Only certain types of waste are allowed so that the individual components can easily decompose on your compost. A large number of materials, on the other hand, are completely unsuitable for the Rotte.

In a nutshell

  • Compost consists of several layers and different components
  • raw kitchen waste, leaves and clippings are ideal for rotting
  • especially easily rotting waste of organic origin is recommended
  • Waste from ingredients that have already been prepared or entire dishes are completely unsuitable
  • Waste of animal origin is completely forbidden on the compost heap

Compost: Appropriate waste and components

To help you, we have prepared a leaflet with the permitted and non-permitted waste for your compost for you to download free of charge.

If you want to create a compost heap, the waste used is important for the decomposition processes. The rotting can only work if there are sufficient quantities that decompose quickly and easily. For this reason, certain wastes are preferred that should primarily end up on the compost heap:

  • leftover fruit and fallen fruit
  • leftover vegetables
  • algae

Leftover fruit and vegetables must be raw or rotten for the compost heap. They decompose extremely quickly and are one of the basics of compost. Algae should not be too wet unless the compost is too dry. However, algae should not be placed on the surface, but lifted underneath, as they dry out quickly. Pretty much any seaweed can be used, whether it's species from your pond or an expired pack of nori. They just shouldn't be prepared with oil or spices. In addition to kitchen waste, a large amount of garden and plant waste is permitted. You should not add individual plants completely, but only chopped them up. The following is an overview of suitable plant waste:

  • leaves
  • Grass clippings (ideally not damp)
  • pruning
  • flower
  • balcony plants
  • indoor plants

Notice: Don't worry, you can even add poisonous plants to the compost heap. They do not pose a health hazard, as the toxins are completely broken down into harmless substances.

Conditionally suitable waste for the compost

In addition to the waste that is easily suitable for the compost, there is a whole list of components that you should only use in small quantities for the composting. They tend to rot slower or would overload the pile if you put too much of them in the compost at once. You should definitely take note of this. The following list gives you an overview of the ingredients that you should only add "dosed":

  • eggshells (be sure to crush or grind)
  • Coffee grounds and organic coffee filters
  • Teabag
  • Herb plants (without seeds)
  • wood ash
  • sawdust, sawdust
  • Newsprint (printed black)
  • cardboard, paper
  • Kitchen or toilet paper (without chemical bleach)
  • handkerchiefs
  • straw leftovers
  • old bucket soil (must not be rotten)
  • Feces of herbivorous pets
  • Excretions from herbivorous livestock (self-sufficient garden)

Unsuitable components

The number of unsuitable waste for the compost is large. These are materials that rot poorly or not at all, that enrich the rotting with pollutants or that attract pests. They are not suitable for the compost heap and must be disposed of properly. In any case, the following animal waste is prohibited:

  • meat
  • fish
  • bone
  • Offal
  • boiled or raw eggs
  • cured meats
  • protein-rich foods such as cheese
  • other dairy products

It doesn't matter whether you dispose of them cooked, fried or raw. They contain large amounts of proteins and fats that do not rot. Due to the intense odor development, rats, mice and other pests are attracted, which feast on the leftovers. Another problem is leftovers from dishes and baked goods. Bread, cakes or a bad lasagne may only be disposed of in the household waste and does not belong on the compost heap. Peels of the following fruits are not allowed on the compost due to the use of large amounts of pesticides:

  • bananas
  • all citrus fruits
  • pineapple
  • other tropical fruits
  • melons

Only the skins of unsprayed fruit are allowed. Unfortunately, tropical fruits in particular are rarely completely free of pesticides. For this reason, as a precaution, always dispose of them in the household waste. In addition to the kitchen waste, there is a whole range of waste that has no place on the compost heap. You must dispose of these with household waste, as they either do not rot or slow down the decomposition processes:

  • ash (clumps)
  • cat litter (clumps)
  • cut flowers (usually sprayed)
  • color printed paper, cardboard or magazines
  • heavy rotting foliage (alternatively shred beforehand)
  • vacuum cleaner bags
  • diapers

Notice: Do not dispose of waste such as glass, metal, composite packaging or plastic in the rotte. Batteries, oils, paints, residues of medicines and of course chemicals are also prohibited, as these could contaminate the soil and groundwater.

frequently asked Questions

When may green waste and plant residues not be composted?

when they are sick. It doesn't matter whether it's green waste or the cuttings of your trees and shrubs, they must not be infected by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The pathogens could continue to spread throughout the garden, which is a particularly big problem with fungal diseases. Clippings from diseased plants should only be disposed of in the residual waste.

Which weeds should not be added to the compost?

If you remove flowering weeds, the flowers usually contain established seeds. The seeds can still be spread around the garden on top of the compost pile, resulting in the weeds not being able to be removed permanently. Root weeds, on the other hand, continue to grow even in the compost and are therefore completely unsuitable for rotting.

What should be considered before layering the compost?

In order for the individual components to be able to decompose without problems, they must be small enough. In the case of household waste, this is usually not a problem, while larger waste absolutely has to be shredded. Clippings, suitable potted plants or cardboard should be cut or torn into pieces no larger than 50mm. This will cause them to rot faster.

How is the Rotte layered?

Compost heaps must not compact. For this reason, start with a layer of brushwood and coarse prunings, enriched with ripening compost. This is followed by a layer of dried twigs and branches, as well as leaves or grass clippings. The top layer consists of kitchen waste and garden leftovers. You can work in garden or compost soil between the layers.

What should be considered when creating a compost?

Humidity is a key factor. The pile should not be too wet or too dry. A fresh, damp compost is ideal so that the decomposition processes can run smoothly. If the heap is too dry, rotting stops and takes much longer. If the humidity is high, the mass rots or becomes moldy.

Category:

Garden maintenance