Composting is one of the easiest ways to cut down on household waste, and many people already know the basics like tossing in fruit scraps, vegetable peels, and coffee grounds. What often gets overlooked are the everyday items that end up in the trash even though they can break down perfectly well in a compost pile.
A lot of common household waste can actually help create rich compost for your garden instead of filling up a garbage bag. Once you know what to look for, composting becomes a lot simpler and more useful than most people expect.
These 10 everyday items might surprise you, but they’re all things you can start adding to your compost pile instead of throwing away.
Tea Bags and Coffee Filters
Most paper
Paper Towels and Napkins
If you’ve used paper towels just to dry your hands or wipe up water, they’re perfect for composting. Since they’re made from natural fibers, they break down quickly and add a good dose of carbon to balance out your kitchen scraps. Tear them into smaller pieces to speed things up.
Old Spices
That jar of paprika that’s been sitting in your cupboard for years? Toss it into the compost. Even old or expired spices add nutrients to your pile while helping keep your kitchen clutter-free.
Cardboard Egg Cartons
Plain cardboard egg cartons are great for composting. They’re full of carbon and help soak up moisture from food scraps. Tear them into smaller pieces for quicker decomposition.
Related: How to Start Seeds in an Egg Carton
Wine Corks
Real corks (not plastic ones) are a surprising compost addition. They’re made from tree bark and will eventually break down in your pile. Chop them into smaller pieces first to help them decompose more quickly.
Tissue Paper
Leftover tissue paper from gifts, if it’s free of glitter or coatings, makes a quick-to-break-down compost material. It’s another easy way to add more carbon to your compost.
Shredded Newspaper
Newspaper can be a great help in balancing a compost pile, especially when mixed with wetter kitchen scraps. Stick to the non-glossy pages, and shred them into smaller strips to help them decompose faster.
Stale Bread
Bread that’s gone stale or even moldy doesn’t have to go to waste. Tear it into small chunks before adding it to the compost to help it break down more quickly and avoid attracting pests.
Nut Shells
Peanut, walnut, and almond shells can all go into the compost bin. Since they break down slowly, it’s best to crush them before adding them.
Beer
Like wine, beer can also give your compost pile a little boost. Its sugars promote microbial activity and accelerate decomposition. Pour small amounts in at a time to keep the balance right.
