You’ve taken the leap into composting: kitchen waste is being collected, the bin is in place, and you’re hopeful for that rich, earthy black gold. But a few weeks in, the pile stinks, the fruit flies have moved in, and instead of crumbly compost, you’re left with a slimy mess.

And you’re left with an important question: ‘What went wrong?’

Composting, when done right, is one of the most rewarding habits a household can adopt. It reduces landfill waste, cuts down methane emissions, and gives you natural fertiliser for your plants. But it’s also easy to slip into some common mistakes, especially in Indian homes, where tropical weather, mixed waste, and spicy food scraps can complicate the process.

Let’s clear the compost air with this handy guide on what not to compost, common myths, and simple fixes to help you get it right.

What you should not compost

Not everything that’s biodegradable is compost-friendly, especially in our climate. Here’s what you should leave out:

• Cooked food and oily leftovers: These attract rats, maggots, and flies, especially in warm weather.
• Meat, fish and dairy: They decompose poorly in home composts and release foul........
  

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