetic fabrics, and pet waste from meat-eating animals, as these can attract pests or introduce pathogens.
Understanding what can go in your compost bin opens the door to less waste, better soil, and healthier gardens. With just a few changes, your trash can shrink and your compost pile can flourish. Composting is more than a way to dispose of scraps—it’s a way to create something valuable from what we often overlook. Thinking beyond banana peels and coffee grounds, you help build a cleaner, more sustainable future, one compost pile at a time.
