Here’s how you compost eggshells right..
So you’re already composting all of your food scraps and paper items and you’re starting to feel like a pro composter. Even experienced food diverters have questions sometimes and there isn’t always a straightforward answer. But eggshells are a super common waste item in the kitchen and there has got to be something we can do with it so let’s dive in.
Are eggshells compostable?
The short answer is yes, eggshells are compostable and you can put eggshells in your compost bin. Eggshells are made mostly of minerals like calcium, and calcium is an important mineral for your soil and for your plants, just like it’s important for people! By composting eggshells you are releasing those nutrients and making them bioavailable for plants and therefore humans!
How long do they take to break down
Composting eggshells can be difficult. Eggshells are sturdy things, so they will not break down at the same rate as something like an apple, or something else soft. . It will take some more time for it to breakdown and slowly release the mineral into your compost. You can imagine that it might be slightly unpleasant to find a wholey formed eggshell in your otherwise perfect compost. Not the end of the world or anything, but we’re aiming for the best here so there must be something we can do.
Grind up your eggshells.
The easiest way to help your eggshells breakdown and be usable in your finish compost is to grind them up into small pieces. The smaller the pieces of shell, the more surface area will be expost to your pile and the faster it will break down into it’s base elements. One option would be to simply crush the eggshells in your hand before putting them in your compost bin. It’s a little messy but it will help move things along. You could also run them through a food processor, achieving maximum smallness. You could also throw them into the pile fully formed, but then smash them up with a tool during your turning process.
Can You Put Eggshells in Your Compost Pile and What Happens?
So you’re already composting all of your food scraps and paper items and you’re starting to feel like a pro composter. Even experienced food diverters have questions sometimes and there isn’t always a straightforward answer. But eggshells are a super common waste item in the kitchen and there has got to be something we can do with it so let’s dive in
How long do they take to break down
But eggshells are sturdy things, so they will not break down at the same rate as something like an apple, or something else soft. . It will take some more time for it to breakdown and slowly release the mineral into your compost. You can imagine that it might be slightly unpleasant to find a wholly formed eggshell in your otherwise perfect compost. Not the end of the world or anything, but we’re aiming for the best here so there must be something we can do. If we really want to start composting eggshells and reaping all the benefits there is something we can do.
What can I do to help eggshells breakdown faster?
Grind up your eggshells.
The easiest way to help your eggshells breakdown and be usable in your finish compost is to grind them up into small pieces. The smaller the pieces of shell, the more surface area will be expost to your pile and the faster it will break down into it’s base elements. One option would be to simply crush the eggshells in your hand before putting them in your compost bin. It’s a little messy but it will help move things along. You could also run them through a food processor, achieving maximum smallness. You could also throw them into the pile fully formed, but then smash them up with a tool during your turning process.
The end goal here is to pieces of shell which are small enough that your wouldn’t mind coming across some while you are gardening. Eggshells are highly beneficial, but a slow release which will benefit your garden for years. Worms also love the nutritional content of eggshells, and making your worms happy will also make your plants happy.