Paper is generally very compostable, especially shredded paper. It's a great addition to a compost pile.
Why Paper Composts Well
- Carbon Source: Paper provides a valuable source of carbon ("brown" material) necessary for a balanced compost.
- Aeration: Shredded paper, in particular, creates air pockets in the compost pile, promoting the flow of oxygen needed by decomposers.
- Breakdown: The small size of shredded paper allows for faster decomposition compared to whole sheets.
Types of Paper Suitable for Composting
Not all paper is created equal when it comes to composting. Here's a breakdown:
- Excellent for Composting:
- Shredded, plain paper: This is the best option, as it breaks down quickly.
- Newspaper (black and white): Most newspaper inks are soy-based and compostable.
- Brown paper bags: These are another great source of carbon.
- Paper towels and napkins (unsoiled): As long as they haven't been used with harsh chemicals, they are fine.
- Avoid or Use Sparingly:
- Glossy or coated paper: These papers often contain chemicals that can be harmful to your compost.
- Colored paper: Dyes can sometimes contain heavy metals. Check with the manufacturer or your local waste management if the paper is safe to compost.
- Paper with excessive ink: Too much ink can slow down decomposition.
- Soiled paper: Paper contaminated with grease, food scraps (especially meat or dairy), or chemicals shouldn't be composted.
Tips for Composting Paper
- Shred It: Always shred paper before adding it to your compost pile. This speeds up decomposition significantly.
- Mix It In: Combine the paper with "green" materials (nitrogen sources) like grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds. A good rule of thumb is a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of browns (paper) to greens.
- Moisten It: Paper needs to be damp to decompose properly. Make sure your compost pile is consistently moist, like a wrung-out sponge.
- Turn It: Regularly turning your compost pile helps to aerate the materials, including the paper, and speeds up the composting process.
Troubleshooting
- Paper not breaking down? This usually means the compost pile is too dry, not getting enough air, or doesn't have enough green materials.
- Compost pile smells bad? This could indicate too much nitrogen and not enough carbon. Add more shredded paper to balance the mix.
