Is Sourdough Starter Safe To Put in Compost Bin?

dogstarheaven

Currently making sourdough for the first time, and whilst it's quite complex for the starter process, the general consensus by breadmakers is that when you discard the starter each day, you can actually put it in the compost bin. I'm not entirely convinced that it is appropriate as I would imagine that it is a dough that is 'cooked' as the yeast would of started its fermentation process and I know anything cooked isn't compostable like bread isn't. Can anyone comment on this pls? I would need discard this for the next two weeks so I do need a definitive answer as early as possible pls.
Thanks so much. :beer:

Lotus-eater

Anything that was once alive is compostable. The reason we are told not to put anything cooked into bins, is that it attracts vermin.
So, I can't see any reason why you can't, as long as your bin is rat and mouse proof. But if it isn't, I would stick it in the normal bin tbh.

midnightraven3

i dont understand OP

what is it that you are throwing away?

i make bread from SD starter several time a week
i dont discard anything

dogstarheaven

midnightraven:
well, I'm on DAY 4 on my starter/levain - a process whereby you discard most of of it each day but then 'feed' it back with new flour and water, and this needs to be repeated till you've done this for two weeks. By then, your starter is ready and then you can make bread with it, ad infinitum. surely, you would of done this at the beginning of your sourdough making, or did you get the starter from someone else who had it already done?

lotus-eater:

I only thought it was natural fibres (plant-based material, hair/wool/paper etc.,) was allowed in the bin and not anything that was once alive as in an animal, or greasy from cooked food, dairy and bread.

the only reason I put the thread up is that I'm worried that vermin might be attacted to anything 'foodie'-like (hate and fear them very badly!!). In a previous thread ('how to prepare composter'), I stated that I had it sited onto a concrete base, so that gives me the knowledge that it is vermin-proof to some degree (well, I hope so as I've just started doing this, so it'll take a while before I need to turn it over.. worried about spillages now?? will excess semi-decomposed waste or it's smell attract vermin??? v worried now!!).

and another reason, altho' secondary to the above, I don't know if a starter (sloppy dough if anyone didn't know what I'm going on about) will decompose properly.. Has anyone composted doughy mixtures before, or am I taking this concern all too seriously??!!

midnightraven3

:Dthank you dog star

i was genuinely interested, not being pedantic

i LOVE using my SDS and always wanting to know what others are doing/using/different methods

be interested to hear how you progress

will watch with interest regarding composting it
sorry i dont know

midnightraven3

just saw you asked had i done it this way

no, i used a different method, discarding none

dogstarheaven

thanks for taking an interest in SD. i too am so excited about making this( for the first time!) i want to do it properly, no cheat's version. here's my recipe that i've used:-
it's organic white flour 35g, 15g rye flour and 50g pure water. i've put up a thread in oldmoneysaving about starters, have a peek at my query...

Kay_Peel

The smell of sourdough starter is very similar to the yeast-like smell that comes from the fermenting contents of a bokashi bin. I'd be wary about putting it in the compost bin directly.

You can put your fermented bokashi contents straight into the bin, allegedly. I'm not keen on that, however. I found that the worms went straight for it (and nowhere else) and that it attracted massive flies and other smaller insects. I had to take it out as best as I could (euuugghhhh yuck) and bury it. Once it was out, the compost bin returned to normal activity and the flies disappeared.

I know that you only have a small quantity of sourdough starter but I suspect that its smell will attract more widlife and more compost bin activity than you'd like. It's just a hunch and I could be wrong.

:beer:

dogstarheaven

Kay_Peel wrote: »

The smell of sourdough starter is very similar to the yeast-like smell that comes from the fermenting contents of a bokashi bin. I'd be wary about putting it in the compost bin directly.

You can put your fermented bokashi contents straight into the bin, allegedly. I'm not keen on that, however. I found that the worms went straight for it (and nowhere else) and that it attracted massive flies and other smaller insects. I had to take it out as best as I could (euuugghhhh yuck) and bury it. Once it was out, the compost bin returned to normal activity and the flies disappeared.

I know that you only have a small quantity of sourdough starter but I suspect that its smell will attract more widlife and more compost bin activity than you'd like. It's just a hunch and I could be wrong.

:beer:

hi kay peel

thanks for your input. re. the fruit flies - i thought about hanging a mothball in the bin as a deterrent for these, or as a way to prevent them from multiplying so readily. it's just horrid to have them flying all over you when you open the lid:eek: yak!! do you think this might work?:( i know i'll have to ensure it doesn't touch the decomposing waste. do you think the smell of it might be harmful to the microbial organisms that will be doing their biz in the bin tho'??

Kay_Peel

Hey, that's a good idea and worth a try.:T

[Deleted User]

I use my sourdough starter for flatbread when I remove some in order to feed the rest. I cook it in a frying pan or on a griddle. Its lovely, don`t waste it. Mine is 5 years old now and it makes fab bread. Enjoy your new hobby and dont be dictated to by the starter. I am moving and am very busy so mine is sleeping in the fridge and it is ok there for months