Composting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce household waste and give something back to the planet. By turning your food scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost, you’re not just keeping rubbish out of landfill, you’re creating something that helps your garden thrive.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your routine, here are our top tips for smarter composting at home.

1. Know What You Can (and Can’t) Compost

A successful compost pile needs the right ingredients. It’s all about balance.

Compost this (Green & Brown materials):

• Fruit and veg peelings
• Tea bags (plastic-free)
• Coffee grounds and paper filters
• Grass clippings
• Garden prunings
• Eggshells
• Cardboard (e.g. toilet roll tubes, cereal boxes)
• Paper towels and napkins (unbleached)

Avoid composting:

• Meat and dairy
• Cooked food
• Oily or greasy scraps
• Pet waste
• Glossy or plastic-coated paper

2. Aim for a Green/Brown Balance

Too much food waste (greens) can make your compost slimy and smelly. Too many dry materials (browns) and it won't break down properly.

The sweet spot: roughly 2 parts brown to 1 part green. That could mean balancing veg scraps with shredded newspaper or dry leaves.

 3. Turn Your Compost Regularly

Air is key to speeding up decomposition and preventing bad smells. Every few weeks, use a garden fork or compost aerator to turn the pile and mix everything up. This adds oxygen and helps the compost break down evenly.

4. Keep It Moist (But Not Wet)

Your compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge—not too dry, not too soggy. If it’s looking dry, sprinkle some water on it. If it’s too wet, add more brown materials like cardboard or dry leaves.

 5. Use a Kitchen Caddy

Make composting a daily habit by keeping a small caddy or container in your kitchen. Empty it regularly into your compost bin or brown bin. This helps avoid smells and makes it easier for the whole family to get involved.

6. Keep It Clean and Pest-Free

To keep flies and rodents away:

• Avoid adding cooked food or meat
• Keep the lid tightly closed
• Bury fresh food waste under dry materials
• Clean your kitchen caddy weekly with mild soap

 7. Use Your Compost!

After a few months (depending on the method and materials), you’ll have rich, dark compost ready to use. Spread it around your flower beds, vegetable garden, or potted plants to improve soil structure and add valuable nutrients.

 Bonus Tip: Use Thorntons Recycling’s Organic Bin Service

Don’t have the space to compost at home? No problem! Our brown bin service makes it easy to dispose of your food and garden waste the right way. We ensure your organic materials are processed into compost at licensed facilities—so even if you can’t do it at home, you’re still making a difference.

Ready to start composting smarter?
Whether it’s in your back garden or through our collection service, composting is a small change that makes a big impact. At Thorntons Recycling, we’re here to support your greener lifestyle every step of the way.

For more tips, services, or to order your brown bin, visit www.thorntons-recycling.ie

You can also make composting with your kitchen caddie easier using Hope Eco’s compostable 10L or 30L bags! Be sure to make use of Thorntons Recycling’s partnership with Hope Eco by using the discount code THORNTONS10 to get 10% off! Click on the ad below to avail of this great offer!