Composting is a powerful way to reduce waste, enrich soil, and contribute to a healthier planet. Most people know the basics: food scraps, yard waste, and coffee grounds are compostable. But the world of composting is far broader than you might think. Many everyday items, often tossed in the trash without a second thought, can be transformed into nutrient-rich compost. This article explores 13 surprising things you didn’t know you could compost, offering practical tips to expand your composting habits and minimize your environmental footprint.
1. Hair and Fur
Human hair, pet fur, and even vacuum cleaner lint (as long as it’s mostly natural fibers) are compostable. Hair is rich in nitrogen, a key component of compost, and breaks down slowly, adding structure to the pile. Whether it’s from a haircut, brushing your dog, or cleaning out a hairbrush, these materials can be added in small amounts. Avoid hair treated with chemical dyes or products, as these may introduce toxins. Sprinkle hair thinly across your compost to prevent clumping, and mix it well with other materials.
2. Wine Corks
Natural wine corks, made from cork oak bark, are biodegradable and compostable. They’re a carbon-rich “brown” material, helping balance the nitrogen-heavy “greens” in your pile. Chop or shred corks into smaller pieces to speed decomposition, as whole corks break down slowly. Avoid synthetic or plastic corks, which won’t decompose and can contaminate your compost. Next time you pop a bottle, toss the cork into your bin instead of the trash.
3. Used Tissues and Paper Towels
Used tissues, paper towels, and napkins can be composted, provided they’re free of harsh chemicals like bleach or cleaning agents. These paper products are carbon-rich and absorb moisture, making them a great addition to balance wet food scraps. If you’ve used them with chemical cleaners or for heavy grease, toss them in the trash instead. Composting tissues from sick days is generally safe, as pathogens typically die off during the composting process, especially in hot piles.
4. Cotton and Wool Scraps
Old cotton or wool clothing, rags, or fabric scraps are compostable if they’re 100% natural fibers. Cut them into small pieces to help them break down faster. Avoid synthetic blends (like polyester or nylon) or fabrics treated with dyes or chemicals, as these won’t decompose and may leach harmful substances. That old cotton T-shirt or wool sock with holes? Give it a new life in your compost pile.
5. Toothpicks and Bamboo Skewers
Wooden toothpicks, bamboo skewers, and even small wooden utensils can be composted. These items are carbon-rich and break down over time, though they decompose slowly. Break them into smaller pieces to speed up the process, and ensure they’re untreated and free of plastic coatings. If you’ve hosted a barbecue with bamboo skewers, don’t toss them—add them to your compost.
6. Dryer Lint
Dryer lint, especially from natural fibers like cotton or wool, is a surprising compost candidate. It’s a dry, carbon-rich material that helps balance moisture in the pile. However, lint from synthetic fabrics (like polyester or acrylic) or clothes washed with chemical-heavy detergents may not be ideal. Check your laundry load: if it’s mostly natural fibers, feel free to sprinkle the lint into your compost. Avoid overloading, as lint can mat together.
7. Expired Spices and Herbs
That jar of expired paprika or dried thyme sitting in your pantry? Don’t throw it out—compost it. Expired spices, dried herbs, and even loose-leaf tea add small amounts of organic matter to your pile. They’re considered “green” materials due to their nitrogen content. Sprinkle them sparingly to avoid attracting pests, and mix them well with other compost ingredients. Tea bags are compostable too, but remove any staples or synthetic mesh first.
8. Cardboard and Paperboard
Cardboard boxes, toilet paper rolls, and paperboard (like cereal boxes) are excellent compostables. These are carbon-rich “browns” that add structure and absorb excess moisture. Shred or tear them into smaller pieces to hasten decomposition, and remove any tape, stickers, or plastic coatings. Greasy pizza boxes are fine, but scrape off heavy food residue. Soak cardboard in water before adding it to help it break down faster.
9. Nail Clippings
Fingernail and toenail clippings are compostable, as they’re made of keratin, a protein that decomposes over time. Like hair, they’re nitrogen-rich and can be added in small quantities. Avoid painted nails or clippings with nail polish, as these may contain chemicals. Scatter clippings evenly to prevent clumping, and mix them with other materials. It’s a small but effective way to reduce waste.
10. Natural Loofahs and Sponges
Natural loofahs (made from the luffa plant) and sea sponges are fully compostable. They’re carbon-rich and break down relatively quickly in a compost pile. Cut them into smaller pieces to speed up the process. Avoid synthetic sponges or those treated with antibacterial agents, as these won’t decompose and may harm your compost’s microbial balance. Next time you replace your loofah, toss it in the bin.
11. Egg Cartons (Paper-Based)
Paper-based egg cartons are a fantastic addition to your compost. They’re carbon-rich, absorb moisture, and break down easily when torn into pieces. Soak them in water or bury them deep in the pile to accelerate decomposition. Avoid foam or plastic egg cartons, which aren’t compostable. If you buy eggs regularly, these cartons can become a staple in your compost routine.
12. Feathers
Feathers from pillows, crafts, or even your backyard chickens are compostable. They’re nitrogen-rich, like hair and nail clippings, and decompose slowly, adding nutrients to the pile. Scatter them thinly to avoid matting, and mix well with other materials. Ensure feathers are clean and free of synthetic dyes or treatments. If you’re decluttering old feather pillows, consider composting the contents instead of trashing them.
13. Stale Bread and Grains
Stale bread, crackers, pasta, rice, and other grains can be composted, though they require care to avoid pests. These are “green” materials due to their nitrogen content. Break them into small pieces and bury them deep in the pile to deter rodents and insects. Avoid adding large quantities at once, as this can slow decomposition or attract unwanted visitors. Moldy bread is fine, as the composting process will handle the mold.
Tips for Successful Composting
To make the most of these unusual compostables, follow these best practices:
- Balance Greens and Browns: Compost needs a mix of nitrogen-rich “greens” (like food scraps, hair, or spices) and carbon-rich “browns” (like cardboard, corks, or dryer lint). Aim for a roughly 1:3 ratio of greens to browns for optimal decomposition.
- Chop or Shred: Large or dense items (like corks, cardboard, or fabric) break down faster when cut into smaller pieces. Use scissors, a shredder, or a knife to prepare them.
- Bury Food-Based Items: Stale bread, spices, or greasy paper towels should be buried deep in the pile to avoid attracting pests.
- Turn Regularly: Aerate your compost by turning it every few weeks to speed decomposition and prevent odors.
- Monitor Moisture: Your compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge. Add dry materials like cardboard or dryer lint if it’s too wet, or water if it’s too dry.
- Avoid Chemicals: Skip items with synthetic coatings, chemical treatments, or heavy dyes, as these can harm the microbial ecosystem in your compost.
Why Compost These Items?
Composting these surprising materials has multiple benefits. First, it reduces landfill waste. Organic matter in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas, whereas composting converts it into valuable soil amendment. Second, it enriches your garden soil, improving water retention, aeration, and nutrient content. Third, it saves money on fertilizers and waste disposal. By composting items like hair, corks, or cardboard, you’re not only reducing waste but also creating a resource for healthier plants.
Common Misconceptions
Some people hesitate to compost unusual items due to myths or concerns. Here are a few debunked:
- “Composting attracts pests.” Properly managed compost piles, with food scraps buried and a good balance of materials, rarely attract pests. Turning the pile regularly and covering fresh additions helps.
- “These items take too long to decompose.” While hair, corks, or bamboo skewers break down slowly, chopping them and maintaining a hot pile (above 130°F) speeds things up.
- “It’s too complicated.” Composting is as simple as tossing in materials and turning occasionally. Start small, and you’ll get the hang of it.
Getting Started
If you’re new to composting, begin with a backyard bin, tumbler, or worm composter. Add a mix of traditional items (like vegetable peels and leaves) and experiment with these unusual ones. Check local regulations, as some areas have specific composting guidelines. If you lack space, look for community composting programs or drop-off sites. Many municipalities now offer curbside composting, making it easier than ever.
Conclusion
Composting is a versatile, eco-friendly practice that goes beyond banana peels and grass clippings. From hair to wine corks to stale bread, these 13 surprising items can find new life in your compost pile. By incorporating them, you’ll reduce waste, enrich your soil, and take a meaningful step toward sustainability. So, next time you’re about to toss that old cotton sock or used tissue, think twice—your compost pile might just thank you.