Can you put meat in the compost?

Can meat be added to compost? It's a divisive subject!

Some will tell you that you shouldn't compost meat at all, while compost purists will tell you that anything can end up in the bin! Stay put, as we explain why this organic waste is such a hot topic.

Discover our guide to composting your meat waste without unpleasant surprises.

👉 Discover our compact indoor vermicomposter to compost your waste even in the city!

Why is there a debate about composting meat? Organic waste... like no other!

Yes, meat is organic waste, but it's not in the same league as your vegetable peelings. We explain why this organic waste is so much in the news!

Between odors, undesirables and health risks, the subject crystallizes fears!

Pests

When it comes to composting meat, the first fear is that it will attract pests such as rats, flies, cats... A feast for the garden's undesirables!

However, mice and rats are just as attracted to your fruit and vegetable waste (Réseau Compost Citoyen). All you need is a well-sealed composter to avoid any inconvenience.

Bad smells

Meat decomposes relatively slowly. Another fear associated with composting meat is that its decomposition can lead to unpleasant odors. The smell of rancid meat is really not the best, especially if your composter is indoors or on your balcony!

But as we'll see, well-managed compost doesn't give off foul odors, even when meat is added!

Bacteria

One of the main obstacles to composting meat is the health issue. Meat can contain pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli. Not ideal for home composting... and potentially detrimental to its quality.

Once again, this is not a real obstacle: the rise in compost temperatures kills pathogenic bacteria. We'll explain below.

Can you really compost meat at home?

There's a tendency to think that meat composting is reserved for industrial composting. Is it really possible to compost meat in my vermicomposter or garden composter?

Let's sort out what we can do... and what we shouldn't!

Can meat be added to the garden composter?

In most cases, meat remains residual in the compost. It represents less than 5% of the total food waste brought in (Réseau Compost Citoyen).

Composting meat in a backyard composter poses no particular problems, as long as good composting practices are followed.

Nothing complicated, just common sense!

• Closed composter: the best way to protect it from pests!
• High temperature: between 55°C and 70°C is required to kill pathogenic bacteria. 
• Aerate your compost: stir regularly to prevent odors and ensure proper decomposition.
• Add dry matter: dead leaves, wood shavings, cardboard... essential for balancing the meat's moisture content.
• No visible pieces : bury the leftovers well, especially not in the open air, otherwise the little beasts will come and say hello!
• Cut everything into small pieces: the thinner it is, the faster it decomposes!

This way, you can compost meat while keeping the compost healthy and avoiding attracting undesirables.

Can I add meat to my vermicomposter?

What about in the vermicomposter? Are earthworms carnivores?

Well no, the little worms in your compost are not big fans of meat! 🪱

Meat takes a long time to decompose, producing bacteria or substances harmful to worms. What's more, when it goes rancid, it can attract flies and create unpleasant odors in your home.

It's best to stick to a conventional diet for your compost worms!

👉 Discover our article "What food to put in your vermicomposter?"

What are the alternatives for composting meat?

Want to compost your meat scraps without the hassle? Good news: there are safe and suitable solutions.
Here are our favorite options, tried and tested:

Bokashi in apartments

If you live in an apartment, the Bokashi is sure to become your best ally when it comes to composting your waste!

Based on an anaerobic (oxygen-free) fermentation system, it can be used to compost meat, fish, cooked leftovers, dairy products... in short, foodstuffs that are generally not allowed in a conventional (lombri)composter! It's the perfect composter for "sensitive" waste such as meat.

After fermenting the waste, bokashi does not produce directly usable compost, only a pre-compost. The waste is partially decomposed and acidified. It is necessary to bury the pre-compost in the soil or add it to an outdoor composter to finalize the decomposition process.

While Bokashi recycles all types of waste, including meat, it requires a 2-stage composting process that can sometimes be restrictive.

The garden digester

When you have a garden and like to cook, some waste, like meat, raises questions.

That's where the digester comes in! Installed on the ground, it operates in a closed environment, so there's no need to stir.

No need to be an expert: just feed it regularly and let it do its thing. Bonus? It produces a liquid fertilizer that you can dilute and use to feed your plants ⭐️

Collective composters

If you don't want to compost meat at home, think local and collective!

Local authorities are setting up shared composters at the foot of buildings, in gardens or parks. Some community composters accept meat scraps, others do not. Check with your local council if this is not specified.

Some residences also offer a collective composter. A quick glance at the entrance, or a word to your property manager, and you'll be set. In any case, it's a good idea to get started! 🔥

Find a composting site near you 👉 click here

The verdict: can meat be composted?

After all, YES you can compost meat, as long as you follow the right instructions! It's worth a try, isn't it?

• In a home composter: YES, but preferable outdoors 🌱
• With a Bokashi, a digester or a collective composter: it's YES 🍅
• In a vermicomposter: it's NO, we need healthy worms! 🪱