There are now a large number of types of cat litter that are expressly offered as compostable. However, you should exercise caution when composting the litter box. When can cat litter be put in the compost?
Can you put compostable cat litter in the compost?
Compostable cat litter can be put in the compost, but you should make sure to remove feces and chunks of urine and spread the litter thinly and mix it with other materials. Not suitable for vegetable beds, no problem for flower beds.
Can cat litter be put in the compost?
Whether cat litter can be added to the compost depends on which cat litter you use. If the litter contains scents, you should generally not compost it.
You can of course dispose of compostable cat litter in the compost, but you should keep a few things in mind.
Cats, like dogs, are carnivores. Their feces often contain worms and other pests, especially if the cat is an outdoor cat. The parasites are not eliminated in the compost because it does not reach the necessary temperatures. If you later bring the humus into the garden to fertilize, the pest eggs will spread further.
Compostable cat litter types
Litter types that are primarily made of cellulose are well suited for composting. But bentonite, perlite and sand can also be disposed of in the compost.
Always mix cat litter well
- Pick up cat poop
- Remove chunks with urine
- mix with other materials
- Sprinkle cat litter over the compost
- sprinkle other materials on top
If cat litter is placed in a large pile on the compost heap, there is a risk that the material will clump together. These chunks are then very solid and do not decompose.
You must therefore spread the cat litter as thinly as possible. It is best to mix them with other materials such as grass clippings, ash or green waste. The rotting process then proceeds very quickly.
Remove feces and chunks of urine as these may contain parasites. This is particularly important if the cat has been treated with medication such as antibiotics.
Loosen up compacted soils with cat litter
Humus from cat litter and other compost materials is ideal for loosening compacted soils, especially loamy and clay soils.
You should never use humus made from cat litter on vegetable beds. In the case of flower beds, it is not a problem if you have carefully collected the cats' droppings from the litter before composting.
Tip
You can dispose of compostable cat litter in the organic waste bin provided by the garbage disposal. However, this is not allowed in every community. Find out beforehand whether organic waste bins with cat litter will be collected.
