The OUT List

Leave Out/The Reason Why

• Black walnut tree leaves or twigs
  • Releases substances that might be harmful to plants
• Coal or charcoal ash
  • Might contain substances harmful to plants
• Dairy products (e.g., butter, egg yolks, milk, sour cream, yogurt)
  • Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
• Diseased or insect-ridden plants
  • Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plants
• Fats, grease, lard, or oils
  • Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
• Meat or fish bones and scraps
  • Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
• Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter)
  • Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans
• Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides
  • Might kill beneficial composting organisms

(Source: EPA.org)