Things You Can Compost – From Campsite Scraps To Garden Gold

ByEric James Updated on

As outdoor enthusiasts, we love exploring the wild, but we also want to leave it better than we found it. That includes managing our waste responsibly, especially when we’re far from a trash can. Composting offers a fantastic way to do just that.

It’s not just for your backyard garden anymore. Learning what things you can compost can transform your trailside snacks and campsite cooking into valuable nutrients for future growth, wherever your adventures take you.

This guide will break down the essentials, showing you how to turn organic waste into a resource, whether you’re on a weekend camping trip or living the van life full-time. Let’s dig in!

Understanding the Basics of Composting on the Go

Composting is nature’s recycling program. It’s the process of breaking down organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost. When you’re outdoors, this becomes a powerful tool for reducing your environmental footprint.

The core principle involves balancing “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials). These two components, along with moisture and air, create the perfect environment for microorganisms to do their work.

For outdoor adventures, the goal is often a simpler, faster method than a traditional backyard pile. Think portable compost bins or even just a designated area for your organic waste if regulations allow.

Essential Things You Can Compost: The “Green” Category

Green materials are typically wet and add nitrogen to your compost. They break down quickly and provide essential food for the microbes.

  • Fruit and Vegetable Scraps: This is the cornerstone of most compost piles. Think apple cores, banana peels, carrot tops, and leafy greens. Even citrus peels are fine in moderation.
  • Coffee Grounds and Filters: A fantastic source of nitrogen! Don’t forget the paper filters, which will break down easily.
  • Tea Bags: Most tea bags are compostable, especially those made from natural fibers and without staples or plastic. Check the packaging if you’re unsure.
  • Eggshells: While they break down slowly, crushed eggshells add valuable calcium to your compost. Rinse them first to avoid attracting pests.

These items are easy to collect and pack out if you can’t compost them on-site, but they are prime candidates for your compost bin.

Essential Things You Can Compost: The “Brown” Category

Brown materials are usually dry and provide carbon. They add bulk, allow air to circulate, and help prevent your compost from becoming too wet or smelly.

  • Paper Products: Uncoated paper towels, napkins, and plain paper (like receipts or junk mail without glossy ink) are great. Shred them for faster decomposition.
  • Cardboard: Small pieces of plain cardboard, like toilet paper tubes or paper towel rolls, can be added. Tear them up into smaller bits.
  • Dry Leaves and Pine Needles: If you’re camping in a wooded area, fallen leaves and pine needles are readily available. These are excellent carbon sources.
  • Sawdust and Wood Ash: Small amounts of sawdust from untreated wood are good. Wood ash can be added sparingly; it’s alkaline and can help balance acidity.
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Remember to shred or tear these materials into smaller pieces for optimal breakdown.

What NOT to Compost: Avoiding Pitfalls

Just as important as knowing what to compost is knowing what to avoid. Certain items can cause odors, attract pests, or introduce pathogens, which is especially crucial when you’re in the backcountry.

  • Meat, Fish, and Bones: These can attract scavengers and create foul odors. They also take a long time to break down and can harbor harmful bacteria.
  • Dairy Products and Greasy Foods: Similar to meat, these can smell bad and attract unwanted critters. They also don’t break down as readily.
  • Diseased Plants: If you’re composting garden waste from home, avoid adding plants that showed signs of disease to prevent spreading it.
  • Weeds with Seeds: Some weeds can survive the composting process and then sprout in your garden. It’s best to avoid them if your compost isn’t heated sufficiently.
  • Pet Waste (Dog and Cat Feces): These can contain pathogens harmful to humans. While some specialized composting systems exist, it’s generally not recommended for general outdoor composting.
  • Chemically Treated Materials: Avoid anything with pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic dyes, as these can contaminate your compost.

When in doubt, it’s often safer to pack it out, especially in sensitive wilderness areas.

Composting Methods for Outdoor Adventures

The best composting method depends on your travel style and location. For campers and hikers, portability and ease of use are key.

1. The Portable Compost Bin

These are compact, often collapsible bins designed for travel. They can be made of durable fabric or plastic and are ideal for car camping or RVing.

  • How it works: You add your greens and browns directly into the bin. Some designs promote aeration, while others may require occasional turning.
  • Best for: Campers who have a designated campsite for a few days or longer, or those with RVs/campervans who can manage a slightly larger setup.
  • Pro Tip: Look for bins with secure lids to deter pests and keep moisture in.

2. The “Bury and Forget” Method (Backcountry/Leave No Trace)

This is a method for hikers and backpackers where composting isn’t feasible on-site. It’s about proper disposal that mimics natural decomposition.

  • How it works: Dig a cathole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites. Add your compostable scraps, then bury them thoroughly.
  • Best for: Backpackers and hikers where packing out all waste is difficult, and regulations permit burying. Always check local LNT guidelines.
  • Safety First: Ensure you’re digging far enough away from water to prevent contamination.
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3. The “Pack It Out” Strategy

This is the most universally accepted Leave No Trace method, especially in high-use or sensitive areas.

  • How it works: Collect all your compostable food scraps in a dedicated, sealed bag or container. Pack it out with your other trash and dispose of it properly at a designated facility or at home.
  • Best for: All situations, especially where composting on-site is prohibited or impractical. It ensures zero impact on the environment.
  • Gear Tip: A reusable silicone bag or a small, odor-proof container is perfect for this.

Building Your Outdoor Compost Pile: A Step-by-Step Approach

If you’re using a portable bin or have a longer-term camp setup, here’s how to get started.

  1. Choose your location: Select a spot that gets some sun but isn’t baking hot, and is protected from strong winds. Ensure it’s accessible but out of the way.
  2. Start with a “brown” layer: Lay down a base of dry leaves, shredded cardboard, or twigs. This helps with drainage and aeration.
  3. Add your “greens”: Begin adding your fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and tea bags. Chop larger items into smaller pieces.
  4. Cover with “browns”: Always top your green layers with a layer of brown material. This is crucial for controlling odors and preventing pests.
  5. Maintain moisture: Your compost should be as damp as a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too dry, add a little water. If it’s too wet, add more brown material.
  6. Aerate: If using a bin, turn it occasionally with a small shovel or a compost aerator. This introduces oxygen, which speeds up decomposition and prevents anaerobic (smelly) conditions.

What You Can Compost Next: Advanced Considerations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you might explore more advanced composting techniques or materials.

4. Other Compostable Items to Consider

  • Yard Trimmings (from home, not the wild): If you’re starting a composting system at a base camp or homestead, grass clippings and small pruning are excellent.
  • Hair and Fur: Natural hair and pet fur are good sources of nitrogen.
  • Natural Fibers: Unprocessed cotton and wool scraps can be composted.

5. Composting for Specific Needs

  • Van Life and RV Living: Many van dwellers set up small, contained composting toilets or use portable bins for food scraps. This significantly reduces the amount of waste they need to store and dispose of.
  • Homesteading: For those transitioning to a more self-sufficient lifestyle, composting is foundational. It creates nutrient-rich soil for gardens, reducing reliance on external fertilizers.
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Troubleshooting Common Composting Issues

Even with the best intentions, you might encounter a few bumps in the road.

Odors?

  • Cause: Too many greens, not enough browns, or lack of aeration.
  • Solution: Add more brown materials (leaves, shredded paper) and turn the pile to introduce air.

Pests?

  • Cause: Exposed food scraps or the presence of meat/dairy.
  • Solution: Always cover food scraps with a layer of brown material. Ensure your bin has a secure lid. Avoid prohibited items.

Slow Decomposition?

  • Cause: Pile is too dry, too cold, or lacks a good mix of greens and browns.
  • Solution: Add moisture if dry. Turn the pile to aerate. Ensure you have a good balance of nitrogen-rich greens and carbon-rich browns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things You Can Compost

What’s the fastest way to compost food scraps outdoors?

Chop scraps into small pieces and ensure a good balance of greens and browns with adequate moisture and aeration. A well-managed compost bin will break down food scraps relatively quickly.

Can I compost food scraps directly in the woods?

Generally, no. In most wilderness areas, the Leave No Trace principle is to pack out all waste, including food scraps. If regulations or conditions allow for burying (e.g., specific backcountry zones with designated disposal methods), ensure it’s done properly and away from water sources.

How do I know when my compost is ready?

Finished compost will be dark, crumbly, and have an earthy smell. You shouldn’t be able to recognize the original materials. It will be cool to the touch.

Is it safe to compost anything I find in nature?

Be cautious. While leaves, twigs, and grass clippings are generally safe, avoid adding anything that might be diseased or treated with chemicals. Stick to known compostable items to be safe.

Embrace Sustainable Adventures

Understanding what things you can compost is a powerful step towards more responsible outdoor living. Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or a weekend camper, integrating composting into your routine reduces waste and enriches the very earth you explore.

By thoughtfully managing your organic discards, you contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable way to experience the great outdoors. So, start collecting those coffee grounds and banana peels – your future garden (or the earth itself) will thank you.

Stay curious, stay prepared, and happy composting!

Eric James
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