🐛 10 Surprising Things You Can Compost with a Worm Bin 🌱

Are you familiar with worm bins? Did you know that worm composting is a great way to produce nutrient-rich soil for your plants while diverting organic waste from landfills?

Worms eat organic materials, and their castings (a.k.a worm poop) create a soil amendment that is high in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. It is a natural and organic way to fertilize your plants. Most people assume that worm bins are only for food scraps, but there’s plenty more you can add to your worm bin. Let’s take a look at some surprising things you can compost with a worm bin.

1. Coffee Grounds ☕

Do you start your morning with a cup of coffee? Did you know that coffee grounds are an excellent addition to your worm bin? Worms love coffee grounds and the acidity helps control the pH level of the compost. So, feel free to add some of that leftover coffee into your worm bin.

2. Dry Leaves 🍂

Fall brings an abundance of leaves and many homeowners rake them up and discard them. But, dry leaves are an excellent source of carbon for your worm bin. Shred them up and add them to your worm bin. The leaves will break down over time and create a beautiful compost that your plants will love.

3. Paper Products 📝

Most paper products such as newspaper, paper towels, and cardboard are safe to add to your worm bin. However, it’s essential to shred them into small pieces to make it easier for the worms to consume them. Avoid adding glossy paper or heavily inked paper because they may contain chemicals that aren’t good for your worms.

4. Hair and Fur 💇

Did you know that hair and fur are both high in nitrogen? Hair and fur are slow to decompose, but if you add them to your worm bin, they will eventually break down and add nutrients to your compost.

5. Eggshells 🥚

Eggshells are high in calcium and an excellent addition to your worm bin. Crush the eggshells before adding them to make it easier for the worms to consume them.

6. Tea Bags 🍵

Used tea bags can add nutrients to your compost, but make sure to remove the staple and string before tossing them into your worm bin.

7. Stale Bread 🍞

If you have stale bread, don’t throw it away! Instead, crumble it up and add it to your worm bin. Worms love bread, and it will eventually turn into nutrient-rich compost.

8. Seaweed 🌊

Seaweed is rich in calcium, magnesium, and nitrogen. It’s also high in carbon, making it an excellent addition to your worm bin. Rinse the seaweed before adding it and try to avoid adding too much at once.

9. Nail Clippings 💅

Believe it or not, but nail clippings can be added to your worm bin. They are high in nitrogen and will eventually break down into nutrient-rich compost.

10. Pet Waste 🐶

Pet waste can be composted in a worm bin, but it’s essential to do it properly. Avoid adding dog or cat feces to your worm bin because they may contain harmful pathogens. Instead, compost rabbit and guinea pig droppings, which are safe to add.

There you have it! Ten surprising things you can add to your worm bin. Remember to avoid adding meat, dairy, and oily foods to your worm bin. Happy composting!