Common Materials for Composting in Your Own Home

Studies show that 40% of our household waste is biodegradable. Ideally, you would not look too far to obtain a viable set of materials to keep it going. The beauty of composting is that it transcends locations and resources because you can derive your composting materials from basically anything.

As you begin your composting journey, it is advisable to review which part of your home has the best resource for your composting. The composting process takes time, so you need to place your compost bin(s) at a place where you can easily add materials as you monitor. 

Here is a quick way of reviewing what items you should include in your compost:-

Kitchen / Dining 

Spoiled vegetables and fruits, or their peels, old spices, serviettes and carton boxes are great for your compost. Unfortunately, we have established that the bags which replaced plastics in Kenya do not break down well, do not include these. When you go to the supermarket, ask for the bags used to pack bales of flour or carton boxes. This way, you will get good brown matter for your compost bin. 

Bathroom

Tissue paper rolls are good for compost. Some more brown matter here. 

Backyard Garden

If you have a backyard or outdoor garden, you are fortunate to have access to one of the richest places you can find organic material. Leaves, grass and twigs are great candidates for composting.

Bedroom

Old cotton clothes and newspapers are great too for adding to your compost bin.

A Word of Caution

Despite the wide variety of items that can be considered for composting, there are still exceptions to organic materials. Never include diseased plants in your compost pit, as well as any form of weed. Also part of the list of things that you are not supposed to include as composting material includes dead animals, faeces of your pets, bread, meat or bones, dairy products, grains, cooking oil or any derivative of it.

Another thing to consider is the size of your compost and the ratios you need to be mindful of to make your compost alive and kicking all the time. This way, you will never have a dull moment in filling up your compost bin. 

If you categorize your waste and manage your ratios you will be very successful and no doubt you will enjoy it too!