What can I put in my compost bin?

If you are going to compost at home only put the following materials into your compost bin:

Greens Browns
kitchen waste compost leaves twigs grass
Egg shells (crushed if possible) Fish and chip paper
Fruit remains Hay/Straw
Grass cuttings (mix different materials with grass cuttings) Leaves
Kitchen waste (uncooked) Paper towels/napkins
 Plant trimmings and flowers Prunings (non woody)
 Raw vegetable peelings and fruit Shredded paper / soft card
 Tea bags and coffee grounds Wood ash and shavings
 Weeds (not gone to seed)  

No thanks...

  • Books please recycle.
  • Cans, tins and aerosols - please recycle.
  • Cardboard - please break up and recycle.
  • Carpets and underlay - Please call for a free special collection service on 01228 817200 or take it to the Household Waste Recycling Centre for disposal.
  • Chemicals; please contact Customer Services on 01228 817200 to arrange safe disposal.
  • Clothes textiles - take to charity shops/textile banks.
  • Coal ash
  • Cooked or baked food
  • Cork - large pieces
  • Diseased plants
  • Dog and cat droppings
  • Foil and food trays please recycle.
  • Glass jars and bottles - please recycle.
  • Human faeces or other body waste
  • Larger bits of timber - You can recycle these at the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Carlisle
  • Meat or fish (cooked or raw)
  • Nappies
  • Newspapers/Office paper - please recycle.
  • Plastics please recycle.
  • Vacuum cleaner dust
  • Very thick hedge prunings - You can place these in your garden waste wheeled bin if you have one or take them to the Household Waste Recycling Centre for recycling.
  • Wall paper strippings

How long does the composting process take?

The composting process usually takes six to 18 months. If you place your compost bin in the sun it can help to speed up the process.

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Contact us

 01228 817000

Carlisle City Council
Civic Centre, Carlisle, Cumbria,
CA3 8QG