What can I put in my benchtop compost caddy?

Composting is a fantastic way to reduce your household waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. If you’re using a benchtop compost caddy, it’s essential to know what can go in there to ensure your composting process is effective and efficient. As a result, here’s a guide to help you get the most out of your composting efforts.

For extra help, you can also explore our composting accessories.

What Things CAN Go in My Benchtop Compost Caddy (kitchen composting guide)

To answer this, we need to not only think about what organic household waste can be diverted from landfill, but also consider what makes good compost feedstock. With that in mind, here’s some sure-fire inclusions:

Fruit and vegetable scraps (ideal food scraps for composting)

Fruit and vege scraps are ideal for composting. They break down easily and provide valuable nutrients. Throw in your apple cores, banana peels, carrot tops, potato peels, and lettuce leaves.
However, avoid adding citrus peels as they can disrupt the composting process and make your compost too acidic.

Coffee grounds and tea bags (compost-friendly kitchen waste)

Coffee grounds are a rich source of nitrogen and can help balance your compost. Used tea bags are also compostable, but make sure they don’t contain synthetic materials. If you use tea bags, check if they’re made from compostable materials. Some tea bags are made with plastic.

Eggshells

Eggshells add valuable calcium to your compost. Crush them before adding to your caddy to speed up the decomposition process. In addition, rinse the eggshells first to reduce any potential odours.

Paper towels and napkins

Used paper towels and napkins that are free from grease and cleaning chemicals can go into your compost. They provide carbon to balance the nitrogen-rich scraps. If possible, shred paper products before adding them to help them break down better.

You may also find our compostable kitchen products.

Small amounts of bread and pasta

Small quantities of bread and pasta can go in your compost, although they should not make up a large portion. They can attract pests and create odours if overused. Therefore, tear bread into small pieces to help it decompose faster.

What should I AVOID putting in my compost caddy?

Avoid adding:

• Meat

• Dairy

• Oils

• Cooked foods

• Pet waste

• Diseased plants

• Weeds with seeds

• Plastic, metal, glass, or synthetic fibres

Meat, dairy, and oils

Avoid adding meat, dairy products, and oils to your benchtop compost caddy. These items attract pests and create odours, and they simply don’t break down well in a home composting system.

Cooked food

Cooked foods, especially those with sauces or spices, can be problematic. They can create an imbalance in your compost and attract unwanted pests.

Pet waste

Cat and dog poop or any other pet waste can contain harmful pathogens and should never be added to your compost.

Diseased plants and weeds

Avoid adding diseased plants and weeds to your compost, because they can spread diseases and weed seeds to your garden.

Non-compostable materials

Materials like plastic, glass, metal, and synthetic fibres do not break down and contaminate compost, so they should stay out of your compost caddy entirely.

Check with your local council (composting rules and guidelines)

These are general guidelines, but if you’re sending your contributions off to be commercially composted, it always pays to check with your local council or the composting facility to see if they have specific exclusions.
If you’re home composting, by following these guidelines, you’ll be on your way to creating rich, healthy compost that benefits your garden and reduces your environmental impact.

Happy composting!