Making compost
We have provided you with a list of information about what you can add to your bin to make the best compost. Aim for a balance of 50% greens and 50% browns in your compost bin to get the right mix.
Greens
Greens are quick to rot and provide important nitrogen and moisture.
- animal manure with straw
- annual weeds
- brussels sprout stalks
- carrot tops
- citrus peel
- coffee grounds
- comfrey leaves
- cut flowers
- deadly nightshade plants
- fruit peelings and pulp
- fruit seeds
- grass mowings
- hedge clippings
- house plants
- ivy leaves
- old bedding plants
- perennial weeds
- poisonous plants
- rhubarb leaves
- soft pruning’s and plant debris
- tea leaves and bags
- vegetable peelings and pulp
Browns
Browns are slower to rot, provide carbon and fibre and allow air pockets to form.
- autumn leaves
- cardboard
- Christmas trees
- corn starch liners
- cotton towels
- cotton wool
- egg boxes
- eggshells
- evergreen prunings
- hair
- natural corks
- nuts
- paper bags
- privet
- straw
- sweetcorn cobs
- thorny prunings
- tomato plants
- used kitchen paper
- vacuum cleaner contents
- wood ash
- wool
Don't add
Certain things should never be placed in your compost bin.
- bones
- bread
- cans
- cat litter
- cigarette ends
- cling film
- coal ash
- crisp packets
- dairy products
- disposable nappies
- dog faeces
- dog food
- drink cartons
- meat and fish scraps
- olive oil
- plastic bags
- plastic bottles
- soiled tissues