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Co-composting of sheep manure and jujube branch, a potential technology of waste management in Xinjiang, China, is currently undermined by the low degradation rate of jujube branch waste. This study investigated the potential to improve the co-composting process by the addition of expanded perlite, a potential additive more economical than biochar and zeolite. Expanded perlite was added into the co-compost system in the ratios 0%, 1%, 5% and 10% based on the initial compost volume. Addition of expanded perlite extended the thermophilic phase up to 8 days and helped to increase the speed of compost maturation. Expanded perlite enhanced the degradation of organic matter by accelerating the decomposition of cell wall hemicelluloses during the very early stages and cellulose during the thermophilic and cooling stages. Moreover, total nitrogen was improved by 10.2% and 11.8% through adding 5% and 10% expanded perlite, respectively. From both economic and functionality perspectives, expanded perlite is a potential additive to compost, and 5% EP is a suitable ratio to co-composting mixes of sheep manure and jujube branch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]