Compost Checklist
Table of Contents
Compost OK:
Leaves and twigs
Yard trimmings and grass clippings
Houseplants
Wood chips
Hay and straw
Sawdust
Fruits and vegetables
Eggshells and nutshells
Tea bags, coffee grounds and filters
Animal manure (from horses or cows only)
Hair and fur
Cardboard rolls
Shredded newspaper
Dryer lint and vacum lint
Cotton and wool rags
Fireplace ashes
Compost No-No's
Yard trimmings treated with pesticides
Dairy products
Meat or fish bones or scraps
Fats, oils, grease or lard
Pet Feces (from dogs, cats, or other pets)
Black walnut tree leaves or twigs
Black walnut trees release a substance during decomposition that may be harmful to other organisms.
Coal or charcoal ash
Compost Completed!
Your compost pile is done when all compost material is a uniform, crumbly product that emits an earthy aroma.
Casual composting.
Your pile could be "done" anywhere from 2 months to a year
Gourmet composing
Your pile could be "done" in about 2-4 months.
Any larger wood chunks can be filtered out and put back into a new pile.
Compost Composition
Browns.
Includes dead leaves, animal manure, branches and twigs
Greens.
Includes grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and tea bags
Water.
Your compost pile should always be moist! A dry compost pile is sick! Hydrate it!
Composting Techniques
Casual vs "Gourmet" composting
Casual takes longer, but is easier to manage and the pile will not get as hot.
There are a variety of options you have in composting within both the casual and gourmet techniques
Research in order to find the method that works best for you.
Tools You'll Need:
Water hose with an adjustable spray head
Pitchfork.
They're not just for farmers anymore!
Shovel
Rake (optional)
Casual Compost Option:
Pick a place for your pile
It should be a dry, shady area near a water source.
Add browns and greens as you collect them
Ensure larger pieces are chopped or shredded first.
Dampen dry materials as you add them.
Make sure your pile is moist!
After your compost pile has been created, mix green waste and grass clippings into the pile
Bury fruit and vegetable scraps under 10 inches of compost material
When the substance at the bottom of the pile is dark and rich in color, your compost pile is ready to use!
Download or Print this Compost Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.
Presented by:
Lauren Meir
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Details
Get rid of your natural waste, clear up your yard and fertilize your soil...the natural way! Learn how to compost with our Compost Pile Checklist. Help the environment and your home by cutting back on your garbage output. Put those grass clippings to good use!
Tips
- Both gourmet and casual composting produce great results for the environment. The only difference is how long it'll take for your compost pile to be "done."
- Fluff your pile with the pitchfork. Do this every so often to provide even air circulation and heat distribution.
- It's not as hard as it may seem. Just keep layering yard clippings with your green waste and you should have a working compost pile.
- Don't be scared of compost critters. Yes, there's a host of creatures living in your pile, but they're supposed to be there!
- Biggest composting error: Not enough water. Don't let it get dry! Make sure your compost pile is moist.
- Compost pile should have a pleasant, earthy aroma. If it smells sour or rancid, something's in there that shouldn't be! (ie, meat scraps, dairy products, or oils)
Who it's for
This Compost Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Compost essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Compost structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Compost Checklist
- Save Compost Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Compost (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.