Sugary Snacks

I’ve been composting and writing about it for a long time, so I know it’s better to keep meat, bones, and dairy out of my backyard compost pile. However, I’ve often questioned the rules around composting certain grains. If my bread has gotten a little moldy, it’s not uncommon to find my leftovers in the compost, but what about sugary snacks, such as cookies, cakes, and chocolates? I have a lot of these snacks around during this time of year. While they’ll probably be eaten, if I have some leftovers that I don’t think are consumable, can I put them in my compost bin?

Cookies and Cakes

What I’ve learned is that it all has to do with how much you have. A single cookie is fine in your compost bin. Small amounts of sugar can help your compost heat up (although I wouldn’t expect a cold pile to turn hot from one, lonely cookie). What you don’t want is to put a whole batch of cookies or cookie dough into your compost pile. You aren’t the only one who thinks butter and sugar make a yummy treat. If you put a cookie in the compost, be sure to cover it up with plenty of browns so that your rodent friends won’t be any the wiser.

Frosting

What’s the sweetest part of a cookie? Often the frosting. It’s probably best to avoid putting frosting or overly frosted cookies in your compost bin, because while the cookies smell good to vermin, the frosting will smell even better, and you may not be able to hide it as well under some leaves.

Brownies and Chocolate

Before these items go bad, take them to work! If I make a tray of brownies but know I’m not going to eat them all in time, I take them to my office and know that my coworkers will take care of them for me- and I may be the favorite coworker for the day. You could also upcycle your leftovers into a whole new treat, like a cake pop. If you can’t give them away or eat them in time, it’s probably best to avoid putting them in your compost bin as a temptation for your neighborhood critters. 

If you have some other Christmas-y compost questions, check out our Naughty and Nice List for Composting blog for some recommendations on what items should or should not go in your bin this season.

Happy Holidays! 

Compost Blogger: Sam Goubeaux