CAN YOU COMPOST MEAT?

Organic composting has been getting extremely popular with many gardeners and even home cultivators on account of the pandemic. Many people that I know of have taking up gardening as a new hobby but composting all your household and yard waste is definitely an eco-friendly lifestyle. If you’re just starting out with composting and wondering if meat is a good option to compost then let me tell you that meat is organic and can be composted; however there are certain things that you must consider before you take that route. 

Tips to compost meat 

Always keep away from adding animal products and meat to the home compost bin, but if you are keen to compost meat follow a few additional steps in order to safely compost. 

Issues with meat composting 

You can always compost all organic matter however; it is always recommended to avoid all animal products that include eggshells, dairy, bones, and meat to the pile. The concern is not about it decomposing But the meat could be bacteria infected with E Coli and salmonella making you ill. Adding infected meat may spread bacteria’s to the entire compost and transfer these diseases to the plants that are growing in the garden. 

Meat also attracts various animals to the pile this can include certain pests like flies and rodents. Meat also emits a bad order therefore if you’re planning to add it to your bin you must make sure that it is kept at a distance from your home and outdoor gathering places. 

Composting meat 

If you plan to use meat with the compost pile, always make sure that it is placed in the center and bury all the meat under multiple layers of composting material. Practice methods of hot composting to kill bacteria that are dangerous and could be present within the meat.

The compost pile has to reach a certain temperature and to make sure it reaches that temperature the pile must be three feet tall, long, and wide. If the pile is small, it would not receive the required temperatures. Make sure that you own or thermometer specialized for the compost in order to keep a track of the temperature within the pile. Always make sure that the pile has a balanced ratio of browns and greens. Green materials are items like vegetable and fruit scraps along with coffee grounds. Brown materials are everything from your yard right from your twigs to the leaves. Always make sure that your compost is moist and not wet.

The compost pile must be frequently turned once in a couple of days in order to get optimal results. If you want to make sure that dangerous microbes are not present in the compost you can always heat it and frequently turn the pile. During winter it takes longer for the process.  

At the end of the day, it is depends on you. Carefully consider the information that I have shared in this article and if we see yourself what is convenient for you. If you wish to compost meat go for it however, to follow certain important protocols. Do share your experience with us. All the best!

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