Can I Compost Poo?

Can I Compost Poo?

All manures can be composted. Some composting sites are adamant you should only add herbivore (plant grazing) animal manure to your compost because carnivore (meat eating) animal manure may contain pathogens. All manures and waste can be potentially harmful to humans, other animals and plants.

We advise that no manure is added to the soil 'fresh'. Once the manure is in the HOTBIN, the combination of the bacteria, the high temperatures and the length of time away from the animal host's gut should lead to the destruction of faecal pathogens.

Good hygiene during use of the HOTBIN is essential, especially when dealing with manure - ensure you wear gloves and you wipe down the edges of the HOTBIN after filling it.

Different manures provide unique percentages of a number of key nutrients. The most important three nutrients are: nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). The NPK values of the different manures is largely irrelevant in hot composting; whether the manure is mixed with bedding (straw, card or shavings) has more impact than what animal created the manure. 

Types Of Manure

Will It Decay

Cold
Compost

HOTBIN Compost

Rate Of Decay In HOTBIN

Comments

Bird Poo (incl. pigeons)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Medium

 

Cat and Dog Poo

Yes

Not Advised

Yes

Medium

Not always practical but compostable poo bags should be avoided unless torn up to prevent aeration issues

Chicken Poo and Pellets

Yes

Yes

Yes

Medium

Chicken pellets provide a great heat boost in the HOTBIN

Cow and Sheep Manure

Yes

Yes

Yes

Medium

Check local regulations before taking farm manure home

Horse Manure

Yes

Yes

Yes

Medium-slow

 

Pig Manure

Yes

Not Advised

Yes

Medium

Check local regulations before taking farm manure home

Rabbit and Guinea Pig Poo

Yes

Yes

Yes

Medium

 

Zoo Animals Manure (Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Zebra etc)

Yes

Yes

Not Advised

Medium

In theory yes, but the volume would not be suitable in a HOTBIN

 

Can I Compost Animal Bedding?

Pet bedding, whether rabbits, gerbils, chickens or even horses comes in many forms - check the wood based table for further advice to avoid causing any aeration issues in the HOTBIN.

Can I Compost Human Poo?

Humanure will compost, but not advisable in any home composter. Certified biodegradable nappies are compostable - please do check individual product as many also have plastic elements that cannot be composted and view this specific post on composting nappies for more information.

Back to blog