QUESTION: Is mold OK for compost?
ANSWER: Mold is part of the composting process. Mold is often spotted on dead matter, as it signifies full decomposition. As long as it is mixed properly, mold is not harmful in compost. Mold typically has a cotton-like texture and generally appears as green, black, white, or pink.
The color of mold is often determined by the type of material it feeds on, as well as the climate and region in which it is growing. White mold is commonly found on wood in compost and is a sign that your compost is decomposing correctly when found in hot composting systems. Green mold is the most common mold found in compost and is most common when there is a lot of food waste in your pile. Pink mold is caused by cleaning substances and should be removed if spotted in your compost pile.