Materials to Avoid
| Material | Comments |
| Barbecue Ashes | Contains sulfur oxides |
| Diseased plants | Pathogens only killed by very hot compost |
| Dishwashing water | May contain perfumes, greases, sodium |
| Dog, cat feces | Can contain disease organisms |
| Fish scraps | Attracts animals - bury in trench |
| Grease, milk products | Attracts animals, large amounts slow composting |
| Kitty Litter | Can contain disease organisms |
| Meat scraps | Attracts animals |
| Quackgrass | Unless thoroughly dried before adding it will grow again |