What Can You Put In A Compost Bin

Throwing kitchen scraps into my compost bin

Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing my used vegetable, fruit and flower scraps go straight into my makeshift compost bin to create more fertility for my veggie patch. I’m obsessed.

I’ve tried a few different compost bin set ups and the main thing I've learned is it's a simple process that doesn't need to be complicated!

The main question I get asked a lot is what can you put in a compost bin? I’ve included a list of what I put in my bin below (both the green and brown materials) that have always turned into amazing compost months later.

I’ve got quite a lot to say on the topic of composting, so if you would like more information about the different types of composting, compost bins and how long it takes, check out my Simple Home Compost Guide below.

Getting amongst the compost in my backyard (above)

What Can You Put In Compost Bin | Home Edition

Composting is essentially about layering and creating a balance between wet and dry materials. I add the wet/green scraps in (like vegetable peels) first, then cover them with dry/brown material I have on hand (like newspapers or dried grass clippings) and build on it each week. I also throw any old soil in the mix too. Here’s what you can put in a compost bin:

Green/wet material: Veggie scraps even onions, fruit scraps even lemons, flowers that have died, egg shells, and coffee grinds.

Brown/dry material: Egg cartons, newspapers, grass clippings from mowing, dried leaves, and cardboard.

Kitchen scraps ready to be composted, including a lemon

My makeshift compost bin in my backyard that worked a treat

Looking for more information? Download my Simple Home Compost Guide or check out All The Garden Products I Use.