Question:
What types of materials should not be added to a compost pile?Answer:
Because of the possibility of the transmission of certain diseases, human, dog, and cat feces should not be placed in the compost pile. It's advisable not to add diseased plant material or weeds that have gone to seed to the compost pile. Temperatures of 150 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit are required to kill most disease pathogens and weed seeds. Unfortunately, the internal temperatures of most home compost piles don't reach this level. As a result, the disease pathogens and weed seeds are not destroyed in the composting process. If diseased plant materials are composted, the end product should be used in another area of the yard rather than in the location where it was generated. Animal fats and bones should not be added to the compost pile because they do not compost easily and may attract dogs, rodents, and other animals.