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What cannot be composted?

There are certain food types and garden wastes which should not be put in your home compost bin and are summarised in the following table:

 

Do not Compost Why it can't be composted
Raw and cooked meat, bones Attract pests
Poultry and Fish Attract pests
Dairy products Attract pests
Greasy oily food such as mayonnaise or butter Attract pests and decompose slowly
Dog and cat litter May contain pathogens
Non-biodegradable (plastics, glass, metals) Will not decompose
Glossy papers and magazines The glossy coating will not decompose
Weed seeds Spreads weeds
Diseased plant material Danger of spreading disease to other plants
Garden waste recently sprayed with pesticide Chemicals need time for thorough decomposition.
Sawdust and wood shavings from treated wood Chemicals need time for thorough decomposition
Disposable nappies, used paper tissue Could potentially contain pathogens (disease causing organisms)

Updated: 21/09/07

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