Composting cat litter recycles waste into useful fertilizer. Simply place used litter into a compost bin, mixing in brown materials like dried leaves. Allow mixture to decompose for 6-12 months until compost is dark and crumbly. Then apply finished compost to gardens. Composting cat litter reduces waste in landfills.
How To Compost Cat Litter? Turns out, composting clumps of cat waste is easier than you may think. By composting litter, you can reuse feline feces to enrich your garden soil. All it takes is a proper compost bin and some regular maintenance. Don’t let cat litter go to waste, compost it instead.
Composting cat litter requires a few simple steps. First, collect used litter in compostable bags. Place the bags into a compost tumbler or bin, mixing in carbon-rich materials like sawdust, leaves, or shredded paper. Turn the compost regularly and keep it moist. In several months, you will have usable compost to fertilize plants.
Key Takeaways
- Composting cat litter reduces waste and creates a nutrient-rich fertilizer for gardens. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to sending litter to landfills.
- Use compostable, plant-based litter, not conventional clay litter. Scoop out only the soiled litter and compost in an enclosed bin.
- Layer the cat litter in the bin with brown and green materials like leaves, sawdust, and food scraps. Turn weekly to aerate.
- Maintain proper moisture and temperature. In 6-12 months, the finished compost will be dark, crumbly and odorless.
- Troubleshoot issues like bad smells by adjusting carbon, nitrogen, and moisture levels. Monitor the compost pile regularly.
- Avoid using the compost in vegetable gardens. Apply to ornamentals, trees, and lawns instead.
- Composting cat litter takes some work but keeps waste out of landfills and gives you free organic fertilizer. Follow the guidelines for composting cat litter successfully.
Why Compost Cat Litter?
Composting cat litter offers an eco-friendly way to recycle feline waste rather than sending it to landfills. The organic matter in used litter makes an excellent addition to compost, providing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to fertilize gardens. Composting cat litter also saves money on trash bags and landfill fees. Composting cat litter offers several benefits:
Reduces Waste
Over 2.6 million tons of cat litter end up in US landfills each year. Why does my cat just sit in the litter box? Composting allows you to recycle this waste rather than have it sit in a landfill for centuries. It’s an easy way to reduce your environmental footprint.
Creates Garden Fertilizer
The organic waste in used cat litter makes an excellent addition to compost. Cat feces are high in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, nutrients plants need. The finished compost helps fertilize gardens, houseplants, or lawns.
Cost Effective
Composting cat litter can save money since you don’t need to buy fertilizer or cat litter made from conventional clay. It also saves on trash bag costs and landfill fees.
Odor Control
A well-maintained compost pile should not have an odor. The microorganisms and bacteria that break down the waste create little smell. Turning the compost aerates it to prevent smells.
How To Compost Litter
Composting cat litter takes a bit of work but following some basic steps will ensure proper decomposition.
Choosing a Compost Bin
You’ll first need an enclosed compost bin to contain the waste. Some options are:
- The compost tumbler rotates to mix and aerate the compost
- Enclosed plastic or wooden bin
- Trash cans with ventilation holes
The bin should be rodent-proof and not accessible to pets. Place it in partial shade in the yard.
Using the Right Litter
The type of cat litter impacts how well it composts. Clumping clay litters and silica gel crystals don’t break down. Look for:
- Corn, wheat, or paper-based litter
- Pine pellets
- Coconut coir
- Recycled newspaper litter
Avoid using scented, antibacterial, or chemical-filled litter.
Preparing the Cat Litter
Scoop out the solid clumps of urine and feces from the litter box. Place only the soiled litter into compostable bags or paper bags. Don’t include any unused litter. To absorb excess moisture, you can mix in a small amount of dry, unused litter before bagging.
Layering the Compost Bin
The compost needs both green and brown ingredients to decompose properly. Alternate layers as follows:
- 4-6 inches of used cat litter
- Brown material like dried leaves, sawdust, or shredded paper
- Green material like food scraps or coffee grounds
- A sprinkling of garden soil or finished compost
Make sure the layers are loose, not compacted down.
Maintaining the Compost
Proper maintenance is key to an odor-free, successful compost pile. You’ll need to:
- Turn or stir the compost weekly to aerate it
- Check that it stays moist but not soaked
- Monitor the temperature which should reach 140-160F
- Add water or more brown material if it becomes too wet or nitrogen-rich
In 6-12 months, the compost should look dark brown, smell earthy, and feel crumbly.
Using the Finished Compost
The compost is ready to use when it no longer resembles cat litter. To be extra safe, don’t use it in edible gardens. Spread it around ornamentals, trees, or shrubs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Reduces waste in landfills | Requires regular maintenance |
| Creates free fertilizer | Not suitable for edible gardens |
| Saves money | Only works with compostable litter |
| Prevents odors | Needs a proper compost bin |
Troubleshooting Cat Litter Composting
Composting cat litter does take some trial and error. Here are some common problems and solutions:
- Bad Odor: Add more brown material like leaves or sawdust to balance the nitrogen. Turn the compost to circulate air. Make sure it isn’t compacted.
- Slow Decomposition: Mix in fresh green waste and check the moisture level. Turn pile more frequently. Partially finished compost can be added too.
- Ammonia Smell: Too much nitrogen. Add carbon-rich ingredients like paper, cardboard, or wood chips.
- Mold Growth: Cut back on nitrogen-rich additions. Turn the pile to dry it out a bit. Add coarse material like straw.
With the right conditions, your cat litter should be composted into something usable in your garden. Avoid common mistakes, monitor the pile regularly, and make adjustments as needed.
FAQ’s
Can I compost clumping clay litter?
No, only compostable, natural litter will break down.
What carbon materials can I add?
Dry leaves, sawdust, shredded paper.
How often should I turn the compost?
Turn weekly to circulate oxygen.
Is composted cat litter safe for vegetables?
No, only used on ornamentals and lawns.
How long until finished compost?
Expect 6-12 months to fully decompose.
Conclusion
Composting cat litter is an environmentally friendly way to reduce waste while creating a nutritious fertilizer for your garden. “8 tips to help cats enjoy car travel” By following the proper steps, you can successfully turn used litter into dark, crumbly compost over 6-12 months. Be sure to contain it in an enclosed compost bin and use plant-based, compostable litter.
Maintain the right balance of materials, moisture, and aeration by regularly monitoring and turning the pile. With some initial work and continued maintenance, composting cat litter will yield an organic soil amendment that can enrich ornamental plantings and lawns. Taking these steps for how to compost cat litter will lead to an eco-friendly way to repurpose feline waste.
