Can you store vegetable peels for composting in the fridge?

Question

Yes! Learn the best way to store vegetable peels in your fridge or freezer for composting. Keep your kitchen tidy and reduce odor before composting.

Answer 1

Yes, you can store vegetable peels in the fridge for composting. This helps to prevent odors and slow down decomposition until you're ready to add them to your compost bin.

Detailed Explanation:

Storing vegetable peels in the refrigerator is a great way to manage your compostable materials, especially if you don't have an outdoor compost bin or if you're not ready to add them immediately. Here's why and how:

1. Odor Control: As vegetable peels decompose, they can produce unpleasant smells. Refrigeration significantly slows down the decomposition process, minimizing odors.

2. Preventing Fruit Flies: Fruit flies are attracted to decaying organic matter. Keeping peels in the fridge prevents them from becoming a breeding ground.

3. Slowing Decomposition: The cool temperature slows down the activity of microorganisms that break down the peels. This gives you more time to accumulate enough material for your compost bin.

4. Storage Method: Use a container with a lid, a resealable bag, or a dedicated compost bin in your fridge to store the peels. This prevents them from contaminating other food items and keeps the fridge clean.

5. Duration: You can typically store vegetable peels in the fridge for up to a week without significant issues. After that, they may start to break down even in the cold environment.

Pro Tip:

Consider freezing your vegetable scraps if you won't be composting them within a week. Freezing halts decomposition almost entirely and is especially useful for materials like onion peels that can become very pungent.