Can potato scraps go in your worm bin?
Yes, but in moderation. Potato peels and small scraps can be processed by worms. They contain starch and nutrients that contribute to rich compost. However, potatoes tend to sprout (‘eyes’ to form), even in the dark environment of a worm bin. Cooked potato scraps can rot faster and potentially release odors if you add too much. While Bonter’s built-in air filtration system effectively keeps odors contained, it is always better to minimize the source of strong smells for an optimal, effortless experience.
How many potato scraps can you add?
Start with small amounts of potato scraps, especially if you are just starting with your Bonter. Mix them well with other ‘green’ (fruit and vegetable scraps) and sufficient ‘brown’ (paper, cardboard) waste. Always cut raw peels and scraps into small pieces (ideally smaller than 2 cm) – this speeds up processing by the worms and microorganisms and reduces the chance of large, stubborn sprouts. Be extra careful with cooked potato: add only small amounts to prevent it from becoming a compact, potentially acidic mass that the worms avoid.
🍏 Ready to start composting indoors? Discover Bonter One, our composter for city living.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Do you have a large amount of potato waste? Consider sending some of it with the organic waste collection or, if available, adding it to a traditional compost heap. This helps maintain the balance in your Bonter. What if you do discover sprouts in your Bonter? Don’t panic! This happens quite often with potatoes. Usually, it’s not a big problem. The sprouts will eventually die off due to the lack of light and space and will simply be composted along with the rest. There’s no need to start digging to remove them (that disrupts the ecosystem). If necessary, just add an extra layer of dry ‘brown’ material like shredded paper on top.
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
Tips for safe potato composting
Make it easy for your worms (and yourself): always cut raw potato scraps and peels into small pieces. Add them in moderation, and be extra reserved with cooked potatoes. Always ensure a good balance with carbon-rich ‘brown’ material (such as shredded paper, cardboard, egg cartons) to absorb excess moisture and maintain optimal aeration and acidity. While the Bonter is designed to be odor-free thanks to its built-in filtering, covering potato scraps lightly with some existing compost or bedding material helps. This further minimizes the chance of odors and discourages any fruit flies.
I’m Mats, founder of Bonter, and I’m on a mission to make indoor composting effortless, ensuring sustainability becomes second nature in your home.
Join 340+ early adopters
Frequently asked questions about composting potatoes
Can raw potato peels go in the Bonter?
What about cooked potato scraps?
What if my potatoes sprout in the bin?
Can diseased potato scraps (e.g., with potato blight) go in?
Are sweet potatoes the same as regular potatoes?
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.
Iceberg Lettuce
Cardboard
Melon
Eggshells
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.
