Composting is a magical process where kitchen waste transforms into rich, black soil. While most people know that fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and paper towels can be composted, there are some unexpected items that can also go into your compost bin.
Clearly Compost
Here are some of the weirdest things you can compost to create black gold:
1. 100% Cotton Balls and Q-tips
Surprisingly, 100% cotton balls and Q-tips can be composted along with cardboard Q-tips. Just make sure to avoid those with plastic stems.
2. Dryer Lint From Natural Fiber Clothing
Collect dryer lint from clothing made of 100% natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and silk to add to your compost pile.
3. Coffee Grounds and Paper Filters
Don’t discard used coffee grounds and paper coffee filters; they can make a great addition to your compost bin.
4. Fur and Hair
Instead of tossing hair clippings and pet fur in the trash, add them to your compost pile where they biodegrade quickly.
5. Stale Food
In addition to fruit and vegetable scraps, consider composting stale bread, crackers, expired spices, and plain rice or pasta.
6. Paper and Cardboard
Recycle paper and cardboard by composting them. They can serve as brown materials to balance out the green materials in your bin.
7. Clothing
Clothing made from 100% natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and silk can be composted, provided non-compostable items like buttons and zippers are removed.
8. Natural Wine Corks
After recycling wine bottles, compost natural wine corks to hide the evidence of your love for wine.
9. Vacuum Debris
Add the contents of your vacuum cleaner bag or canister to your compost, as long as they don’t contain non-compostable materials like plastic.
10. White Glue and Masking Tape
Compost white glue and masking tape used in arts and crafts to add a little culture to your compost pile.
Editor’s Note: Originally published on March 30, 2016, this article was updated in May 2024.
