My Zero Waste Kitchen

Your humble compost heap is full of hidden surprises! Not only can it turn your unwanted VEGETABLE PEELINGS into NUTRIENT-RICH FERTILIZER, it also works wonders with a whole host of other kitchen waste.

1 Cupcake liners

Paper cupcake or muffin liners can be added to your compost heap where they will break down quickly. Do watch out for any waxy-feeling liners that may contain an element of plastic, which you shouldn’t compost. If in doubt, leave it out!

2 Stale snack foods

Old chips, crackers, and cookies will break down fast in a compost heap, but be sure to bury them deep within the heap as they can attract unwanted visitors to your yard.

3 Cardboard

You might be used to recycling your unwanted cardboard packaging—such as egg cartons and cereal boxes, and toilet and paper towel roll tubes—but did you know that you can rip them up and add them to your compost heap?

4 Tissues and napkins

Paper tissues and napkins will break down quickly in compost. Do consider what they have been used for though. If you’ve been unwell and used tissues to blow your nose, for example, don’t compost them as you could be adding germs to your compost.

5 spices and herbs

Old spices and herbs that have lost their smell and flavor can be an extra addition to your compost heap.

6 Wine corks

Don’t trash that cork once you’ve popped it! Cork is a natural product that can be added to compost. Do watch out for synthetic corks that have been made to look like the real thing though—plastic will not break down in your compost heap.

7 Chewing gum

Whether you’ve chewed natural plant-based gum or a synthetic gum, both can be added to your compost. It will take a while to break down but will eventually biodegrade.

8 Wine and beer

Don’t pour sour wine or flat beer down the sink, they are great for compost. Both are rich in nitrogen, and beer contains yeast for good microbes to feast on. Keep an eye on the moisture levels of your compost. If it’s dry, then add the liquids, but if it’s wet, add dry material too, such as shredded paper, to balance it out.

9 Dairy products

Old milk, cream, and melted ice cream can be added to your compost in small amounts. Take care to bury them deep in your heap as they may attract pests. Mix them well with plenty of leaves to trap any odors and keep your compost balanced.

10 Cotton kitchen towels and cloths

Cloths or towels that are made from 100 percent natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, can be composted. Tear them into scraps to help them break down more quickly, but they may still take a while.