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Compost Guide for Thanksgiving

Turkey

If you have a lot leftover, you can freeze the turkey meat for 1-2 months. Don’t put turkey meat in the compost pile or down the drain.

Turkey Drippings

Use drippings to make gravy. Or, pour into a non-recyclable container and toss in the trash.

Turkey Carcass

Use the carcass to make turkey broth for soups and other yummy things. Do not toss the carcass into the compost pile or give it to your pets.

Side dishes

All parts of uncooked sweet potatoes, onions, celery, carrots, green beans, Brussel sprouts, potatoes, squash, lettuce, spinach, apples, pears, oranges, cranberries, or any other fresh fruits and veggies that make your dinner special can go right into your compost pile. The same goes for any veggies that were steamed. Veggies that were cooked with vegetable or animal fat (including butter and olive oil) go into the trash.

Desserts

All parts of uncooked fresh fruit and pecan shells can go into the compost pile. But leftover desserts (gasp!) with dairy or fats go into the trash.

Picture of Dana Nichols
Dana Nichols
As conservation manager at SAWS, Dana spent her days promoting beautiful San Antonio landscapes that need little to no water while benefiting Texas wildlife. While she’s no longer whipping up new landscape programs, she’s still cooking up delicious dinners made with fresh herbs from her low-water-use garden or planning the next trip with her husband, Rick -- preferably to some exotic place that requires a passport.
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