How to Compost at Home

5. Materials to Avoid

Do not put dog, cat, pig, or human manure in compost because the feces might contain parasites or bacteria that cause illness. Inorganic materials such as plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, used cat litter, particleboard, and plywood can not be composted. Avoid meat, bones, poultry, fish, whole eggs, fats, grease, and oils because they create foul odors, encourage the growth of harmful bacteria, and attract animals or bugs. Make sure sawdust or wood chips are not from pressure treated or chemically preserved wood. Pressure-treated wood usually has a recognizable greenish tint and may contain arsenic.