basic composting question

[momophile]

my husband and I just got one of those black composting units for the yard and are now looking at what we can and cannot put in it. I've read that used facial tissues can go in it but I'm really reluctant to do that - gross. does anyone have any knowledge or opinions about this?

[MH1]

1. Well-managed compost pile that gets hot enough, maybe ok

But for the average casual composter, leave out anything that might have bacteria or other bio-nasties you'd rather not spread.

[AlecBGreen]

4. lol

"leave out anything that might have bacteria"

so NOTHING can go in? :P I know what you mean (leave out pathogens) im just being a biology snob

[MH1]

6. lol back at ya

"bacteria that you'd rather not spread" was the whole phrase (clause? participle? parsnip? I'm no grammar expert either...)

:P

but that's ok, I'm in the casual composter category myself; if I'd realized this was posted in the E/E forum I'd probably have kept my keyboard quiet and let you smarties answer. I thought it was GD and the op might benefit from even my unstudied opinion. :)

[Warpy]

2. Sure they can. The nasty bacteria they contain will be digested

eventually or even killed outright as the compost heats up.

The main thing NEVER to put into compost is protein like meat, eggs (although shells are OK), cheese, or anything else that will rot with dangerous bacteria and attract vermin at the same time.

Anything with a plant origin will do very nicely, including used tissues.

[phantom power]

3. Mucus = animal proteins

[yellowcanine]

5. I really would not do that. Yes they will compost fine and the bacteria

will be long gone by the time the compost is finished. But you have to consider the time when they are just sitting there on the top. Flies may land on them and could carry germs away with them.

[OKIsItJustMe]

7. That's why you should bury them

It's a good idea to stir up your compost. When you're adding food scraps (or tissues) dig a little hole in the compost and bury them.

http://www.css.cornell.edu/compost/outdoorbest.html

[yellowcanine]

8. Yes that would do it. But people get careless and just toss them in, particularly in the

summer when there is some odor - or they just get in a hurry. I find it easier to just advise people not to compost certain things.

[losthills]

9. fascial tissues not a problem...

You need some manure in there, and it will get good and hot and break everything down.
Go to the Mother Earth News website and you'll probably find some good recpes.
Everyone should compost...