Now that you’ve gotten your brand-new electric composter, you might be wondering: what’s safe to compost and what should you avoid? This guide will cover everything you need to know.

Things You Can Add to Your Composter

• Weeds and Dead Houseplants: Perfect for those with a garden. Include unwanted weeds, dead plants, and even small garden debris.
• Nuts, Beans, and Seeds: Great for composting as long as they’re not salted or processed.
• Soft Bones (Fish): Ensure they are small and soft for better decomposition.
• Soft Shells: Eggshells, shrimp shells, and other soft shells are compost-friendly.
• Fruit and Vegetable Scraps: This includes peels, cores, and even overripe produce.
• Food Leftovers and Plate Scrapings: Sauces, dressings, and meal scraps can be composted in small amounts.
• Dairy Products: Small quantities of cheese or yogurt are acceptable.
• Meat Scraps: Fish, poultry, and soft meats are fine, but avoid hard bones.
• Coffee Filters, Grounds, and Tea Bags: Excellent nitrogen-rich materials for composting.
• Small Amounts of Starches: Bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes break down easily.
• Sauces and Purees: Leftover jams, smoothies, or dressings in moderation are compostable.

Food Waste Pairing Tips for Better Compost

• Combine fruit peels with coffee grounds to balance nitrogen and carbon levels.
• Layer vegetable scraps with eggshells to improve aeration and decomposition.

Items You Should Never Add to Your Composter

• Candy and Gum
• Flammable Materials (Alcohol)
• Compostable Tableware
• Hard Bones (Beef, Pork, Lamb)
• Cooking Oils, Grease, or Liquids
• Large-Grain Fruit Cores (Peach Pits, Avocado Seeds)
• Diapers, Wipes, or Hygiene Products

These things can and will damage your composter, so take care not to add them in. Damage from these items will void your warranty, just a head’s up!

For optimal compost, make sure to cut up large food/rigid stems/fibrous vegetables (for example: corn/corn husk, flower stems, Fiber plant, etc.) so that they don't get stuck during the grinding process. 

How to Use Your Finished Compost

• For Houseplants: Gradually add compost to pots to avoid overwhelming the plants.
• For Gardens and Lawns: Sprinkle compost evenly and work it into the soil to enrich your yard.
• Community Donations: Donate surplus compost to local gardens or farms.
• Public Mulching: Check with local landscaping companies for composting opportunities.

Enjoy your electric composter and the satisfaction of reducing kitchen waste. Share your composting journey with us at support@airthereal.com!