Can citrus peels go in compost?
Yes! Citrus peels are perfectly compostable. While they contain d-limonene (a natural pesticide), this breaks down quickly in hot compost. Chop citrus peels into 1-2 inch pieces and avoid adding more than 20% citrus to your bin at once. The myth about citrus harming compost comes from worm bins: worms don't like acidic citrus, but traditional compost bacteria handle it fine.
What about avocado pits and corn cobs?
Both are compostable but very dense. Whole avocado pits take 12-24 months to decompose. Smash pits with a hammer or chop into quarters to reduce breakdown time to 3-6 months. Corn cobs take 6-12 months whole, or 2-4 months if chopped into 1-inch segments. Some commercial facilities won't accept them due to slow decomposition.
Can I compost rotten or moldy produce?
Absolutely! Moldy and rotten produce is ideal for composting. Decomposition has already started. The mold you see is beneficial fungi breaking down the organic matter. Just remove any stickers or packaging first. The only exception is produce with plant diseases (late blight, powdery mildew) which may survive in home compost and infect future plants.
Do onions and garlic kill beneficial compost organisms?
This is largely a myth. While onions and garlic contain antimicrobial compounds, they don't harm compost bacteria in normal quantities. Use them freely in outdoor compost. The only concern is worm bins: excessive onions and garlic can irritate worms, so limit to 10-15% of worm bin contents.
Should I wash produce scraps before composting?
A quick rinse for very dirty scraps helps, but thorough washing isn't necessary. Soil on vegetables adds beneficial microorganisms to compost. However, rinse scraps contaminated with cleaners, chemicals, or excessive pesticides. Organic produce scraps don't need rinsing at all.
Can I compost cooked vegetables?
Yes, but it's better to use municipal composting programs for cooked vegetables. Cooked veggies attract more pests than raw scraps and may contain oils, butter, or salt. If home composting cooked vegetables, bury them 8-12 inches deep in the center of your pile and avoid adding large quantities.
How long does it take for vegetable scraps to turn into compost?
In an actively managed hot compost bin (turned weekly, proper moisture), vegetable scraps break down in 2-4 weeks and finished compost is ready in 4-8 weeks. In a passive pile, scraps decompose in 6-12 weeks with finished compost in 6-12 months. Chopping scraps into smaller pieces reduces time by 50%.
Can I put produce with stickers in my compost?
No! Remove all produce stickers first. PLU stickers are made of plastic or vinyl and never break down. They contaminate finished compost with microplastics. Over 14 billion produce stickers are used annually in the US, and removing them before composting prevents this pollution.
