Organic Waste recycling
How to Recycle Manure
Animal waste from livestock and pets.
RecyclableUpdated Jul 2026
Quick answer
Manure from herbivores like horses, cows, chickens, and rabbits is a strong compost and garden amendment, but aged isn't the same as pathogen-safe. Killing E. coli, Salmonella, and other pathogens takes a hot compost that holds 131-140°F for weeks, which many home piles never reach, so wait at least 90-120 days after applying raw or aged manure before harvesting food crops. Never use dog, cat, or pig manure, which can carry parasites that infect humans.
- Recyclable
- Yes
How to Prepare
- 1Compost manure with carbon-rich bedding like straw before applying it to a garden
- 2Turn the pile regularly and aim for a sustained 131-140°F to kill pathogens; time alone isn't enough
- 3Wait at least 120 days after applying raw or aged (not hot-composted) manure before harvesting root crops, leafy greens, or strawberries, and at least 90 days for other crops, per UNH Extension
