Important characteristics to know about this item:
Breaks Down Slowly Use in Moderation Pest Attraction Risk Odor Risk Avoid if Treated/Coated
Breaks Down Slowly
This tag identifies tough, dense, or woody materials that take a long time to decompose. Don't be surprised to find pieces of these items in your finished compost. Chopping or shredding them beforehand can help speed up the process.
Use in Moderation
This tag indicates materials that can disrupt your compost's balance if added in large quantities. This could be due to high acidity (like citrus peels) or high alkalinity (like wood ash). It's best to add these items in small amounts and mix them thoroughly with other ingredients.
Pest Attraction Risk
This tag flags items that are more likely to attract unwanted visitors like rodents, raccoons, or flies. To minimize risk, always bury these materials deep in the center of your compost pile and cover them with a thick layer of "brown" materials like leaves or shredded paper.
Odor Risk
Items with this tag can cause unpleasant odors, typically an ammonia-like smell, if not properly balanced. This usually happens when there's an excess of "green" (nitrogen-rich) material. To prevent smells, mix these items well with plenty of "browns" and ensure your pile is aerated.
Avoid if Treated/Coated
This tag applies to materials that are naturally compostable but are often treated with chemicals, glosses, waxes, or plastics that you don't want in your soil. For example, plain cardboard is great, but waxed cardboard should be avoided. When in doubt, it's safest to leave these items out.
