“I’ve recently started worm composting at home and it’s been going great so far. However, I’m curious about what else I can add to my compost bin. Specifically, I have some leftover meat scraps and wonder if they can be composted using worms. Given that I live in a suburban area, I’m concerned about potential smells and attracting pests. Could you offer guidance on whether it’s safe and advisable to compost meat products with worms, and if so, any best practices for doing it?”
Thanks a lot,
Melissa, Portland, USA.
Can I Compost Meat Products With Worms?
Hey Melissa, that’s a fantastic question and one that often comes up among worm composting enthusiasts. Worm composting, also known as vermicomposting, primarily focuses on the organic waste that is decomposable by worms. Let’s dive into whether meat products can and should be part of that regimen.
Understanding Worm Composting
Worm composting is an excellent way to recycle kitchen waste into rich compost that benefits gardens. The main stars of this process are red wigglers (Eisenia fetida), which are voracious eaters of organic waste like fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and eggshells.
The Meat of the Matter
Meat products present a unique challenge in worm composting. Here’s why:
“Thermophilic bacteria necessary for breaking down meat function differently than the mesophilic bacteria thriving in worm bins.”
Why Should You Avoid Composting Meat?
Composting meat comes with several potential risks:
- Odor: Meat decomposes into a range of fatty acids and amino acids that smell extremely foul when broken down. This smell can become unbearable, especially in a suburban area like yours, Melissa.
- Attracts Pests: Rotting meat is a magnet for pests like rodents, flies, and other scavengers. This could result in infestations.
- Bacterial Growth: Harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Escherichia coli thrive in decaying meat and could make the compost unsafe.
- Slow Decomposition: Meat takes considerably longer to break down compared to vegetable matter, possibly disrupting the system’s balance.
Possible Exceptions
One might argue that small amounts of well-cooked meat devoid of fats and bones could be introduced in a highly controlled environment. However, this isn’t recommended for beginners due to the complexities involved. Melissa, even the most experienced worm composters often steer clear of meat products.
Alternatives to Composting Meat
Instead of worm composting, consider these alternatives for your meat scraps:
Bokashi Composting
Bokashi composting is an anaerobic process that can handle meat rather well. With this method:
- Fermentation occurs in a sealed container, minimizing odor.
- It uses Bokashi bran inoculated with beneficial microorganisms to pre-process meat waste.
- This fermented material can then be buried underground to complete the composting process.
Commercial Composting Facilities
Many municipal composting programs accept meat scraps. These facilities utilize high-heat composting systems capable of breaking down tougher materials:
- Locate your nearest compost facility and examine their waste acceptance policy.
- Often, communities offer drop-off points or collection services for such organic waste.
Advanced Techniques for Experienced Composters
For expert composters, small amounts of meat could be safely composted by employing a hot composting method:
- This involves maintaining the bin at a high temperature (130-160°F) which kills pathogens and accelerates decomposition.
- A high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio needs to be maintained. Meat has high nitrogen content and should be balanced with carbon-rich materials like straw or sawdust.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Worm Bin
Even with these alternatives, it’s crucial to keep your worm bin healthy:
- Balanced Diet: Stick to fruit, vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid materials like citrus peels and onion scraps, which can create an unpleasant environment for the worms.
- Monitor Moisture: Ensure the bin is moist but not waterlogged. This keeps worms comfortable and active in decomposing waste.
- Regular Fluffing: Gently turn the compost every couple of weeks to promote aeration and faster decomposition.
Using Compost from Worms
The compost that results—often called worm castings—is nutrient-rich and can be used to improve soil health. Here’s how you can use it:
- Soil Amendment: Mix the worm castings with garden soil to provide plants with essential nutrients.
- Potting Mix: Incorporate a small amount of worm compost into potting soil for indoor plants.
- Compost Tea: Steep worm castings in water to create a nutrient-dense liquid that can be sprayed on plants for a nutrient boost.
Final Thoughts…
Melissa, it’s clear that while the idea of composting meat products with worms is intriguing, it presents more challenges than benefits. Sticking to fruits, vegetables, and other worm-friendly waste ensures your composting efforts remain odor-free, pest-free, and effective. If meat composting is something you’re eager to explore, alternative methods like Bokashi composting or using commercial facilities might be better options for you. Thanks for sending in such a thought-provoking question—happy composting!
