Why Compost Craft Waste?

Benefit Description
Reduces Landfill Waste Diverts organic materials from landfills, where they produce methane.
Creates Nutrient-Rich Soil Produces a valuable soil amendment for gardens and plants.
Reduces Carbon Footprint Less waste sent to landfills means fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Compostable Craft Materials

Material Type Examples Notes
Natural Fibers Cotton, wool, linen, silk (undyed/natural dyes) Cut into small pieces to speed decomposition. Avoid synthetic blends.
Paper & Cardboard Paper scraps, cardboard tubes, egg cartons (uncoated) Shred or tear into small pieces. Avoid glossy or heavily inked paper.
Wood & Plant Matter Sawdust (untreated wood), wood shavings, dried flowers, leaves Ensure wood is untreated and free of glues/finishes.
Food Scraps Fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags Standard kitchen compostables.

Non-Compostable Craft Materials (Avoid)

Material Type Examples Reason to Avoid
Synthetic Fibers Polyester, acrylic, nylon Do not break down, release microplastics.
Treated Wood Plywood, MDF, painted wood Contains glues, resins, or chemicals.
Glitter & Plastics All types of glitter, plastic beads, plastic packaging Non-biodegradable, harmful to environment.
Metals Wire, metal findings Do not decompose, can contaminate compost.
Heavily Glued/Inked Paper Glossy paper, heavily printed paper Chemicals can harm compost.

Setting Up Your Composting System

System Type Pros Cons Best For
Compost Bin (Outdoor) Large capacity, good for garden waste. Requires outdoor space, can attract pests if not managed. Gardeners, those with larger volumes of organic waste.
Vermicomposting (Worm Bin) Odorless, can be done indoors, produces worm castings. Requires managing worms, smaller capacity. Apartment dwellers, those wanting nutrient-rich fertilizer.
Bokashi Composting Ferments food scraps, can compost meat/dairy. Requires special bran, needs a secondary burial/compost. Those with limited space, wanting to compost all food waste.