Composting 101: What You Can and Can't Throw Into Your Compost Bin

Here is a 182-word summary of the news article "Composting 101: What You Can and Can't Throw Into Your Compost Bin": This article provides a beginner's guide to composting. It explains that composting is the process of breaking down organic matter to create nutrient-rich soil. The article outlines what can and cannot be included in a compost bin. Acceptable items include fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, and yard waste like leaves and grass clippings. Prohibited items include meat, dairy, oils, and pet waste, as they can attract pests and create unpleasant odors. The article advises maintaining the right balance of "greens" (nitrogen-rich materials) and "browns" (carbon-rich materials) in the compost pile. It also recommends keeping the pile moist but not too wet, and turning it regularly to aerate the contents. With the right approach, the article states that composting can reduce household waste while producing nutrient-dense soil for gardening. Overall, the guide provides a concise overview of the fundamentals of successful composting for home gardeners.