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Composting is one of the simplest ways to reduce household waste while boosting your garden. While most people know to add items like fruit peels and coffee grounds, there are many everyday items you might be throwing away that could actually help your compost pile.

Surprisingly, some pretty common stuff can break down into rich, healthy compost. Here are ten everyday items you might not have realized you can compost.

compost pile — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Tea Bags and Coffee Filters

Most paper coffee filters and many tea bags can be composted. Just make sure the tea bags aren’t made with synthetic fibers. Both add a lot of organic material to your pile.

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

seasonings and condiments in pantry jars — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

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.

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.