In Brief: Can You Compost Bread?
Are you unsure of whether or not bread can be composted? Is it even possible to compost bread? You may be surprised to learn that composting bread is not only possible, but it is also actually a good ingredient to add to your compost mix, when done correctly. Simply throwing bread on your compost pile is not going to yield the results you want. This article looks at the benefits of doing it and the easy steps for composting bread.
If you regularly find that you have leftover bread, then you might want to consider adding them to your compost pile.
Since bread is an organic matter, it is perfect for compost, and unlike dairy products, it does not slow down composting or imbalance your pile.
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Benefits of Composting Bread
With many people actively engaging in food waste, reusing leftover bread is essential and necessary.
Breaks Down Quickly
Bread when composted breaks down very fast. When exposed to moisture, the results will be much quicker. We would recommend cutting the bread into small pieces for best and fast results.
It is also a better option for your compost as it does not cause an imbalance.
In addition to that, it is a source of nitrogen that provides proteins and amino acids for the compost. So instead of throwing out the leftover bread in your kitchen, consider using it in your compost.
Good for the Environment
Composting bread is also good for the environment as it helps in reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers have many harmful effects on the soil, such as affecting the pH and killing some useful microorganisms in your soil.
Composting bread, therefore, is a better option for your compost. The quick breakdown of bread when exposed to moisture will leave behind healthy soil.
It also helps the soil recover from recent contamination by chemical waste.
Maintains Soil Moisture
If you are not looking to water your soil regularly, then you should consider composting bread as it helps the soil maintain the moisture.
The moisture is also useful in assisting in the breakdown of bread. As you garden, you will get healthier and bigger yields, courtesy of the compost’s constant moisture and nutrient supply.
Possible Issues of Composting Bread
Should you decide to use bread in your compost, there are a few things you should consider.
Needs to Be Cut Up
If you regularly have bread in your kitchen and some of it is to be disposed of, you don’t have to rush out to the compost every time. You could store them in a plastic bag until you eventually take them to the compost pit.
Just remember to cut them up into little pieces to increase decomposition speed. You also have to beware of the odors.
When storing them, look for a caddy with charcoal filters. They prevent odors.
Attracts Pests and Rodents
Bread tends to draw rodents and other pests to your compost. This can be such a nuisance, and many people do not enjoy having them in their gardens.
But you can curb this problem quite easily by keeping your compost in a bin. If this is not an option, you can still compost your bread openly; however, you need to make sure that it is well buried or covered to keep the pests away.
How to Compost Bread
When composting bread, you should check to make sure the ingredients are all good for composting. Bread can be composted when fresh, but we recommend doing it when it has started to mold or go stale.
You start by breaking it up, cut the bread into little pieces for faster decomposition.
This will also reduce the chance of rodents being attracted to your pile. Next, you dig a hole in the center of your compost and place the bread inside.
Since most of the heat is generated from the center, decomposition will take place much faster, and the pests will find it difficult to reach it.
When you are done, cover it up with dry leaves or sawdust. For efficient decomposition to take place, we recommend mixing nitrogen and carbon materials.
Check out this youtube video for a demonstration on how to compost bread correctly:
FAQs
Yes, it decomposes quickly and a source of nitrogen.
Yes, it is recommended to put moldy bread in compost. The mold means that it is already decomposing.
Summary
Adding bread to your compost, especially stale bread, is of benefit to the compost. It provides you with nitrogen for your compost pile. Bread also decomposes quickly.
Depending on the type of compost you have, you should consider and take the time to make a few preparations for it. This is because bread tends to attract rodents.
Generally, composting bread is recommended and is relatively easy to do. We hope this article helped you answer all your questions regarding composting bread.