Composting for Kids

What is composting?

Composting is when food scraps and yard waste break down naturally and turn into healthy soil called compost.

Think of it as "Nature's way of recycling!"

What can go in a compost bin?

Green and brown

Green Materials (wet, soft, food-based)
  • Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • Banana peels
  • Apple cores
  • Coffee grounds
  • Glass clippings

Brown Materials (dry, crunchy)
  • Dry leaves
  • Shredded paper (non-glossy)
  • Cardboard pieces
  • Paper towels (no chemicals)

What cannot go in a compost bin?

  • Plastic or wrappers
  • Meat or dairy products
  • Greasy foods (pizza or fries)
  • Candy or gum

What helps compost break down?

Worms

Bacteria

Fungi

Air

Water

Time

How Composting Works Simplified

Add food scraps and dry materials to a bin

Mix it up so air gets in

Let nature break it down

After weeks or months, it turns to soil

Fun Fact for Kids

A banana peel can take weeks in compost...but in a landfill it can take years and create pollution!