There are very different views on the question of whether charcoal can be added to the compost. Ultimately, there are good reasons for all opinions. There is certainly not much danger if you pay attention to a few things when composting the ashes from barbecue charcoal.
Is it OK to add charcoal to the compost?
Whether charcoal can be added to the compost is controversial. It is possible to compost the ashes if they are free of grease and lighter residue and the charcoal is labeled as “low in heavy metals”. However, only use small amounts and mix them with wet green waste.
Can charcoal be put in the compost?
Charcoal is made of organic materials, either wood or special coals. The ashes can be composted, but the Federal Environment Agency advises against adding barbecue charcoal ash to the compost.
The reason for this is deposits of heavy metals that the trees absorb over time. These are not broken down in the compost and are later distributed in the garden when fertilized. This is particularly a problem when fertilizing vegetables and fruit, as the heavy metals enter the human organism when consumed.
If you only grill rarely and make sure not to unnecessarily contaminate the charcoal with fat or grill lighter, composting is certainly not a problem.
Charcoal without heavy metals
- Use charcoal with little heavy metals
- do not use grill lighters
- Don't let fat drip into the embers
- Composting barbecue charcoal ash in small quantities
When you grill, for your own he alth you should only use charcoal that is labeled as “low in heavy metals”. With these products, care is taken to ensure that they come from stocks that have not been exposed to excessive environmental pollution or otherwise contaminated.
You should not buy products that are not labeled as “low in heavy metals” and you should certainly not put them in the compost later.
Compost charcoal without leftover fat or alcohol
If you grill without aluminum trays, fat will drip into the embers. This creates the dreaded acrylamides, which are considered carcinogenic. The ash is contaminated and belongs in the household waste and not in the compost.
This also applies if you used spirit or other such lighter fluid as lighter fluid.
It is harmless if you pour beer over the charcoal while grilling.
Don’t compost too much charcoal ash
Let the ashes cool down well before composting! Don't add too much charcoal ash to the compost at once. Mix them with other, preferably moist, green waste.
Tip
Basically, you can put all organic materials in the compost. However, some substances pose he alth risks. This is especially true for dog feces and cat litter.
Information about Terra Preta, the Black Earth, is compiled for you in this article and biochar is compiled for you in this article.
