Composting is a fantastic way to reduce household waste and nourish your garden soil. Paper, being biodegradable and carbon-rich, is an excellent addition to your compost pile when done correctly. Here’s everything you need to know about composting paper.
Why Compost Paper?
Paper is made from natural fibers like wood pulp, which decompose into valuable organic matter. Composting paper helps:
- Reduce landfill waste.
- Balance nitrogen-rich (“green”) materials in your compost.
- Recycle resources naturally.
Types of Paper You Can Compost
Not all paper is created equal! Here are paper types that are safe for composting:
1. Acceptable Paper Types:
- Office Paper (Uncoated): Non-glossy and dye-free sheets.
- Cardboard: Corrugated or flat cardboard (tear into small pieces).
- Newspaper: Black-and-white or soy-based ink prints.
- Brown Paper Bags: Great for adding bulk to your pile.
- Shredded Paper: Perfect for aeration and mixing.
- Egg Cartons: Made of pulp-based materials.
- Paper Towels/Napkins: As long as they’re not greasy or covered in chemicals.
2. Papers to Avoid:
- Coated or Glossy Papers: Includes magazines, catalogs, and shiny advertisements. These often contain plastics.
- Dyed or Colored Paper: Inks and dyes might contain harmful chemicals.
- Receipts: Made with thermal paper, which contains BPA.
- Food-Stained Paper: Avoid greasy pizza boxes or food wrappers with chemical coatings.
How to Compost Paper: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the Paper
- Shred or Tear It: Smaller pieces break down faster.
- Remove Staples or Plastics: These can’t decompose and may contaminate the compost.
2. Balance Your Pile
- Paper as a “Brown” Material: Paper is carbon-rich, balancing “green” nitrogen-rich materials like food scraps and grass clippings.
- Use a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens for optimal composting.
3. Add Paper to the Compost
- Layer It: Alternate layers of paper and greens to maintain airflow and balance.
- Moisten the Paper: Dry paper can slow decomposition, so lightly dampen it before adding.
4. Maintain Your Compost
- Turn the Pile: Mix your compost regularly to aerate it and speed up decomposition.
- Monitor Moisture: The pile should feel like a damp sponge—not too wet or dry.
- Check for Breakdown: Paper takes about 2-6 weeks to decompose depending on its type and the composting conditions.
Advanced Tips for Composting Paper
- Worm Composting (Vermicomposting): Shredded paper is an excellent bedding material for worms in vermicomposting systems.
- Chop Cardboard for Mulching: Add larger cardboard pieces to the base of your compost for aeration.
- Cold vs. Hot Composting: Paper breaks down faster in hot composting systems due to higher temperatures.
Benefits of Composting Paper
- Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.
- Adds carbon to your soil, improving its structure.
- Helps control odors in compost by balancing wet, nitrogen-heavy greens.
1. Can I Compost Glossy Magazines?
No, glossy or plastic-coated paper often contains chemicals that don’t decompose and can harm your soil.
2. Can I Compost Greasy Pizza Boxes?
Tear off the greasy parts and compost the clean cardboard sections. Grease can slow decomposition and attract pests.
3. Is Shredded Paper Safe to Use?
Yes, as long as the paper is uncoated and dye-free. Shredded paper adds excellent aeration to your compost.
Creative Ways to Use Compostable Paper
- Sheet Mulching: Layer shredded paper under mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- Composting in Planters: Use shredded paper as a lightweight compost base for potted plants.
Conclusion
Composting paper is a simple and effective way to embrace zero waste while enriching your garden. By choosing the right types of paper and following composting best practices, you can turn your paper waste into a valuable resource for your soil.