A
B
C
A-rated items
Below is a complete list of items that have earned a Vermicompost Score of A. These are your go-to ingredients for a happy, productive, and odor-free system. Click on any item to learn more about preparation and specific benefits.
Lettuce
Nail clippings
Ginger
Green Beans
Straw
Hair
Chervil
Watercress
Figs
Lemongrass
Salsify
Parsley
Celeriac
Cilantro
Runner Beans
Basil
Rosemary
Weeds
Paper towels
Mint
Physalis
Lamb’s Lettuce
Celery
Coffee filters
Egg cartons
Cress
Apple
Wilted flowers & houseplants
Bell Pepper
Fennel
Portobello
Pears
Chicory
Melon
Arugula
Iceberg Lettuce
Parsnip
Tarragon
Sage
Toilet paper tubes
Chives
Cucumber
Blackberry
Eggplant
Cardboard
Beetroot
Sweet Potato
Romaine Lettuce
Coffee grounds
Spinach
Pointed Sweet Pepper
Strawberry
Grapes
Blueberries
Dried grass
Green Asparagus
Kiwi
Raspberries
Eggshells
Newspaper
Carrot
Dill
Thyme
Asparagus
Bok Choy
Zucchini
Potato
Paper tissues
Endive
Leaves
Beets
Passion Fruit
Waste from small vegetarian pets
Bananas
Mushroom
A
B
C
Score B (In moderation)
A
B
C
Score C (Avoid)
These materials should never be added to your vermicomposter. They pose risks like harming worms, attracting pests, causing bad odors, or simply won’t break down. These belong in a different waste stream. Some C-rated items to add with great caution are coconut, lime, peppers, onions, glossy paper, or dairy products.
Frequently asked questions
Why are these items rated A?
A-rated items have the best balance of carbon, nitrogen, and moisture. They are easy for worms to consume and break down quickly without disrupting the bin’s pH balance or creating strong odors.
Can I only feed my worms A-rated items?
Yes, you could, and your bin would be very healthy! A diet based on A-rated items is the surest way to an effortless system. B-rated items can be added for variety, but these A-rated staples should form the core of their diet.
What's the most common mistake with A-rated items?
The only common issue is overfeeding. Even with ideal food, adding too much at once can overwhelm the worms. It’s always best to add food in small, regular amounts rather than all at once.

