Paper is an excellent addition to your compost pile, but not all paper products are compostable. The general rule: only compost 100% paper products free from gloss, wax, or chemical coatings (such as BPA or plastic).

Examples of paper you can compost:

• Newspaper

• Unbleached Paper Towels*

• 100% Paper Plates

• Napkins*

• Shredded Paper

• Toilet Paper*

*Ensure these are free from contamination by chemicals, bodily fluids, or oil.

Paper you should avoid composting:

• Parchment Paper

• Magazines or Glossy Paper

• Wrapping Paper (unless labeled compostable)

• Receipts (thermal paper often contains BPA)

• Used Tissues or Toilet Paper

For more details on composting paper products click here.

Cardboard is an excellent compostable material that provides much-needed carbon to your compost pile. However, some cardboard products are not suitable due to coatings, adhesives, or chemical treatments.

Examples of cardboard you can compost:

• Egg Cartons

• Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Rolls

• Takeout Pizza Boxes*

• Shoe Boxes (uncoated)

• 100% Cardboard Packaging (e.g., shipping boxes, paperboard inserts)

• 100% Cardboard Products

*Only compost sections that are free from grease and oil

Cardboard you should avoid composting:

• Frozen Food Boxes (typically lined with plastic or wax)

• Cereal Boxes (often have a glossy coating)

• Beverage Carriers (e.g., soda/beer boxes, which are moisture-resistant)

• Glossy or Coated Cardboard (e.g., gift boxes or coated product packaging)

• Cardboard with Stickers, Tape, or Labels (unless removed first)

Tips for composting cardboard:

• Tear cardboard into smaller pieces to help it break down faster.

• Avoid adding too much cardboard at once—balance it with "green" materials like food scraps!

Food waste is a fantastic addition to your compost pile, providing essential nutrients for healthy soil. All food waste (Cooked or Raw) is compostable! This includes, but is not limited to:

• Fruits and Vegetables (peels, cores, scraps)

• Eggshells

• Coffee Grounds and Filters

• Solid Dairy/Non-Dairy Alternatives (e.g., cheese, plant-based cheese)

• Legumes and Mushrooms (Fungi)

• Bread, Pasta, Rice, and Other Baked Goods

• Fish Scraps, Meat, and Bones

• Shells from Seafood (e.g., lobster, shrimp)

• Flour, Sugar, and Pantry Staples (expired or unusable)

• And Many More!

What to Avoid in Food Waste Composting:

• Greasy or Oily Foods: Oils take a long time to break down and can create anaerobic conditions.

• Dairy Liquids: Milk and yogurt may attract pests or produce unpleasant odors.

• Spices in Bulk: Large quantities can alter the compost's pH balance.

Tip: Balance food waste (nitrogen-rich "greens") with carbon-rich "browns" like cardboard or dry leaves.

Coffee grounds, filters, and even tea bags are excellent additions to your compost pile! These items break down quickly and provide rich nitrogen to your compost. Just make sure the filters are free of plastic coatings, strings, or staples, as these materials won’t decompose. Opt for unbleached or natural filters whenever possible for the best results.

Plants, flowers, petals, lawn clippings, and other natural yard waste are perfect for composting! These materials add essential nutrients and structure to your compost pile.

Examples of compostable plant material:

• Fresh or dried flowers and petals

• Lawn clippings

• Leaves (shredding larger leaves can speed up decomposition)

• Small branches and twigs

• Weeds

• Non-toxic houseplants

Tips for composting plants:

• Avoid plants treated with chemical pesticides or herbicides.

• Mix "green" yard waste (e.g., fresh clippings) with "brown" materials (e.g., dry leaves) to maintain a healthy balance.

Yes! Pet food can be composted just like other food waste. Dry kibble, wet food, and even expired or spilled pet food are all suitable for composting.

Yes! Both human and pet hair can be composted, as long as it hasn’t been dyed or treated with chemicals. Hair is a rich source of nitrogen and breaks down well when mixed with other compostable materials.

Items made from 100% silk, wool, or cotton are compostable, as these are natural materials that break down easily. However, blended fabrics containing synthetic fibers (like polyester or nylon) cannot be composted, as they will not decompose properly.

Tips for composting natural fabrics:

• Cut larger fabric pieces into smaller strips to speed up decomposition.

• Remove any non-compostable components, such as zippers, buttons, or tags.

• Avoid composting dyed fabrics unless the dyes are plant-based or labeled as safe for composting.

Yes! Tobacco can be composted, as it is a natural material that decomposes well. However, cigarette filters and butts cannot be composted, as they are typically made from plastics or fiberglass, which do not break down in compost.

Tips for composting tobacco:

• Only add loose tobacco or the tobacco from cigarettes to your compost pile.

• Ensure no filters, wrappers, or synthetic components are included.

• Compost tobacco in moderation, as large amounts can introduce excess nicotine, which may harm beneficial microbes in your compost.

Corks and objects made from cork can be composted, but only if they are 100% natural cork. Synthetic corks, often made from plastics, cannot be composted as they do not break down.

Tips for composting cork:

• Break corks into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.

• Remove any non-cork materials, such as labels or plastic tops, before composting.

• Ensure the cork is free from coatings, stains, or adhesives that might interfere with the composting process.

Yes, certified compostable products can be composted, but it’s important to check whether they are suitable for home composting or require industrial composting facilities (like WasteNot). Certified compostable items are designed to break down fully into nutrient-rich compost under specific conditions.

Examples of certified compostable products:

• Compostable utensils, plates, and cups

• Compostable bags

• Compostable coffee pods

• Packaging materials labeled “certified compostable”

Important considerations:

• Look for certifications like BPI Certified Compostable to ensure the product meets composting standards.

• Some certified compostable items, like thicker packaging or utensils, may not break down in backyard compost piles and are better suited for industrial composting.

• Always remove non-compostable components (e.g., stickers, plastic liners) before composting.

Still can’t find what you are looking for here?

Generally speaking, “if it grows, it goes!” Anything once living can be composted. At WasteNot, we are able to accept a wide variety of items due to being on the industrial level.

Still not sure? Feel free to contact us with your questions, and we’ll help you determine whether your item can be composted.