You can put most plant-based kitchen scraps and yard waste in a compost bin, but some things should always stay out.

Compost bin basics

A typical home compost bin likes a mix of “greens” (wet, nitrogen-rich) and “browns” (dry, carbon-rich).

Aim for roughly 1 part greens to 2–3 parts browns by volume so it doesn’t get slimy or smelly.

What goes in a compost bin (greens)

These are the moist, fresher materials that help the pile heat up and break down faster.

  • Fruit and vegetable peels and scraps (cores, tops, rinds, etc.)
  • Coffee grounds and paper coffee filters
  • Tea leaves and tea bags (only if the bag is plastic‑free/compostable)
  • Fresh grass clippings (in thin layers so they don’t mat)
  • Fresh green plant trimmings and weeds that haven’t gone to seed
  • Crushed eggshells (they break down slowly but are fine to include)
  • Small amounts of fresh manure from herbivores only in outdoor systems (e.g., rabbit, chicken, horse; avoid pet waste)

What goes in a compost bin (browns)

Browns keep your compost light, airy, and smelling like soil instead of garbage.

  • Dry leaves and small twigs
  • Shredded, plain cardboard and paper (no glossy or plastic‑coated)
  • Paper towel and napkins so long as they’re not soaked in chemicals or meat grease
  • Shredded paper bags and paper egg cartons (no plastic film or tape)
  • Straw and hay (untreated)
  • Sawdust and wood shavings from untreated wood only
  • Dried plant stems and dead houseplants (no pests or disease)

A simple example:

  • Toss in a bowl of veggie peels and coffee grounds (greens), then cover them with a few handfuls of shredded cardboard and dry leaves (browns). Repeat that “lasagna” pattern as you go.

What NOT to put in a compost bin

Some items attract pests, introduce disease, or break down too slowly for home systems.

  • Meat, fish, bones, and fatty foods (oils, butter, cheese)
  • Dairy products and large amounts of cooked food or leftovers
  • Pet waste from cats and dogs, used litter, or human waste
  • Diseased plants or plants heavily infested with insects
  • Weeds that have gone to seed or aggressive invasive plants
  • Large branches, thick wood, or treated/painted wood
  • Glossy or plastic‑coated paper, synthetic fabrics, or anything labeled “biodegradable” but not certified compostable
  • Metal, glass, plastic, and produce stickers

Quick Scoop: simple rules to remember

  • If it ever lived and is plant‑based (and not oily or treated), it probably belongs in the compost bin.
  • Always cover fresh food scraps with a layer of dry browns to keep smells and flies down.
  • When in doubt about a weird package or “compostable” product, leave it out unless you know your local program accepts it.

SEO notes

  • Focus phrase used: “what goes in compost bin” in headings and explanations for clarity and search relevance.
  • This overview reflects current home‑composting guidance from environmental agencies and sustainability resources as of 2024–2026.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.