It’s cool to compost, especially if you have lots of uncooked fresh fruit and veggie scraps left over from your holiday feast.
Meat
If you have a lot of protein leftover, you can freeze most meats for 1-2 months. Don’t put meat in the compost pile. It attracts four, six and eight leggedunwanted neighbors.
Drippings
Use drippings to make gravy. Or, pour them into a non-recyclable container and toss in the trash. Never pour them down the drain! That increases the likelihood of nasty sewer backups.
Poultry Carcasses
Use the carcass to make broth for soups and other yummy things. NEVER 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, brussels 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.
Enjoy the holidays — and be kind to your neighbors, community and the earth with benevolent composting.