Quick Answer: Can We Compost Vitamins?
Yes, we can compost expired vitamins but in limited doses. It may degrade in soil into simpler substances that will be absorbed by the plant roots. You may crush the medicines into powder and sprinkle them on the regular compost pile for easier decomposition. However, more scientific research studies are required to validate the composting of unused vitamins.
Are you wondering if you can compost vitamins?
If yes, you have come to the right place. This is a detailed information guide on composting vitamins with ease.
Read ahead to know more!
Contents
Can We Compost Vitamins?
Yes, we can compost expired vitamins in your compost pile. However, it is advisable to use them in moderation.
They may degrade in the soil and provide the essential nutrients for the plants.
It is suggested that expired vitamins may raise seed vigor and offer lush, healthy plants.
Moreover, research shows that expired vitamins do not become toxic. They may lose potency when exposed to high temperatures and moisture.
But, a high concentration of these vitamins can be harmful to plants. It may affect their metabolic processes.
More scientific studies are required to understand if we can compost unused vitamins. If yes, what is the maximum tolerable concentration by the plants?
How To Compost Vitamins With Ease?
The expired vitamins may be thrown into a regular compost pile. It is preferable to grind and sprinkled them all over the pile.
The different steps involved in using composting vitamins are –
1. Grind old vitamins
You may crush the old vitamins. You may use a coffee grinder to do the work. Do not add the tablets with the bottle or packaging.
Sprinkle the powder
You may sprinkle the powder on the compost pile.
2. Mix in organic matter
You may toss organic matter and water. Ensure that you are maintaining the right balance of green and brown materials.
Turn the pile once a week using a shove. Let the rot begin.
3. Collect the compost
You may collect the compost once you notice a mushy and earthy smell.
Role of nutrients present in the expired pills on plant development?
The multivitamins may help in increasing seed vigor and the growth of the plants. Vitamin D3, folic acid, nicotinamide, and vitamin B12 may assist in plant growth.
The vitamins that help in plant development are
- Vitamin D3 – It helps in root formation and seed germination. It works especially during the pruning season.
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C along with folic acid may increase seed vigor and performance of seedlings.
- Nicotinamide – It results in improved physiological and biochemical parameters. It may increase plant height, leaf number, and seed yield.
- Vitamin B12 – It is water-soluble and may be easily absorbed by plants. It helps in plant growth.
What Are The Alternate Ways Of Using Vitamins On Plants?
You may use expired vitamins as fertilizer for plants. You may either mix them with fertilizers or water the plants with dissolved pills.
Crush the pills into a fine powder. Dissolve the expired pills in distilled or boiled water. Dilute them and water the plants once a month.
One of the vitamins that may work is vitamin B12. It has been shown to improve nutrient uptake in plants.
Some gardeners mix these vitamins with plant fertilizers. You may spread them around the plants.
For example, supplements with calcium may help in eliminating stunted growth.
Check out this video on using expired medicine as fertilizer:
Can We Compost Vitamin Package?
It depends on the material of the package. The different raw materials used for packaging vitamins are glass, plastic, metal, rubber, and composite materials. These may not be composted as they are harmful to the soil and environment.
Newer vitamins come in pouches with renewable raw materials, including starch, wood pulp, or cellulose.
They may be added to the compost pile with a healthy balance of soil, temperature, moisture, oxygen, and microbes.
Manufacturers claim it may take 6-12 weeks to compost them. However, more research is required on the compostability of these pouches.
Alternatively, you may recycle them at your community recycling depot.
FAQs
EPA and DFA do not recommend flushing the old vitamins. It may leach into the water bodies and cause safety issues. They may be harmful to marine life and humans. You may mix the vitamins with coffee grounds or kitty litter and throw them away.
The plants require nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to attain their best growth potential. They may benefit from the application of vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Vitamin B supplements may increase yield, vitamin C appears to improve photosynthesis, and vitamin E may increase the longevity of crops.
Bottom Line
I hope this guide has provided some tips and tricks on composting vitamins.
Please let me know your experiences in composting them.