Vermicomposting dairy products
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter are unsuitable and should absolutely not be put in your Bonter vermicomposter. They spoil quickly in a way that causes serious problems in a worm bin. This leads to unpleasant odours, attracts pests, and is unhealthy for your worms or compost.
Can dairy products go in your worm bin?
No, dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, cream, etc.) should not go in the Bonter worm bin. They contain fats and proteins that spoil quickly through putrefaction, just like meat and fish. This process produces very strong, unpleasant odours characteristic of rotting animal material. The smell immediately attracts pests such as fruit flies, but also flies that lay eggs (resulting in maggots), and can also attract larger pests. Additionally, rotting dairy products can make the bin too acidic, and the fat content can hinder aeration and lead to anaerobic (oxygen-poor) conditions.
How much dairy products can you add?
None. Dairy products are unsuitable for the worm bin, regardless of the amount. Even a small leftover of milk, a piece of cheese, or a knob of butter can cause problems with odour, pests, and disruption of the ecosystem. Therefore, never add this type of waste to your Bonter. Concentrate on composting suitable materials such as vegetable and fruit scraps, eggshells, and unprinted paper/cardboard.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Instead of adding dairy products to your Bonter, it is best to dispose of leftovers with residual waste. Ensure they are well-packaged (e.g., in a sealed bag) to minimise odours. Industrial composting or anaerobic digestion at special facilities can process dairy, but for home use, the residual waste bin is the safest and most hygienic option. Prevent waste by consuming dairy products on time, keeping a close eye on the expiration date, or using them creatively in recipes (e.g., sour milk in pancakes, hard cheese in sauces).
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Tips for composting dairy products
The most important tip is: never put dairy products in your Bonter worm bin. They quickly cause odour, attract pests, and are not suitable for the worm composting process. This can lead to disruption of your bin. Dispose of this waste directly with residual waste and ensure it is well-packaged to minimise odours before collection. Concentrate on composting suitable materials such as vegetable and fruit scraps, eggshells, and unprinted paper/cardboard. The Bonter air filter is effective for odours from suitable compostable materials.
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Frequently asked questions about vermicomposting dairy products
Can milk leftovers go in the worm bin?
No, milk leftovers are unsuitable because they spoil quickly, cause odour, and attract pests.
Can cheese or yogurt go in the worm bin?
Can butter go in the worm bin?
Do dairy products cause odour?
Does this waste attract pests? (Spoiling dairy)
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