• A brief overview of composting and its importance for businesses and restaurants.
• The environmental impacts of food waste.

• What is composting and how does it work?
• The science behind composting.

• Assessing your business or restaurant's composting needs.
• Choosing the right composting system

• Monitoring and maintaining your compost system.
• Troubleshooting common composting challenges

Grass clippings should be mixed with other compost materials to prevent matting and allow for proper aeration. Avoid adding grass clippings treated with herbicides or pesticides, as they can harm beneficial organisms in the compost pile.

Leaves are excellent additions to compost piles. Adding leaves to compost helps balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and creates a well-aerated environment.

Small twigs can be added to the compost pile, contributing both carbon and aiding in aeration. Larger twigs may take longer to decompose, so it's helpful to break them into smaller pieces before adding them to the compost.

Once your blooms have faded, toss them into the compost bin to ensure a continuous cycle of life for your garden.

Pruned branches can be added to compost piles, but they should be chopped or shredded into smaller pieces for quicker decomposition. They can adobe added for better aeration and moisture retention.

Weeds without seeds can be safely composted, provided they do not contribute to unwanted plant growth.

Rather than discarding dead plants, compost them to recycle their nutrients into the soil. However, avoid adding plants that are diseased or infested with pests, as these issues may persist in the compost.

Small amounts of unused or expired fertilizer can be composted, introducing beneficial minerals to your compost pile.

Fallen leaves, categorized as brown, bring carbon to the compost, providing structure and balance to the overall mix.

Hair is rich in nitrogen and can be added to the compost pile. It helps to improve aeration and moisture retention.

Nail clippings can be composted as they are a source of nitrogen. However, make sure to avoid adding nail clippings with nail polish or acrylics.

Dryer lint made from natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, can be composted. It adds carbon to the compost pile.

Tissues and cotton balls made of natural fibers can be composted. They help to add carbon to the compost pile. However, if tissues or cotton balls have been used with chemical products like bleaches or synthetic fibers, it's best to avoid adding them to compost to prevent contamination.

Toothpicks and wooden items, such as popsicle sticks or skewers, can be composted. These items are considered brown materials and add carbon to the compost pile, aiding in the decomposition process.

An old cotton towel or cotton clothing can be used as composting materials after shredding them into smaller pieces to facilitate decomposition.

Empty cereal boxes made of cardboard can be torn up or shredded into smaller pieces and added to the compost bin. They provide a good source of carbon and helps to balance the nitrogen-rich materials in the compost pile.

Unbleached, plain paper towels and napkins are compostable, minimizing waste from daily cleaning routines.

Toilet paper rolls, typically made of cardboard, can be shredded and added to the compost.

Shred newspaper for a carbon-rich addition to your compost, utilizing newsprint in an eco-friendly manner.

Wine corks, usually made of natural cork material, can be decomposed in the compost pile.

Wood ash, in moderation, contributes minerals and helps balance pH levels. However, it is crucial to use fireplace ashes from natural wood or untreated materials only.

Bamboo items, such as toothbrushes or kitchen utensils, can be composted. Being a natural material, bamboo adds both carbon and diversity to your compost.

Pizza boxes made of uncoated cardboard can be composted. Ensure to remove any greasy or heavily soiled parts, as they may attract pests or hinder the composting process.

Dispose of shredded paper to introduce carbon to your compost, repurposing office-related waste. Ensure the paper is free of glossy or colored ink.

Plants and flowers from the office can be composted, extending the life cycle of greenery. Remove any non-compostable elements like ribbons or floral foam.

Non-coated paper cups and plates can break down in the compost pile, offering a sustainable solution for disposable items. Make sure the cups are free of plastic lining.

Natural wood pencil shavings are compostable, turning office essentials into valuable compost material. Avoid pencils with synthetic coatings.

Break down cardboard packaging boxes into smaller pieces for effective composting. Remove any plastic or tape before composting.

Plain envelopes without plastic windows can be composted. Remove any plastic elements before adding them to the compost pile.

Paper towels used in the office can be composted, provided they are free of chemical cleaners or other non-compostable substances.

Sticky notes made of paper and adhesive can be composted, offering a simple way to recycle these office staples.

Used printer paper can be composted, making it a sustainable option for disposing of excess or outdated prints.

Paper business cards can be composted, provided they do not have any glossy or plastic coatings.

Old paper-based calendars can be shredded and added to the compost pile, ensuring they are free of any non-compostable elements.

Shed pet fur is an excellent source of nitrogen, contributing to the overall nutrient content of the compost.

Bedding materials like straw, hay, or shredded paper from your pet's living area can break down in the compost pile. However, avoid composting pet bedding made from synthetic materials or treated with chemicals.

Droppings from herbivorous pets, such as rabbits, gerbils, pigs, or hamsters, can be added to compost piles. Ensure that the droppings are from herbivorous animals only, as droppings from carnivorous pets (e.g., cats and dogs) may contain pathogens that can be harmful in compost.

Chicken manure is a potent nitrogen source, accelerating decomposition.

Goat manure is rich in nitrogen and serves as an excellent green material for composting.

Horse manure is a balanced mix of carbon and nitrogen, providing valuable nutrients.

Cow manure offers a substantial nitrogen boost, enhancing the composting process.

Fish tank water can be added to compost piles in moderation. It contains beneficial nutrients, such as nitrogen and trace minerals, which can enrich the compost. Avoid using saltwater as it may contain harmful levels of salt and other chemicals that can disrupt the composting process and harm beneficial organisms.

Feathers from birds or poultry can be composted, providing a source of nitrogen.

Unopened or expired dry pet food can be composted, providing a source of nitrogen and carbon.

Rabbit droppings mixed with hay provide a well-balanced blend of nitrogen and carbon.

Liners made of paper from bird cages can be composted, especially if they are not treated with chemicals.

Substrates like coconut coir or bark from reptile enclosures can be composted if they are natural and untreated.

Plants from aquariums, if free from disease or chemicals, can be composted.

It is rich in nitrogen and other nutrients, which contribute to the decomposition process and enhance the quality of the compost.

Whether from your hairbrush or pet grooming sessions, hair and fur are rich in nitrogen and can be tossed into your compost bin.

Natural fabrics break down easily, adding carbon and improving compost texture.

Add burlap sacks to your compost bin after ensuring they are free from synthetic materials.

Ropes and twine made of natural materials like cotton, jute, or hemp can decompose easily, providing additional carbon.

Junk mail, including paper advertisements and flyers, can be added to compost piles as brown material. They are high in carbon and break down relatively quickly, contributing to the overall structure of the compost.

Unbleached paper tablecloths can be torn into pieces and added to your compost bin.

Dispose of your Christmas tree in the compost pile, turning it into valuable mulch. Chip or shred the Christmas tree into smaller pieces to facilitate decomposition.

Natural garlands made from materials like pine cones, dried fruits, or fresh greenery can be added to the compost bin.

Jack-O-Lanterns, which are carved pumpkins, can be added to compost piles after Halloween. Pumpkins are organic materials that break down readily in composting conditions.

Crushed seashells add calcium to the compost, benefiting soil structure.

Compost biodegradable latex balloons, ensuring they are free from synthetic dyes, glues, and other additives.

Unbleached, paper cupcake liners can be composted after use.

Sawdust from untreated wood provides a fantastic source of carbon for your compost. It helps balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, adds texture, and aids in moisture retention.

Used matches, composed of wood and a small amount of phosphorus, can be added to your compost. They contribute carbon and may have trace minerals.

Cotton bags that have reached the end of their usable life can be cut into smaller pieces and composted, providing a natural and biodegradable addition.

Bamboo skewers, especially those used for grilling, can be composted as they break down naturally, adding a touch of sustainability to your compost pile.

Used potting soil or spent soil from flowers and houseplants is an excellent addition to your compost. It adds a mix of organic matter and minerals, enhancing the overall nutrient profile.

Unbleached cotton tampons and sanitary pads, free from plastic or synthetic materials, can be composted. Make sure they are made of natural fibers without additives

Biodegradable sponges can be added to compost piles. These sponges are typically made from natural materials such as plant fibers or cellulose, which break down over time in composting conditions.

Brewery wastes, such as spent grains and hops, can be excellent additions to compost piles. These materials are rich in organic matter and nutrients, including nitrogen and carbon.

Dust bunnies, which consist of dust, hair, lint, and other small particles collected in corners or under furniture, can be added to compost piles. While they may not be a significant source of nutrients, they contribute to the organic matter in the compost pile.