Do you put bones & meat into a compost pile ... or not?

I'm inclined to put anythign that doesn't go into the recycle bin into the compost heap.

But I'm curious if animal bones (chicken, beef, etc.) and meat on the bones would be a good idea or not.

On the one hand, they are organic and should decompose just as well as fruits and vegetables would.

On the other hand, they may attract vermin.

What experience do you have with what you put into your compost heap?

Reply to
Chuck Banshee
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The commercial composters put all kinds of dead animals on the bottom of a compost heap and after 6 weeks they are gone. I remember reading most of the larger road kills in and around cities go to composters, if they are available.

Paul

Reply to
Paul Drahn

I read that you can. Best if confined to remove odor and keep vermin away.

Reply to
Frank

I would not put meat into the compost due to flies and stink. A vegetative compost heap "cooks" at a pretty high temp if aerated properly, so it would be accessible to vermin and bugs.

Reply to
Norminn

I don't. If I didn't throw it in the freezer and later pressure cook it for my dog I'd have a separate burial zone for meat/bones. Also no dog manure allowed.

Reply to
Davej

Not in a small compost heap. The meat has to be layered in and allowed to decompose before turning to keep the odor down and keep scavengers out. Our city compost doesn't allow any animal meat waste. There is a percentage of animal meat waste to normal waste that shouldn't be exceeded.

Usually you see animal carcasses on large farms or county composts that are well controlled.

For home compost it's not recommended. If you're carefully maintaining your compost heap it's possible.

Another consideration is if you are using well water. It has to be a certain distance from any well water. I'm not sure what that distance is.

Personally I don't like compost heaps anywhere near my house. If I did I'd only use a contained or elevated one to keep bugs and other critters out.

Jim

Reply to
JimT

See, you know the answer already. Goes in the trash in this house.

Reply to
Ed Pawlowski

It's not recommended. If the animal had any parasites, the temperatures in the compost heap probably won't get hot enough to full kill them/their eggs. It's the same problem as with animal waste. Wild animals frequently carry a lot of parasites. The roundworm commonly found in raccoons can and has killed people.

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Reply to
Hell Toupee

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