Solving the Great Debate: Can You Compost Bread and How to Do It?

Bread is a common household staple that is often wasted and thrown away, but it doesn’t have to be. So the question is, can you compost bread? 

Short answer…Yes, you can compost bread. But, when composting bread be sure to crumble it into small pieces before adding it to your compost pile. This is to avoid attracting pests and speed up the decomposition process.

So, let’s get started and learn more about the art of composting and whether bread can be a part of it.

The Best Way to Compost Bread

Bread is a versatile food source, with many recipes and uses. But, can you compost bread? The good news is that you can add bread to your compost. But, to ensure the composting process is effective, there are a few tricks to composting bread.

So what is the best method for composting bread? 

Step 1: Break the Bread into Pieces

Start by breaking up the bread into small pieces. If possible, try shredding the bread for a faster decomposition process. It helps create air pockets that will attract beneficial microbes needed for composting.

Step 2: Add the Crumbled Pieces of Stale Bread to the Compost Pile or Bokashi Bin

Mix the bread in with other organic matter like grass clippings, leaves, and vegetable scraps for the best results. Moisten the pile with water if needed.

The moisture helps speed up the decomposition since microorganisms need moisture to work.

Step 3: Turn Over the Pile 

Traditional composting is an aerobic process, meaning it needs air to decompose. Turning the compost pile helps mix oxygen into the compost so that beneficial bacteria can flourish and break down faster.

It also helps to reduce smelly odors from forming that can occur due to lack of oxygen exposure in some parts of the compost pile or bin.

Step 4: Add Compost Material

After several weeks, when materials start to break down, mix in some finished compost material.  Ideally from previous batches (if available) into the new batch which acts as a “starter”.

This helps promote the breakdown of materials and adds beneficial bacteria.

Step 5: Allow Compost Time to Decompose

Finally, let the compost sit for at least one month before using it around plants or in your garden. This will help beneficial microbes finish their job while ensuring any weed seeds are not spread through your soil environment.

Read more about how to make the best compost for your vegetable garden. These seven tips will guide you in creating the perfect compost for your garden. 

Reasons For and Against Composting Bread

Composting is a practice that can help reduce waste and produce nutrient-rich soil for gardening. But, when it comes to composting bread, there are varying opinions on whether it is a good idea or not. 

The cons of composting bread include the fact that bread is a starchy material that:

• can attract pests
• create bad odors
• become too moist leading to the growth of harmful bacteria 

Additionally, some bread may contain preservatives that can be harmful to plants and the environment. 

Take a look at the table below:

REASONS FOR COMPOSTING BREAD	REASONS AGAINST COMPOSTING BREAD
Bread is a compostable food scrap and can add nutrients to the soil.	Bread can attract pests such as rodents, ants, and flies.
Composting bread reduces food waste (that would end up in landfill) and promotes sustainability.	Bread can create bad odors if not composted properly.
Bread can improve soil structure and the water-holding capacity in soil.	Composting bread can be challenging for those who do not have a lot of experience in composting.
Composting bread with other organic waste can balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, leading to faster decomposition.	Composting bread can take longer than other food scraps due to its high starch content.
You can compost bread in different composting systems, including aerobic and anaerobic composting. i.e Bokashi and Worm Farming	Bread with preservatives and additives can negatively impact the composting process and the quality of the resulting compost.

Composting bread can be a great way to reduce food waste, promote sustainability, and enrich the soil. However, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of composting bread. To avoid these issues, it is essential to compost bread properly.

How to Avoid Problems When Composting Bread 

There are a few potential problems that can arise when composting bread. The two most common problems that occur when composting bread are attracting pests and moisture. 

Here are some tips on how to prevent pests and balance moisture when composting bread:

Preventing Pests

Pests are often attracted to decomposing food in compost piles, so it’s important to keep them away while composting bread. 

Solution:

To do this, make sure to bury the bread deep enough in the pile – at least 8 inches – so animals cannot get to it. Additionally, you can use a cover such as a tarp or a burlap sack to keep the pile contained and prevent scavengers from getting into the pile. 

Also, turn over the pile with a pitchfork or shovel. This is to provide fresh oxygen and mix up any material that may have been left unattended.

Balancing Moisture

Heat and moisture are essential when composting because they break down organic matter faster. Mositure provides favorable environments for microbes in the soil.

Too much moisture though can lead to clumps of soggy material which attracts pests and prevents air from circulating through the pile. 

Solution:

To avoid these problems, it is important to add water to dry materials before placing them in the pile. Then watch for signs of over-saturation such as an unpleasant smells or green mold growing.

Taking these precautions will help ensure that you don’t end up creating a habitat for unwanted critters near your home or garden!

What Other Bread-Like Items Can Be Composted?

Composting is an eco-friendly way to dispose of food waste and other organic materials. When it comes to bread-like items, there are a few other options beyond just bread that can be composted.

Pasta

You can compost leftover pasta, but it’s important to make sure it doesn’t contain any sauces or oils. For it attracts pests and slows down the composting process. Plain pasta is a great addition to your compost pile.

Baked Goods

Baked goods like cakes, cookies, and pastries can be composted too. As long as they don’t contain any toppings or fillings that could attract pests. Keep in mind that baked goods are high in sugar and fat, which can slow down the composting process.

Bagels

Stale or leftover bagels can be a great addition to your compost pile. Like other baked goods, they should be free of toppings and fillings.

Tortillas

You can also add corn or flour tortillas to your pit. Make sure to cut them into small pieces to speed up the composting process.

Crackers

Unsalted crackers are a great addition too. But again, it’s best to use them sparingly due to their high-fat content.

Cereal

You can also add plain cereal, like cornflakes or oatmeal to your compost bin. Avoid sugary cereals and cereal bars, which are high in sugar and preservatives.

Pizza Crust

Leftover pizza crust can be a good addition, but it’s best to remove any cheese or toppings first. If the crust is particularly greasy, it may be best to skip composting it altogether.

Remember that when composting, it’s important to balance the ratio of carbon-rich materials (like leaves, twigs etc) with nitrogen-rich materials (like fruit and vegetable scraps) to ensure optimal decomposition. You can read more on this in my composting 101 guide.

It’s also important to avoid adding meat, dairy, and oily or fatty foods, as they can attract pests and slow down the composting process.

Can Moldy and Stale Bread Be Composted?

Yes, moldy and stale bread can be composted. While bread can provide a valuable source of carbon and other nutrients to the compost, it’s essential not to overdo it. Too much bread in your compost pile may attract pests or even slow down decomposition.

I recommend adding small amounts of bread into the mix. Combined with other organic materials like fruit, vegetables, and yard waste—for optimal results!

Is Bread Brown or Green Compost?

Bread is a green compost due to its high nitrogen content.

In composting, materials are either categorized as “brown” (carbon-rich) or “green” (nitrogen-rich). Bread falls into the “green” category alongside items like vegetable scraps and coffee grounds.

When putting bread in the compost pile it’s essential to balance it with “brown” materials like dried leaves and sawdust because bread is relatively high in moisture and can decompose quickly. You want to try and maintain a healthy nitrogen-carbon balance.

Keep in mind to bury bread deep within the compost pile to deter pests. Also, avoid adding bread with added oils or preservatives for it slows down the composting process and can even be harmful to the microorganisms.

Can Bread Be Added to a Bokashi Bin?

Yes, you can add bread to your bokashi bin as well as a wide range of kitchen food waste. This includes fresh fruits, vegetables, cooked and uncooked meats, fish, eggs, coffee grinds, wilted flowers, and paper towels. Learn what can and can’t be added to a bokashi bin with this full list of dos and don’ts.

When it comes to adding bread to a bokashi bin, it’s generally not recommended to add bread with blue or green mold. For these molds contain harmful toxins that are not broken down during the fermentation process. 

Bread with white mold is generally considered safe to add to a bokashi bin as it is a benign fungus that poses no health risks. 

It’s important to note that you should add moldy bread to a bokashi bin in small quantities. This is to avoid throwing off the balance of the composting process. 

Can Bread Be Added to a Worm Farm?

Yes, bread can be a great addition to a worm farm as a source of organic matter! But, use it in moderation as it is high in carbohydrates and low in nutrients, and can attract pests if overused. 

Remember to break down the bread into small pieces. Then mix it with other organic matter to provide a balanced diet for worms.

Conclusion for “Can You Compost Bread?”

So now that you have found the answer to, can you compost bread, make sure you follow the tips I have discussed above. There are some concerns like mold growth and attracting pests, but bread is a great addition to your compost pile. Plus, it’s much more preferable than ending up in landfill!

Make sure to add bread to a compost bin in moderation. Then follow some tips like breaking it into smaller pieces and burying it to help it break down quicker. 

FAQS: Can you put Bread in Compost

Can you compost bread?

Yes, bread can be composted in your home compost pile or bokashi bin. However, it’s important to do so in moderation. Too much bread can attract pests and lead to an imbalanced compost bin. It’s a good idea to tear bread into smaller pieces to help it decompose more efficiently.