As a general rule, compost can be made from "anything that will decay" but it is important to include and eliminate certain types of ingredients.

Citrus peel and Onion skins are 2 organic ingredients to leave out of a home compost heap. While these ingredients will decay in time, it is likely they will still be in solid state when the rest of the heap has finished.

Raw and cooked meat should also be avoided in your compost heap. Although these can be classified as organic, in that they will decay over time, they will also attract mice and rats to your compost heap and this needs to be avoided.

Large pieces of wood or branches should be shredded before adding to the compost heap.

Inorganic materials such as stones, metal, broken glass, plastic and similar items should not be added to your compost heap. Small pieces of metal such as staples or paperclips can be included as these will generally rust in a short period of time.

Glossy paper such as old catalogues should be avoided unless they have been shredded and soaked in water for a week or so prior to adding to the heap.

© 2007 Eric J. Smith