Contents
In today’s post, we will discuss “What Can You Compost and What Can You Not Compost” – We will discuss on the materials that can be used and those to be avoided in composting at home, plus the Ideal Carbon Nitrogen and the Green to Brown Ratio explained.

Introduction to Composting
Composting is a controlled and accelerated process of breaking down organic matter into nutrient-rich compost. There are two main methods of composting: Aerobic Composting and Anaerobic or Bokashi Composting.
Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Composting
Aerobic Composting
Aerobic composting utilizes the natural processes of rotting and decay by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen, producing heat. This method is sometimes called hot pile composting.
Anaerobic or Bokashi Composting
Anaerobic composting, or Bokashi composting, is carried out by microorganisms in the absence of air, resembling a fermentation process.
Essential Components for Aerobic Composting
Aerobic Composting requires four key elements: Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Water. Proper composting relies on maintaining the right Carbon to Nitrogen (C:N) ratio.
Carbon and Nitrogen Ratio
- Carbon (Browns): Carbon-rich materials are known as Browns.
- Nitrogen (Greens): Nitrogen-rich materials are known as Greens.
What Can You Not Compost
Before diving into what you can compost, it’s important to know what to avoid:
- Prohibited Materials: Glass, metal, and plastics.
- Avoid: Oil, fat, meat, fish, or dairy products (can attract pests).
- Hard Materials: Woody branches, stems, or roots (slow decomposition).
- Miscellaneous: Rubber bands, latex condoms, diapers, metallic objects.
What Can You Compost
Browns
Browns are carbon-rich materials that are mostly dried and woody. They are crucial for balancing the compost and preventing odors.
- Dry fallen leaves
- Dried flowers
- Wood chips
- Twigs
- Straw
- Shredded paper and cardboard
- Toilet paper rolls
- Coffee filters and tea bags
- Sawdust
- Pine needles
- Nut shells
- Wood ash
Greens
Greens are nitrogen-rich, wet materials that are vital for a balanced compost.
- Vegetable scraps
- Fruit scraps
- Fresh grass clippings
- Animal manure (excluding cat or dog poop)
- Bird or poultry droppings
- Egg shells
- Tea and coffee grounds
- Human and animal hair
Green to Brown Ratio and Carbon:Nitrogen Ratio
Ideal C:N Ratio
The ideal Carbon to Nitrogen (C:N) ratio for aerobic composting is generally 25 to 30:1. This means 25 to 30 parts carbon-rich material to 1 part nitrogen-rich material.
Using the C:N Ratio
- Misinterpretation Warning: The C:N ratio describes the chemical composition of materials and does not imply that you need thirty times more browns than greens by volume.
- Green to Brown Ratio: For beginners, a 2:1 or 1:1 Green to Brown ratio is recommended.
Golden Tips for Ideal Composting
- Batch Pile: A 2-to-1 ratio of Greens to Browns is ideal, achieving approximately a 30:1 C:N ratio for a hot pile.
- Add as You Go Pile: A 1-to-1 ratio is safer for beginners, creating a 50:1 C:N ratio for a warm pile.
In our Next posts of this composting series, we will demonstrate how to do Aerobic Composting and Anaerobic or Bokashi composting at home.
Please Watch a detailed video on the materials you can use for composting at home below: