Yes | In Moderation | No |
|---|---|---|
Fruit and vegetable peelings | Human and pet hair | Cat and dog faeces or litter |
Salad scraps | Autumn leaves (shredded) | Non-organic products e.g. glass, and plastic |
Coffee grounds | Nettle tops | Meat or fish products |
Tea Bags | Larger prunings (useful at the bottom to assist drainage and aeration) | Large woody materials |
Horse manure | Hay and straw if the heap is too soggy | Persistent weeds |
Soft prunings - e.g. privet | Diseased plants | |
Old plants and flowers | Coal ash | |
Woody prunings - they will break down quicker if they are in small pieces | Plants treated with chemicals | |
Weeds (unless they are persistent) | Fatty foods | |
Vegetable patch trimmings | Nappies | |
Bedding from vegetarian pets e.g. rabbits and guinea pigs | ||
Farmyard manure | ||
Grass cuttings - if you have lots then add some newspaper or the composter may get soggy |
The following items can all be composted and many people do so successfully. However, for the reasons listed below, we cannot recommend it, and will leave the decision up to you.
Eggshells: Eggshells will break down and add structure to your compost heap; however, they may be attractive to rats and other rodents so the decision is yours. If you have any problems with rats please contact the Pest Control section on: 020 8583 5082.
Vacuum cleaner dust: General dust is fine, but your vacuum cleaner may contain other items such as paper clips, ash and cigarettes or man made fibres. Many people add dust into their composters with no problems.
Rhubarb leaves: Although these are poisonous they are not a problem in small amounts.
Contact us
Waste and Recycling Services
London Borough of Hounslow
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
Tel: 020 8583 5555
Fax: 020 8583 5134
E-mail: recycling@hounslow.gov.uk
