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Jeffery Jago is a expert in horticulture and worm breeding. With a background in plant cultivation
Last Updated on April 24, 2021 by Jeffery Jago
Many people wonder if they can compost bread. The answer to this question is complicated, as it depends on many factors. First, we need to know what type of bread you are talking about. Bread can be made from a variety of ingredients, including wheat flour, rye flour, whole grains like oats and cornmeal, or other ingredients such as soybeans or rice. Some types of breads contain milk products in the form of butter or cheese; others do not have any dairy products at all (such as gluten-free bread).
Can you compost bread?
Assuming we’re talking about a vermicomposting bin rather than just a normal composting bin, The answer is a resounding yes. Nearly any type of bread can be composted, as long as it is not moldy. Breads made from wheat flour are the most common type of bread in North America and Europe; rye or whole-grain breads can also be added to your vermicompost bin.
What if the bread contains dairy?
A lot of people worry about dairy products in the bread, and whether or not it will cause a problem. You can compost any type of bread that does not have mold on it–including those with dairy ingredients like cheese or butter. Dairy is just another ingredient in your vermicompost bin!
Do I need to cut up my leftover crusts?
No, you do not need to cut up your crusts before adding them to the vermicomposting bin. The worms are quite happy eating all types of whole-wheat and rye bread and normal bread without needing extra prep or added extra nutrients.
What about a normal none vermicomposting bin?
If you’re just running a normal compost pile that doesn’t rely on worms, you have to be more considerate about what you put in it. For the most part, Most bread will be fine as long as it isn’t moldy. The most important factor is the heat generated by the compost pile. If your pile is too cold, it will take a lot longer to break down, and may even begin to mold instead.
If you are looking for more in-depth information about vermicomposting or how to make your own bin, we recommend reading our other articles that cover all of the basics!
Interested in learning more about vermicomposting? Check out our other articles:
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