What Can I Compost?

The biggest question around composting is usually “what can I compost?” and “what can’t I compost?” Starting out composting can be a bit overwhelming at first, but we’ve gathered an easy to read reference list. One thing to note- there is a definite difference between what you can compost in your backyard and what you can compost at your community drop off/curbside pick up! But have no fear – we’ve got both lists for you.

Community + Curbside Compost

Note: This list is specific to Pound Ridge and the Ulster County Composting center. Please consult your local composting center for the most accurate list in your area. For more information on how to sign up for either of these programs, click here.

What You CAN Compost
  • BPI Certified Compostable Bags (no plastic bags)
  • Food Scraps and Leftovers:
    • Fruits and Vegetables, cooked or uncooked (remove stickers, bands and ties)
    • Meat and Poultry (bones ok)
    • Fish and Shellfish (shells ok)
    • Dairy Products
    • Bread and Pasta Rice and Grains
    • Egg Shells
    • Chips and Snacks Nuts and Seeds (shells ok)
    • Leftover and Spoiled Food
    • Coffee Grounds (paper filters ok)
    • Cut Flowers
  • Food-soiled Paper:
    • Tea Bags (no staples or nylon tea bags)
    • Food-soiled solid natural brown or white Paper Towels and Napkins
    • Uncoated paper plates and cups
What You CAN'T Compost
  • BPI-certified labeled serve ware consisting of plates, cups, containers, and utensils*
  • BPI-certified or regular wax paper*
  • BPI-certified or regular parchment paper*
  • Paper egg cartons
  • Coated paper plates or cups
  • Dyed pattern printed or solid colored paper napkins, paper towels and tissues
  • Aluminum foil
  • Plastic wrap
  • Plastic bags
  • Plastic film
  • Plastic of any kind
  • Chemical or Bodily fluid-soiled paper bags, paper napkins, paper towels and tissues
  • Take out containers
  • Pizza boxes
  • Juice boxes and pouches
  • Rubber bands and twist ties
  • Produce stickers
  • Paper towel tubes
  • Toilet paper tubes
  • Cardboard
  • Clean or soiled wooden popsicle sticks
  • Clean or soiled wooden chopsticks
  • Clean or soiled natural corks
  • Coated wrappers like chip bags
  • Glass
  • Metal
  • Foam
  • Animal feces or cat litter
  • Wipes of any kind (including biodegradable)
  • Yard waste
  • *Of all BPI certified products, only BPI Certified bags are acceptable

    Download Community+Curbside What Can I Compost list

    Backyard Compost

    With backyard composting, you’ll want to have a mixture of both “browns” (dry, carbon-rich plant materials) and “greens” (moisture, nitrogen-rich plant materials). Every time you add greens to your compost, be sure to also add browns. The optimal brown (carbon) to green (nitrogen) ratio is 30 to 1. While composters aim for that perfect ratio, the composting process will still happen, just not as efficiently.

    What You CAN Compost
    • Browns:
      • Autumn Leaves
      • Straw
      • Woodchips
      • Sawdust (from untreated wood)
      • Twigs
      • Shredded Paper
    • Greens:
      • Fruits and Vegetable scraps, cooked (if cooked with no fats or meat/fish/dairy) or uncooked (remove stickers, bands and ties)
      • Bread and Pasta (if cooked with no fats or meat/fish/dairy)
      • Rice and Grains (if cooked with no fats or meat/fish/dairy)
      • Eggshells
      • Nuts and Seeds (shells ok)
      • Leftover and Spoiled Food
      • Coffee Grounds (paper filters ok)
      • Cut Flowers
      • Tea Bags and Leaves
      • Houseplants
      • Fresh leaves
      • Prunings
      • Grass Clippings (if not chemically treated)
      • Cardboard (with no ink or tape and cut into small pieces)
      • Cotton and Wool Rags
      • Dryer and vacuum cleaner lint
      • Hair and fur
      • Fireplace ashes
    What You CAN'T Compost
  • Meat and Poultry of any kind (including bones)
    • Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
  • Fish or Shellfish
    • Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
  • Fat, Oil, and Butters
    • Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
  • Dairy
    • Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
  • Any compostable or biodegradable products (serve ware, cups, plates, wipes etc)
    • Takes too long to break down naturally
  • Diseased or Insect Ridden Plants or Plant Trimmings
    • Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plants
  • Anything that has been treated with pesticides
    • Might kill beneficial composting organisms
  • Paper towels, napkins, tissues, and toilet paper
    • Takes too long to break down naturally
  • Black walnut tree leaves or twigs
    • Releases substances that might be harmful to plants
  • Coal or charcoal ash
    • Might contain substances harmful to plants
  • Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter)
    • Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans
  • Download Backyard What Can I Compost list

    Close
    Earth Day Everyday © Copyright 2022
    All rights reserved.
    Close