What kind of waste should be composted instead of added to a septic tank?

Composting food scraps and organic yard waste is beneficial because these materials are organic and will break down naturally, providing valuable nutrients to the compost as they decompose. When composted, they transform into a rich soil amendment that can enhance garden soil health, improve water retention, and promote healthy plant growth. Unlike food scraps and organic materials, septic tanks are designed to treat wastewater and break down human waste, not to process organic materials, which can lead to system overload and clogs if introduced in large quantities.

Other choices, such as plastic and metal scraps or non-biodegradable items, are not suitable for either composting or septic systems as they do not decompose naturally and can cause significant harm to both the environment and sewage systems. Papers and cardboard, while potentially compostable if they are free from chemical coatings and additives, do not provide the same direct benefits as food scraps and organic yard waste when considering the specific context of what should be prioritized for composting.