Can you Compost Eggshells?

Last Updated on April 24, 2021 by Jeffery Jago

Have you ever wondered if you could compost eggshells? If so, you are not alone. This is a question that many people ask themselves when they see the pile of eggshells in their garbage can and want to do something good for the environment instead. So, Can you compost eggshells?

You can compost eggshells!

Eggshells can be composted, but it may take some work first. In this article, we will discuss what needs to happen before your eggshells can be added to your garden or flowerbed, compost heap, or vermicomposting bin.

First things first, eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate, which is a key component of the soil for healthy plant growth. This means that eggshells can be used in your compost heap to provide this important nutrient if you have an acid-loving or neutral garden bed and are not using lime as part of the soil mix.

This also means it’s extremely important for your worms in a vermicomposting bin. They need calcium and eggshells are a great source for that.

Second thing, You need to grind them up into a powder before adding them to your compost. Putting whole eggshells into your compost poses several issues. For one, your worms don’t like them. They simply won’t be able to break it down, at least in any reasonable time. Second, they don’t break down as quickly in your compost heap (even with out worms) and can take longer to decompose than other items that are added. Also, keep in mind that an un-ground-up eggshell has sharp edges which makes them a hazard for your worms.

Another reason they need to be ground up is because of mold. Some molds are bad for your worms, as they can cause a toxic gas to be released that will kill them. Full-sized eggshells can start to become moldy for a variety of reasons, Airflow, water retention, etc. Bottom line is, it’s important to grind them up first.

In conclusion, eggshells are a great thing to add to your compost pile, they just need to be ground up into smaller pieces first.

What’s the chemical composition of eggshell?

The chemical composition of eggshell – Egg shells consist primarily of CaCO₃ (calcium carbonate) with additional amounts of CaSO₄ and MgO. They have a high pH, which is caused by the decomposition of egg whites in them during fermentation.

What is the nutritional value of eggshells?

Nutritional value of eggshell – Egg shells are rich in minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus. The protein content is less than one percent by weight, but the amount increases when used as fertilizer.

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