Composting Meat and Bones? Read This First

If you compost, you have probably heard one rule repeated everywhere: never compost meat or bones. That advice exists for a reason, but it is incomplete. You can compost meat and bones, just not in the same way you compost vegetable scraps. The difference comes down to scale, system, and control. When done wrong, meat creates odor, attracts pests like rats and raccoons, and slows your compost. When done right, it becomes one of the most nutrient-rich inputs you can add to soil.

Why Meat and Bones Are Tricky in Home Composting

Meat and bones break down differently than plant material. They are high in nitrogen and fats, which can create strong odors if the compost pile does not have enough oxygen or carbon to balance it. In a typical backyard compost bin or beginner setup, adding meat scraps often leads to anaerobic conditions, meaning the pile lacks oxygen and starts to smell. That smell is what attracts pests, including rodents, raccoons, and other animals that will dig into compost to access food.

Bones add another layer of complexity. They are dense and slow to break down, especially in low-temperature compost systems. While soft materials decompose in weeks, bones can take months or even years unless the conditions are hot and active.

When You Should Not Compost Meat at Home

For most beginner composters using small bins, tumblers, or open backyard piles, meat and bones are not recommended. These systems usually do not reach the sustained high temperatures needed to break down animal products quickly and safely. They also tend to be more accessible to pests. If your compost bin is not fully enclosed or you are already dealing with issues like flies, ants, or rodents, adding meat will make those problems worse. In these setups, it is better to avoid meat and bones or use alternative methods that control odor and access.

How to Compost Meat and Bones the Right Way

If you want to compost meat and bones at home, you need a system that can handle it. The most effective method is hot composting in a well-managed pile. This requires a larger volume of material, proper layering of greens and browns, and consistent turning to maintain airflow. When done correctly, the internal temperature rises high enough to break down proteins and fats while reducing odors. Meat should always be buried deep in the center of the pile, where temperatures are highest and access is limited.

Another option is bokashi composting. Bokashi uses fermentation rather than traditional decomposition, which allows you to add meat, bones, dairy, and oily foods without the same risks. In this system, food waste is layered with a microbial inoculant and sealed in an airtight container. The material ferments over a few weeks, breaking down in a way that prevents odor and pest access. After fermentation, the material must still be buried in soil or added to a compost system to fully decompose. This is one of the most practical ways for home gardeners to handle meat scraps without creating problems.

For bones specifically, size matters. Smaller bones, like those from chicken or fish, will break down much faster than large beef bones. Crushing or breaking bones into smaller pieces speeds up the process significantly. In hot compost systems, these smaller bones can eventually soften and integrate into the compost. Larger bones often need to be removed later or processed separately.

How to Avoid Smell and Pests

The biggest concern with composting meat is odor, which leads directly to pests. Preventing this comes down to control. Meat should never be left exposed on the surface of a compost pile. It should always be buried deep and surrounded by carbon-rich materials like leaves, cardboard, or wood chips. These materials absorb moisture, reduce smell, and create the structure needed for airflow. A secure compost system also matters. Closed bins with tight-fitting lids help prevent animals like rats and raccoons from accessing the contents.

Are There Better Alternatives for Meat Scraps

For many home composters, the best solution is not forcing meat into a system that cannot handle it. Municipal compost programs, when available, are designed to process a wider range of materials, including meat and bones, at higher temperatures and larger scales. Bokashi systems are another accessible option for handling these materials at home without odor or pests. If neither option is available, disposing of meat separately may be more practical than risking contamination or pest issues in your compost.

For most home gardeners, composting plant-based materials first is the easiest path to success. Once your system is stable and you understand how to manage moisture, airflow, and balance, then you can decide if adding meat and bones makes sense for your setup.

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About Let’s Go Compost

Let’s Go Compost is a national nonprofit making composting simple, affordable, and accessible. Our programs bring hands-on composting to communities, helping people turn food and plant waste into healthy soil that supports food systems, native plant ecosystems, and pollinators. Learn more at letsgocompost.org and support our work at letsgocompost.org/donate.