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COHere are some fast facts about composting protein rich scraps
🐟If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to compost meat or fish waste then the simple answer is: yes. But why is this so? The first reason is heat. The heat generated in a hot compost pile is the number-one killer of pathogens, bacteria and viruses. Thermophilic bacteria should heat your compost to about 60°C which will knock off almost all of the pathogens in the pile. Watch the reel called “How to Hot Compost” pinned on my reels page to learn more.
🐟The second reason is acidity. In both hot and cold compost the microbes produce organic acids causing the pH to drop and the pile to become acidic. This acidic environment is inhospitable to pathogens. (There are a number of other reasons I discuss in detail in my compost book ‘The Compost Coach’).
🐟 Fish & meat waste are highly effective compost activators. These scraps feed the microbial colony in the pile, and to inject extra nitrogen & trace elements to support the microbes’ reproduction. This will fire up your compost fast as it has an extremely high carbon to nitrogen ratio.
🐟 Fish frames & heads are a waste by-product that you can often get for free from fish & chip shops & fish mongers (like we did)
🐟There is no doubt that rotting fish or meat can stink, but if you hot compost it & balance it will plenty of carbon like aged woodchips the smell dissipates fast.
🐟Make sure you bury these scraps in the centre of a compost pile & also make sure there is good airflow around them. Use woodchips and small sticks below and around the fish or meat.
🐟Rodents & other wildlife will be attracted to fish. If this is an issue in your garden make sure the composting system is wildlife proof by using enclosed bins or an in-ground system (see my last reel for rodent proof bays)
🐟Be mindful that fish products have been shown to contain varying amounts of heavy metals, particularly mercury and other pollutants. It’s best to avoid composting species of fish that are long-lived and high on the food chain such as marlin, tuna, shark, swordfish, king mackerel as these species can contain higher concentrations of mercury than others.
@compostable.kate
