Paper and Cardboard

[kiwi]

I hear that old news papers (no glossy print) and cardboard can be composted OK.
I worry about the glue and other chemicals used to make these products could contaminate my organic compost heap. Any thoughts?

[Greenie]

you could try shreding it before it goes in, just so it takes less time to decompose.
Quality street platic wrappers can be composted did you know now :O!! i was amazed
Emily

[kiwi]

Thanks Emily,
I'm wondering more about the "processed" cardboard and ink on the paper. Once it has all composted what happens to the chemicals used in these products. Is there simply not enough bad stuff it it to worry about?
cheers

[Shetty]

Hi Kiwi,
I am composting cardboard boxes, but take off all the tape and stuff. Also throw away the glued edges, as they don't decompose. Maybe it is just our worms here, who don't like the glue
I have given up composting loads of newspaper. If it is not mixed in right it just cloggs together in a slimey mess
When it comes to ink. Heavy metall type pigments are not allowed anymore, as far as I am aware, so I don't think you should be worried about that too much. I hope this helps.

Shetty

[marrow]

Why not get the paper recycled properly? newsprint is about 70% recycled paper.

It has minimal value in the compost heap anyway despite what some people say and I wouldnt want any chemicals on my home grown veg.


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[celini64]

We have a lot of use for newspaper in ours, as well as dry leaves in the autumn and egg cartons. we have alot of onion peeling potato peelings etc from our cooking we put in, and if we only put that in it would be too much nitrogen and it wouldnd't compost really well it needs to be a well balanced ratio between nitrogen and carbon or it will either smell of old rubbish bags, not aired enough. smell of manure heap, not enough carbon. stops it working not enough nitrogen and amonia.

Cheers

CC long time campaigner for greener living

[marrow]

Problem is waste paper has very little nitrogen anyway, suggest you use more tree bush clippings, straw instead to add more structure and airway pathways to improve ventilation.



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[paulsherwin]

Some shredded newspaper is good in a heap mixed in with grass clippings. As the clippings break down, they release a lot of fluid which the paper will absorb as it in turn disintegrates. There are no toxic nasties in newspaper.

As others have said, too much will just turn into a slimy mess though, especially if it is just thrown in unshredded.

Autumn leaves are a wonderful resource for composting. It's worth asking neighbours if you can collect any leaves from their lawns and pathways. This is very easy with a garden vac. If you have a petrol powered one you can even collect leaves from the streets where there are street trees.

Paul

[Urban-Wombat]

I use shredded news paper in both compost bins and worm farm.. by the way I feed the worm farm with Bokashi compost every day and once a week they also get a feed of news paper.. reckon they like a good read..UW