Can You Compost Citrus Peels? Tips, Fact and Fiction

Here’s a controversial question that comes up frequently when learning how to compost: Can you compost citrus​? Those who are new to keeping a regular compost pile are constantly looking at their food scraps and garden waste with new eyes. They wonder if everything they pick up can be used in their compost materials. Citrus products seems to be the line that some draw, but we’re going to bust some myths when answering the question can you compost citrus?

Can You Compost Citrus

Yes, citrus peels can be composted. They break down relatively slowly compared to other compost materials due to their high acidity and tough outer layer. However, they provide valuable nutrients to the compost once they decompose. 

Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, and Orange Peels

You can add any citrus peels to your compost pile. We know this works over time because it’s been done over and over again.

Rain forests in Costa Rica and the Amazon, have been replenished by dumping citrus peels in concentrated areas. They decomposed into a rich organic material to be planted in, leaving the soil far more nutrient dense than it was before adding the citrus.

The Myths

There are several myths surrounding composting citrus peels, but many of them are not entirely accurate. Here are a few common myths:

1. They take too long to break down.
2. They’re too big.
3. There’s too much acidic juices.
4. ​Citrus peels attract pests.

1. They Take Too Long.

We’re told that most grocery store citrus contains a waxy coating that won’t break down in the compost pile. This might prevent the citrus rinds from decomposing. The truth is that even waxy coatings can be broken down by hot composting.

It’s true that citrus peels decompose more slowly than some other compostable materials due to their tough outer layer and high oil content. However, chopping them into smaller pieces can speed up the decomposition process significantly.

2. They’re Too Big.

We’re also told that whole citrus is much too big to leave whole for the compost pile. That depends entirely on the size of your pile. A pile that is the recommended minimum of one cubic yard, may take longer to decompose a whole citrus fruit.

To compost citrus peels effectively, it’s recommended to chop them into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition and balance the pH levels in the compost pile. Mixing them with other compostable materials such as leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable scraps can also aid in the composting process.

3. There’s Too Much Acidic Juices.

Some people believe that citrus peels can throw off the balance of a compost pile, particularly in terms of pH levels. While it’s true that citrus peels are acidic, when added in moderation and mixed with other compostable materials, they usually don’t cause any significant imbalance.

4. Citrus Peels Attract Pests.

Like any other organic matter in a compost pile, citrus peels can attract pests such as fruit flies or ants if not properly managed. However, with regular turning and proper layering of materials, compost piles can effectively deter pests.

The Facts

​Since we’ve busted some myths, let’s look at the facts on can you compost citrus.

The Truth Behind the Nay-Sayers

​It’s true that citrus will take some added effort to compost. The oils in the citrus peelings, the extra fruit juice in whole fruits, and the high acidity levels can be a problem if left unchecked. Finding balance is the key to using citrus parts in your compost.

How to Compost Citrus Food Waste

To compost citrus peels effectively, first chop them into smaller pieces to accelerate decomposition. Layer the chopped peels with other compostable materials such as leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable scraps in a compost bin or pile. Ensure proper aeration by turning the compost regularly, at least once a week, to facilitate decomposition and prevent odors. 

Maintain a balanced mix of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials to encourage microbial activity. Keep the compost pile moist but not waterlogged, aiming for a consistency similar to a wrung-out sponge. 

With these steps, citrus peels can be easily integrated into your composting routine, contributing valuable nutrients to your compost while minimizing waste.

Timing the Decomposition Process

Timing plays a crucial role when adding citrus to your compost pile. Since citrus peels decompose more slowly than other compostable materials, it’s essential to consider when and how you add them to the pile. 

By paying attention to timing and employing proper composting techniques, you can effectively incorporate citrus peels into your compost pile without causing any significant delays or disruptions in the composting process.

​Balance of Your Compost Heap

Maintaining a healthy balance by using a diverse variety of organic materials will help your compost pile efficiently break down. Remember a good rule of thumb is to use 2 browns to every green, keep the pile damp, and arearated. 

By keeping the balance, even small but well-managed compost piles can easily take a fresh citrus peel or two.

Are Citrus Fruits Green or Brown Materials?

​Citrus fruits are typically considered “green” materials in a compost pile. Green materials are nitrogen-rich and include items such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings. While citrus peels contain some carbon, their high nitrogen content, along with their moisture levels, categorizes them as green materials. 

However, when composting citrus peels, it’s essential to balance them with “brown” materials, which are carbon-rich, such as dry leaves, wood chips, or shredded paper, to ensure proper decomposition and balance in the compost pile.

Does My Citrus Waste Have to Be From Organic Products?

No, you can compost citrus fruits that are not labeled organic. However, it’s essential to consider potential pesticide residues that might be present on non-organic citrus peels. Pesticides can persist through the composting process and may affect the quality of your compost or potentially harm beneficial organisms.

​Pesticides

Composting can help mitigate the presence of pesticides on citrus fruits in several ways:

1. Microbial Activity: The microbial activity involved in the composting process can break down organic matter, including pesticide residues. Certain microorganisms present in the compost pile can metabolize or degrade pesticides over time, reducing their concentration.
2. Heat: Composting generates heat as organic matter decomposes. The elevated temperatures reached in a well-managed compost pile, particularly in the thermophilic phase (around 130°F to 160°F or 55°C to 70°C), can aid in breaking down pesticides and other organic compounds.
3. Dilution: Mixing citrus peels with other compostable materials helps dilute pesticide residues present on the surface of the peels. By incorporating a variety of organic materials into the compost pile, the overall concentration of pesticides becomes more dispersed, reducing potential harm.
4. Time: Over time, as composting progresses and the compost matures, any remaining pesticide residues are further broken down and degraded. While some pesticides may persist for longer periods, the composting process allows for natural degradation to occur gradually.

Natural Pest Avoidance

Citrus, due to its high acidity, can act as a natural deterrent for certain pests in a compost pile. The strong scent and acidic nature of citrus peels may repel some insects and pests, helping to keep the compost pile relatively free from infestations. 

However, it’s important to note that while citrus can deter some pests, it may not be effective against all types of insects or pests commonly found in compost piles.

Additionally, while citrus peels may deter pests, they can also attract others, such as fruit flies or ants, especially if not properly managed.

Worms and Worm Bins

Citrus peels can have both positive and negative effects on a vermicomposting system like a worm bin:

1. Positive Effects:
   • Nutrient Contribution: Citrus peels contain valuable nutrients that can benefit worms as they decompose. These nutrients, including potassium, calcium, and vitamin C, can enrich the worm castings (vermicompost) produced in the bin.
   • Moisture Content: Citrus peels contain moisture, which helps maintain the proper moisture levels in the worm bin bedding, creating a favorable environment for worms.
2. Negative Effects:
   • Acidity: Citrus peels are acidic, which can be harmful to worms in high concentrations. Worms prefer a neutral pH environment, and excessive acidity from citrus peels can stress or even kill worms.
   • Slow Decomposition: Citrus peels decompose more slowly than other compostable materials due to their tough texture and high oil content. This slower decomposition process can create conditions that are less favorable for worms, potentially leading to overcrowding and anaerobic conditions in the worm bin.

To minimize the negative effects of citrus peels on worms in a worm composting bin:

• Chop citrus peels into small pieces to increase surface area.
• Limit the amount of citrus peels added to the bin to avoid creating excessively acidic conditions.
• Mix citrus peels with other compostable materials to balance the pH and provide a diverse diet for the worms.
• Monitor the moisture levels and overall health of the worm bin regularly to ensure that conditions remain optimal for worm activity.

What About Mold Like Penicillin?

Mold growth and fungi are a natural part of the decomposition process in compost. They help break down organic matter and facilitate nutrient cycling. In most cases, mold growth on citrus peels is harmless and indicates that decomposition is progressing.

One question that comes up when considering can you compost citrus peels, is what about penicillin? The penicillium bacteria will be killed by the hot composting process, and shouldn’t be of a major concern to home composters.

Summary on Can You Compost Citrus

Overall, while there are considerations to keep in mind when composting citrus peels, they can certainly be composted effectively when managed properly. Remember to keep a balanced ratio of browns to greens. Also, a dry pile will take a long time to process. Keep a high moisture content so that your organic waste will give you a quick finished compost for your gardens. Adding the odd bit of citrus fruit from your fruit scraps is a great way to boost your compost system with nitrogen.

Happy Composting!

Donna and her family have been homesteading for most of their 20+  years together in some shape or fashion. She currently lives on their 20 acre farm where they grow as much food as possible. What started as a just a few laying hens, has grown into large gardens, pastured poultry, pork, and lamb. They are continuously evolving their small farm to not suit their family’s needs, but also providing to their local community. Donna’s favorite part of the family farm is her self-built micro-dairy, where she gets to love on dairy cows while serving her local community. Milking, cheesemaking, and processing dairy have become the soul of their homestead and the center of their farm.