Types of Waste
The diversity of organic waste is far and wide, but most can fit into a few categories. Such as food waste, lawn debris, manure, wood, grains and so on. Let’s look at what they are made of see what will break them down.
Food Waste:
fruits and vegetables - Most are great in a vermicompost (redworm) and limited use in an aerobic compost (due to the moisture content). Citrus waste would do best in an aerobic compost since the PH levels do inhibit the bacteria from attacking the waste.
coffee/tea- Limited use in a worm compost (can lower PH to much), great in an aerobic compost especially in the winter, the bacteria thrive on it and fungi enjoy the carbon content.
Meats and dairy are not good for compost. This is likely to attract pests and pathogens that you would not want.
grains, breads and cereals are great in an aerobic compost since it's sugar content is so high and water content low it will feed the bacteria that cause your compost to heat up. You can use very limited amounts in a worm compost for long term feeding if you are going to be away for a week or more.
cooked/processed foods- cooked foods with oils added are great in a larvae compost, but no so much in other compost. Larvae can feed on this and grow creating a high protein by-product for feeding animals.
Lawn Debris:
Grass/hay - this is high in nitrates and is an essential ingredient to aerobic composting. This is the part that feeds the bacteria that makes the compost hot. Hay is also good for its carbon content ratio for aerobic composting. Do not use fresh grass in a worm compost.
Leaf debris/straw/small shrub clippings is a great carbon amendment for aerobic compost and worm compost. The percentage of fiber (carbon) present is great for aeration in a worm compost and aerobic compost. I prefer to aerobically compost this first before I use it for a bedding in a worm compost.
Manure: