Can meat, fish, and bones go in your worm bin?
No, meat, fish, and bones should not go in the Bonter worm bin. They are rich in proteins and fats and rot quickly through a process called putrefaction. This process is anaerobic (without oxygen) and produces very unpleasant smells. This odour immediately attracts pests such as fruit flies, but also larger pests like flies that lay eggs (resulting in maggots), cockroaches, or even rodents. The high fat content can also hinder aeration and worsen anaerobic conditions. Bones are hard and will break down very little, if at all, in a worm bin. Adding this waste can disrupt your entire worm bin and make it unusable.
How much meat, fish, and bones can you add?
None. Meat, fish, and bones are unsuitable for the worm bin, regardless of the amount. Even small pieces can cause problems with odour, pests, and disruption of the bin’s ecosystem. Therefore, never add this type of waste to your Bonter. Focus on composting suitable materials like vegetable and fruit scraps, eggshells, and unprinted paper/cardboard.
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What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Instead of adding meat, fish, or bones to your Bonter, it is best to dispose of this type of waste with residual waste (or Organic waste bin if permitted by your local authority). Some municipalities have special collection points for cooked or raw meat/fish waste for industrial composting or anaerobic digestion. These processes work at higher temperatures and are more suitable for processing animal products than home composting. However, for home use, the residual waste bin is the safest and most hygienic option. Ensure this waste is well-packaged to minimise odours and attract pests before collection.
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Tips for composting meat, fish, and bones
The most important tip is: never put meat, fish, or bones in your Bonter worm bin. They cause bad odours, attract pests, and are not suitable for the worm composting process. This can lead to irreparable damage to your bin. Dispose of this waste directly with residual waste and ensure it is well-packaged (e.g., in a sealed bag) to minimise odours before discarding it. The Bonter air filter is effective for odours from suitable compostable materials.
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Frequently asked questions about composting meat, fish, and bones
Can meat scraps go in the worm bin?
Can fish waste go in the worm bin?
Can bones go in the worm bin?
Does meat/fish waste cause odour?
Does this waste attract pests?
Discover more
easy wins for your bin
See how effortlessly your vermicomposter handles common kitchen scraps. These items are favorites of your composting crew and simply transform waste into a valuable resource.
Rosemary
Nail clippings
Paper tissues
Celeriac
Perfect for lush indoor plants, the garden, or sharing with the community.
Vegetables
From peels to stems, most vegetable scraps are a perfect meal for your composter.
Fruits
Cores, peels, and rinds provide the energy needed for a healthy, active system.
Household items
Coffee grounds, tea bags, and eggshells add valuable nutrients to your final compost.
