Do you compost bread?

Putting bread in a composter is a bit controversial. Some people do not recommend it while others do. The truth is that bread can be added to compost, but you cannot put too much. If you run a “regular” household where you use up all bread you buy, and only once or twice a week you get some leftovers, you may put them in your composter. But do not create a single layer of bread. That may happen if you have too many leftovers. A thick layer may get mouldy or start fermenting.

Bread in compost

The advantage is that bread decomposes relatively quickly (to speed up the process, break bread into small pieces). Bread will add nitrogen to the compost pile and you are not wasting any food, which everybody hates. Bread (unlike dairy products) will not damage the balance of the compost and will not slow down the composting process.

Photo: Pixabay

Downside of bread composting

One of the reasons why people do not put bread in compost is that it attracts pests, such as rodents and reptiles. But if you have a composter with a lid for example, you should not have any problems.No pests can get in. A good idea is to cover pieces of bread with another layer or substance. That should also deter pests.

How to compost bread

First of all you need to break leftovers into smaller pieces before adding them in the composter. This will speed up decomposition and give pests less time to notice and find it. Try to bury bread in the middle of the compost. That is where the heat is and heat speeds up the decomposition process. Do not let pieces of bread stick out. Cover them with a layer of sawdust or dry leaves (bread contains carbon and nitrogen and the amount of these two substances should be equal to achieve efficient decomposition).

Stale or mouldy bread

What if your bread is mouldy? Can it be composted? Well, mouldy bread is even better! This means that the decomposition process has already begun. Given the fact that bread is higher in nitrogen, it is classified as green materials, which should make up about one third of the compost.

Composting other materials

Any kitchen produces many leftovers and organic stuff similar to bread and you may add the stuff to your composter. Pasta for example may be added – but it should not be covered with sauce, which could disrupt the balance. Pasta with oil may be a problem, because oil slows down the decomposition process.Sweet pastries and cakes can also be added (the same bread composting rules apply). You just need to take into account that the sugar may attract many pests, such as ants. Always try to maintain the fastest decomposition process possible.

Source:

https://www.kompostuj.cz/index.php?id=162&backPID=162&tx_faq_faq=57

Can You Compost Bread? (Composting Bread made Simple)

Preview photo: Pixabay