Last Updated on April 1, 2025 by teamobn
I recently came across this meme on Facebook.
We all know Abe didn’t say that. But there are people who believed that meme and actually think he did.
You see how the internet can sometimes be a source of false information?
Take this for example: I love oranges. My family loves them, too. We eat so many of them that we end up with a heap of orange peels every single time. And then we throw them out.
Why? Because I have read, from several sources, that they are not good for compost. Apparently, they cause the earthworms to die and that they take forever to break down.
Imagine my surprise when I came across an article about how 12,000 tonnes of orange peel, dumped in a barren and deforested area in Costa Rica, turned that lifeless land into a fertile forest.
I’ve thrown away A LOT of orange peels in my lifetime. This photo is a constant reminder of how healthy my plants could have been. Can you compost orange peels? Why are many not recommending it? Continue reading below to know more.
Can You Compost Orange Peels?
Contents
It was in 1997 when Princeton University researchers approached Del Oro, a juice company, for an experimental conservation project. They offered to allow Del Oro to dump their discarded orange peels in a certain area – for free – in exchange for land which the company already owned. That land adjoined an existing conservation area.
They agreed to the deal so a convoy of 1,000 trucks dumped 12,000 tonnes of orange peel into the damaged and barren area.
However, a rival juice company, TicoFruit, sued Del Oro for “defiling the park.” TicoFruit won and the court canceled the project.
A research team from Princeton University visited the site 15 years later, expecting some improvement. The area had become totally unrecognizable because of lushness of the vegetation. The regrowth was so extraordinary that the researchers ended up making multiple visits just to locate the test site.
The project was a resounding success – way beyond their expectations.
Orange peels in the garden?
The researchers compared the orange peel soil with the soil in a nearby area that wasn’t treated with orange peel. The orange peel soil turned out richer producing a wider variety of plant and tree species.
Nobody knows how it happened but what we do know now is that orange peels are good for compost.
So, is it safe to use orange peels in the garden?
YES!
But composting is no fun without a bin! Check this out for DIY compost bin ideas.
Why People Think Orange Peels Are Bad for Compost
Can you compost orange peels? The answer is yes—but that hasn’t stopped the internet from spreading a few myths about them. For years, home gardeners and composting beginners have hesitated to toss orange peels into their compost piles. The hesitation often comes from things people have read online, heard in gardening circles, or seen in outdated articles. It’s time to clear the air and look at why orange peels have gotten a bad reputation.
Too Acidic for Compost?
One of the most common beliefs is that citrus peels, including oranges, are too acidic for compost. While it’s true that oranges have a low pH, the acidity gets neutralized during the composting process.
Microorganisms break down the materials and balance the overall pH of the pile over time. If you add only orange peels and ignore balance, yes—your compost can skew too acidic. But when you mix them with other scraps like dry leaves, cardboard, or grass clippings, the acidity gets diluted and managed naturally.
Worms Can’t Handle Citrus
There’s a persistent idea that earthworms hate citrus and will avoid, or even die, if exposed to orange peels. This myth has made many composters nervous about using citrus in worm bins. While it’s true that worms don’t flock to orange peels, they won’t perish from them. The trick is moderation.
Adding too many peels in one go can overwhelm the bin, not because the peels are toxic, but because they break down slowly and have strong oils. Adding small amounts and making sure your bin stays balanced is perfectly safe for worms.
They Take Too Long to Break Down
Some people avoid orange peels because they believe the skins take forever to decompose. There’s some truth to this—citrus peels are tougher than other fruit scraps like banana peels or apple cores. But that doesn’t mean they don’t belong in your compost. Cutting them into smaller pieces helps speed things up. A well-managed hot compost pile will break down orange peels with no problem at all. Time isn’t the enemy—neglect is. If your pile isn’t heating up or being turned regularly, then yes, orange peels might linger longer than you’d like.
Fear of Pesticides and Chemicals
Commercial oranges often come with pesticide residue on their skins. That’s made some people wary about composting the peels, especially if they plan to use the finished compost in a vegetable garden. While that concern is understandable, most of those chemical residues break down during composting—especially if you maintain a hot pile. Washing the peels before composting can help reduce any leftover surface residue. If you’re still concerned, choose organic oranges or use those peels in non-edible compost projects like flower beds.
The Strong Citrus Smell
Lastly, some gardeners simply don’t like the smell. Orange peels have a sharp citrus scent, and when composted in large quantities, that smell can become intense. But this is usually temporary. As decomposition kicks in, the smell fades. If you’re managing your pile well and mixing in enough browns, the smell won’t linger.
So, can you compost orange peels? Absolutely. The myths surrounding them come from misunderstanding and misuse. With the right approach, orange peels can be a healthy, nutrient-rich addition to your compost pile.
Benefits of Composting Orange Peels
Can you compost orange peels? Yes—and not only is it possible, it’s also highly beneficial. Orange peels are often overlooked or tossed in the trash because of misconceptions. But when used the right way, they offer several advantages for your compost pile and your garden soil. These peels aren’t just scraps—they’re a resource.
They’re Rich in Nutrients
Orange peels are packed with valuable nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. These elements are essential for plant growth. When broken down, they enrich the compost and help support a healthy microbial ecosystem. The nutrients from orange peels get released slowly, making them ideal for creating long-lasting soil health. Your plants won’t just grow—they’ll thrive with better structure and fertility in the soil.
Adds Variety to Your Compost
A compost pile that’s too uniform breaks down more slowly. Diversity in your compost ingredients helps activate microbial activity and speeds up decomposition. Orange peels add to this variety, balancing out kitchen scraps like coffee grounds and vegetable ends. Their thick skin and fibrous structure offer a different texture that supports airflow inside the pile. That airflow helps prevent bad odors and speeds up the breakdown process.
Natural Pest Repellent
Orange peels contain essential oils like limonene, which have natural pest-repelling properties. While this compound can be strong when fresh, it gradually fades as the peel decomposes. In the early stages, though, it may help deter ants, flies, and even some garden pests. Tossing in small bits of orange peel can act as a bonus layer of natural protection while your compost matures.
Good for Moisture Balance
Maintaining the right moisture level is key to healthy compost. Orange peels contain a decent amount of water, but they’re not too wet. When chopped and mixed with drier material like paper, cardboard, or wood shavings, they contribute to a well-balanced compost mix. They help prevent your pile from becoming too soggy or too dry, both of which can slow down decomposition.
Improves Compost Texture
As orange peels break down, they contribute to the fluffy, crumbly texture that’s ideal for garden-ready compost. This texture helps with drainage when added to garden beds. It also improves the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients. Plants can spread roots more easily in loose, well-textured soil, which leads to stronger growth.
Reduces Household Waste
Adding orange peels to your compost is a simple way to reduce what goes into your trash bin. If your household eats a lot of citrus, those peels can pile up quickly. Composting them gives them a second life. Instead of heading to a landfill, they contribute to something useful for your garden or lawn.
So, can you compost orange peels? Without a doubt. They provide nutrients, improve structure, help balance your pile, and even reduce waste. Once you understand their value, it’s easy to see why orange peels should never be left out of your composting routine.
Conclusion
Can you compost orange peels? Yes, and they bring real value to your compost pile when used properly. With the right balance and care, orange peels turn from kitchen waste into garden gold.
If you have other composting ideas that we should know about, share it with us! We’ll keep our eyes “peeled”!
