Composting Challenging Organic Waste Safely

Composting Meat, Bones, Dairy, and Pet Waste: What You Need to Know

Composting is an excellent way to recycle organic waste, enrich soil, and help the environment. However, when it comes to composting meat, bones, dairy, and pet waste, many backyard composters face a dilemma. Most home composting guidelines advise avoiding these materials entirely. Reasons for taking a cautious approach and specialized methods for those determined to compost challenging materials.

Why Avoid Meat, Bones, Dairy, and Pet Waste?

There’s a good reason why experts caution against composting meat, bones, dairy, and pet waste. Here’s a breakdown of the issues associated with each type of material:

Meat & Bones

Meat and bones decompose much more slowly compared to other organic materials. The addition of these items can lead to:

• Odors: Decaying meat emits strong odors which can be unpleasant and may attract unwanted pests.
• Pests: Rodents and insects are often drawn to the smell of meat, which can lead to infestations in your compost pile or garden.
• Pathogens: The presence of meat increases the risk of harmful bacteria entering your compost, which can survive the composting process if not managed properly (Power Knot, EPA).

Dairy Products

Dairy, such as cheese and milk products, present similar problems. Their high moisture and fat content can lead to:

• Excess Moisture: Dairy can make the compost pile too wet, leading to an anaerobic environment that slows the composting process and results in foul odors.
• Spoilage: Dairy products spoil quickly and can contribute to the overall unpleasantness of your compost pile (Power Knot).

Pet Waste

Pet waste, especially from cats and dogs, can contain harmful pathogens and parasites. Key concerns include:

• Health Risks: Some pathogens can survive the composting process, especially if the compost pile does not reach high enough temperatures. This can pose health risks to humans and plants (EPA).

 

What Trusted Sources Advise

Given these issues, both the US EPA and the composting community emphasize the importance of avoiding these materials in home composting systems:

• The US EPA explicitly recommends against adding meat, bones, dairy, and pet waste to home compost piles due to potential health risks and odor issues (EPA).
• While some composting facilities use advanced methods to manage these materials, they are not typical for backyard composters; many facilities incorporate high-heat processes to safely break down such waste (Compost Now).

Some proponents of alternative composting methods suggest it may be possible to compost meat, bones, and dairy using techniques such as bokashi fermentation or deep burial in a secure bin. However, these approaches require more effort and carry additional risks (The Grow Network, Permies).

Special Composting Methods

For those eager to incorporate these materials into their composting, several specialized methods exist, but they require diligence and monitoring:

Bokashi Fermentation

This is a unique anaerobic process that utilizes a mixture of beneficial microorganisms. Here’s how it works:

1. Fermentation: Meat and bones can be placed in a sealed container with bokashi bran (inoculated wheat bran). The bran ferments the scraps.
2. Following Steps: Once fermented, the material can be added to your compost or directly to the soil, where it will break down more effectively (Permies).

Hot (Thermophilic) Composting

If you can maintain high temperatures (above 140°F or 60°C) in your compost pile, you may be able to safely break down:

• Meat & Dairy: Consistently maintaining these temperatures can kill harmful pathogens, making this a viable option for composting these materials.
• Challenges: This method requires careful monitoring and regular turning of the compost pile to ensure adequate aeration and temperature control (The Grow Network).

Deep Burial in Varmint-Proof Bin

This approach involves burying meat and dairy deep within a compost pile, surrounded by a substantial amount of carbon-rich material to help mask odors and deter pests. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose a Secure Site: Ensure you use a bin that is secure against pests and rodents.
2. Add Layers: Bury the problematic materials deep in the center of the pile. Over time, the surrounding carbon-rich matter aids in decomposition and minimizes odors (The Grow Network).

 

Composting Service Options

For those who want to dispose of meat, bones, and dairy without the hassle, many commercial composting services and some municipal programs have the infrastructure to handle these materials. These facilities use advanced methods that maintain high temperatures, eliminating odors and pathogen risks (Compost Now).

 

Summary Table: Can You Compost These Items at Home?

Material	Standard Home Compost	Commercial Compost Facility	With Special Methods
Meat	No	Yes	Yes*
Bones	No	Yes	Yes*
Dairy	No	Yes	Yes*
Pet Waste	No	Sometimes**	Not recommended

*Special methods include bokashi or hot composting, but require extra care.
**Some commercial facilities accept certain pet wastes, but always check first.

Key Takeaways

• Avoid at Home: For standard backyard composting, steer clear of meat, bones, dairy, and pet waste for a healthy and effective compost system (Power Knot, EPA).
• Consider Special Methods: Advanced techniques such as bokashi fermentation, thermophilic composting, or deep burial are options but require careful management and awareness of the associated risks (The Grow Network, Permies).
• Local Services: Consult local composting services to see if they accept these materials, offering a safe disposal route (Compost Now).

In summary, while composting meat, bones, dairy, and pet waste is technically feasible with advanced methods, it is generally advisable to leave these items out of your home composting system due to potential odor, pest issues, and health risks (Power Knot, EPA).

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