Can leek go in your worm bin?
Yes, leek scraps, particularly the dark green tops and root base, can in principle go in your Bonter worm bin. They are more fibrous than the white part of the leek. Leek belongs to the allium family but is milder than onions and garlic. Large quantities can still repel worms or cause odors, so add it in moderation to your Bonter.
How much leek can you add?
Add leek scraps, especially the fibrous green tops, in moderation to your Bonter. Limit the amount to small pieces at a time, and add it as part of a varied mix of waste. Always ensure sufficient dry, carbon-rich material (such as cardboard or paper) to mix the waste with. This helps breakdown and absorbs moisture. Avoid adding large, uncut leek pieces. Pay close attention to the condition of your bin.
š Ready to start composting indoors? Discover Bonter One, our composter for city living.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
The tougher parts of leek are fine for the worm bin (in moderation), but there are also other useful destinations. The green tops and root base are excellent for making broth, which forms a delicious base for soups and sauces. This is a perfect way to minimize waste. A traditional outdoor compost heap is also an option for larger quantities of fibrous leek waste.
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
Tips for safe leek composting
Cut leek scraps, especially the dark green, fibrous leaves and the root base, as small as possible. This significantly speeds up breakdown. Mix the finely chopped leek well with other waste and a generous amount of dry bedding material. Bury the mix under the top layer to discourage fruit flies and manage any mild odors. The fibrous parts may remain visible in the bin for a while; be patient. Your Bonter’s filter keeps odors contained, but an excess of alliums can still be noticeable locally in the bin.
Iām Mats, founder of Bonter, and Iām 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 leeks
Can the tough green parts of leek go in the worm bin?
Yes, the tougher green parts of leek can go in the worm bin, but it is necessary to make them very fine and add them in moderation, as they are fibrous and decompose slowly.
Can the roots of leek go in?
Yes, the roots of leek can also go in the worm bin. Make these small as well, as they can be fibrous and otherwise digest slower.
How quickly does leek decompose in a worm bin?
The white, softer part of leek decomposes reasonably quickly. The fibrous green tops and the root base decompose slower. In general, the breakdown of leek proceeds slower than with softer vegetables.
Does leek cause odors in the worm bin?
Leek is milder than onion or garlic but can still cause mild odors in large quantities during breakdown. By adding it in moderation, mixing well, and burying it, and thanks to the Bonter filter, odors are usually kept under control.
Can the white, soft part of leek go in the worm bin?
Yes, the white and light green, softer part of leek is excellently suitable for the worm bin and decomposes faster than the hard green tops and roots. Add it in moderation like other waste and mix well.
Discover moreāØ
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.
Egg cartons
Chicory
Strawberry
Dried grass
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.