13 Things NOT to Compost — And What to Do Instead

Mastering Home Composting: What Not to Compost and How to Compost Right

Composting at home is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce food waste while helping the planet. Turning kitchen scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost not only diverts waste from landfills but also enriches soil for healthier plants. However, composting successfully requires more than just tossing everything into a bin. Knowing 13 things not to compost can save you from unpleasant odors, pests, and compost failures.

Can I Compost Chicken Bones?

One of the most frequently asked questions among home composters is: “Can I compost chicken bones?” The answer is yes, but with important caveats.

Chicken bones are high in protein and take a long time to break down naturally. Traditional backyard compost piles usually cannot decompose them fully, and if left in an outdoor compost heap, they may attract unwanted pests like raccoons or rodents. This makes them problematic for many home composting systems.

However, modern technology has changed the game. Electric composters such as AUGEWEI’s high-heat models use microbial decomposition combined with heat and grinding mechanisms to safely and efficiently break down small bones—including chicken bones. These machines can turn chicken bones into dry, odorless compost powder in just a few hours, making them ideal for indoor composting.

So, unless you’re using a specialized heat-based or microbial composter, it’s best to avoid adding chicken bones to your traditional compost pile.

The 13 Things Not to Compost

To ensure your compost remains healthy and efficient, avoid these 13 common items:

1. Oily foods — Excess oil slows decomposition and can cause odors.

2. Dairy products — Milk, cheese, and yogurt can attract pests and cause smell problems.

3. Large bones — Hard to break down and attract animals if composted outdoors.

4. Pet waste — Contains harmful pathogens unsafe for gardens.

5. Diseased plants — Risk spreading disease when compost is used.

6. Glossy paper — Often coated with chemicals that don’t break down well.

7. Plastic or foil — Non-biodegradable and contaminates compost.

8. Citrus peels (in excess) — Highly acidic and can inhibit microbial activity.

9. Meat scraps (in cold piles) — Attract pests and decompose slowly without heat.

10. Treated wood — Contains chemicals harmful to soil.

11. Synthetic fabrics — Don’t break down and pollute compost.

12. Charcoal ash — May contain harmful residues from additives.

13. Cooked food with spices or sauce — Can attract pests and slow composting.

Avoiding these items helps maintain a balanced compost environment, encourages rapid decomposition, and keeps pests at bay.

How to Use a Compost Tumbler: Tips for Success

If you’re new to composting, a compost tumbler can be a game-changer. These enclosed rotating bins make it easier to manage your compost pile by improving airflow and mixing ingredients regularly.

Here’s a quick guide on how to use a compost tumbler effectively:

• Balance greens and browns: Greens are nitrogen-rich materials like food scraps and fresh garden waste, while browns are carbon-rich, such as dried leaves and shredded paper. Aim for roughly a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens to maintain optimal microbial activity.

• Turn regularly: Rotate the tumbler every few days to aerate the pile. Oxygen is crucial for aerobic decomposition and helps prevent foul odors.

• Monitor moisture: Keep your compost moist but not soggy—like a wrung-out sponge. Too much water leads to anaerobic conditions and smells; too little slows the process.

• Avoid forbidden items: Stick to the 13 things not to compost for best results.

By following these simple steps, your compost tumbler will produce rich, crumbly compost in a fraction of the time of traditional methods.

Simplify Composting with AUGEWEI’s Smart Electric Composters

For those who want an even easier, cleaner, and faster composting experience, AUGEWEI’s smart electric composters are designed to do the heavy lifting. These countertop devices automate stirring, control temperature and moisture, and use advanced filtration to eliminate odors.

Best of all, with their high-heat microbial technology, they can safely process materials like chicken bones and cooked food scraps that traditional piles cannot handle. This makes home composting accessible to urban dwellers and apartment residents who want to reduce their waste without hassle or mess.

In summary, successful composting starts with knowing what to avoid. Remember the 13 things not to compost, and if you’re asking, “Can I compost chicken bones?”, the answer depends on your composting system. Whether you choose a traditional tumbler or a modern electric composter, understanding how to use a compost tumbler and balancing your inputs will ensure your compost thrives.

Choose AUGEWEI for smart, odorless, and convenient composting solutions—making sustainable living easy, one scrap at a time.