There are different formulas for compost piles. Some composters mix equal parts green and brown organic material -- the green being green plant matter and food scraps, the brown being dried yard trimmings and leaves. Others also add fresh soil and manure to the pile. For any compost pile, kitchen scraps are essential and avocado skins can be part of the mix. The avocado skins do take longer than most other food scraps to decompose. The exact time will vary for each compost pile, but do not be surprised if you see the rinds still intact several months after adding them to the compost.
Remove the meat of the avocado with a spoon to add to your meal. Meat left behind on the skin is fine -- the skin does not need to be scraped clean for composting.
Cut the avocado skins into small pieces of about 2 inches square with a knife or kitchen scissors. Avocado rinds are slow to break down in compost piles, so cutting the pieces will allow them to mix into the pile and break down more easily.
Put the cut rind into the compost pile with other food scraps. If you are just starting your compost pile, the rind goes into the organic materials layer, or green layer. Bury the avocado rinds in the middle of the pile if your compost is established.
Things You Will Need
- Knife or kitchen scissors
- Avocado rinds should not make up more than 10 percent of the food scraps you add to your compost pile. Too many avocado skins will slow down your compost pile’s process.
- You can put the avocado pit into the compost pile as well if it is a dark or hot pile. However it may take even longer to decompose than the rinds.
- Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images