Part 4/7:
For successful at-home composting, materials must break down completely, leaving no toxic residue. These organic materials generally produce carbon dioxide, moisture, and nutrient-rich humus as byproducts of decomposition.
A useful rule of thumb: If it can be eaten or grown, it can usually be composted. In the context of composting, materials fall into two main categories:
Green Materials (Nitrogen-Rich)
Green materials are typically wet and help maintain moisture within the compost, breaking down quickly. Examples include:
Fruit and vegetable scraps (think potato skins, broccoli stalks, apple cores, and corn husks)
Non-acidic fruit peels like banana peels and avocado skins
Coffee grounds and tea leaves (just be wary of tea bags that contain plastic)