Okay, so I’ve been trying to be more eco-conscious lately, and that includes figuring out what to do with all the used cat litter. I have two fluffy monsters, and let me tell you, they produce a lot of waste. I’d heard about composting cat litter, and I was like, “Hmm, is that even possible? And is it… safe?”
My Composting Experiment: Cat Litter Edition
First thing I did was some digging around online. I found out real quick that you absolutely cannot compost litter with cat poop if you plan on using that compost on anything you’re gonna eat. Like, no veggies, no fruit trees, nada. Cat poop can carry nasty stuff like Toxoplasma gondii, which is super dangerous, especially for pregnant women. No thank you!
But, if you’re just composting for flower beds or your lawn, it seemed like it might be doable. I decided to give it a shot, but with a few precautions.
Setting up My Special Cat Litter Compost
- Separate Bin: I got a completely separate compost bin, just for the cat litter. No mixing it with my regular food scraps and yard waste! This one’s bright red, a good visual reminder: “Danger! Cat Litter Only!”
- “Browns” are Key:
You need a lot of “brown” materials (stuff like dried leaves, shredded paper, sawdust) to balance out the “green” (which, in this case, is the used litter, pee and all). I figured this would also help control the smell.
- Wood-Based, Clay-Based, what’s best?:
I learned that clay-based or wood-based cat litters are usually the way to go. Some people use pine pellets, but I went to store to buy some wood-based ones.
The Composting Process (and the Waiting Game)
I started layering. A bunch of browns at the bottom, then a layer of used litter (scooping out the poop, of course), then more browns. I kept repeating this, kind of like making a weird, smelly lasagna. I also added some water every now and then to keep things moist, but not soaking wet.
And then… I waited. And waited. And waited some more. Composting cat litter takes way longer than regular composting. We’re talking a year, maybe even two, to really break down. Patience is definitely a virtue here.
I turned the pile every few weeks, using a pitchfork I dedicated just to this purpose. Let me tell you, it was not a glamorous job. But, I was determined to see this through.
The Results (So Far)
It’s been about eight months now, and honestly, it’s still… well, it still kind of looks like compost with litter in it. It’s definitely broken down a lot, and the smell is way less intense than it was at the beginning. It’s more of an earthy smell now, which is a good sign.
I’m planning on letting it sit for at least another six months, maybe even a full year, before I use it on my flower beds. I’m still a little nervous, to be honest, but I figure if I’m super careful and only use it on non-edible plants, it should be okay.
Will keep you guys posted with my composting updates!
