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Composting is a great way to reduce landfill waste and keep your yard healthy. If you are considering adding shredded paper (or shredded paper mulch) to your compost pile, then this article will answer some of the questions that you might have about using it as an ingredient in your compost bin. So, let’s find out, is shredded paper good for compost?
Is Shredded Paper Good for Compost?
The short answer is yes. Using shredded paper in your compost is an excellent way to make use of the extra paper material you have on hand. Clean paper can even be less toxic than using some grass or straw.
But remember, we’re talking about clean paper here. This means that other types of specialty papers won’t work well, such as, glossy papers, wrapping paper, thermal paper, colored paper, greasy pizza boxes, etc. Some of these processed papers (and paper products) may contain toxic heavy metals or materials that are not good for compost.
There’s a major debate online whether you should use shredded paper as compost or not. The truth is that clean and regular shredded paper is a good material for your compost.
It is considered a “brown ingredient,” one that brings carbon to your compost. From cardboard to newspaper to paper bags, most types of paper will work, and they can be a great composting ingredient.
Many will recommend not using printed paper in your compost as the chemicals from the ink could contaminate your compost pile. However, it should be noted that many modern inks are carbon-based or soy-based, making them acceptable for compost.
It’s important to shred the paper you want to use as compost since it breaks down easier. As always, the smaller something is, the easier it will be for it to break down and become compost.
That’s why you want to address this type of situation wisely, and you will be pleased with the results every time. That alone makes it well worth the effort.
Does Shredded Paper Help Your Compost?
Composting shredded paper is a plus. As we mentioned above, shredded paper is a source of carbon, which is good for the composting process and will ultimately help your garden. It also helps the soil retain water, not to mention it will increase the overall volume too.
Vermicomposters, which are an excellent pick for high-quality compost, work great with composting paper.
- Advanced version of worm compost bin, it comes with standard 5 trays, additional trays can be added.
- A new component named M-board to increase air-flow for better compost efficiency and save worms
- A new component named V-board and a piece of coconut fiber are built in the air-vented lid odor…
- A set of “shoes” is included to prevent other invading to the bin, base and liquid tray form into…
- A starter kit and User’s Manual are included
Pictured Above is a Vericomposter [VermiHut] from Amazon
Of course, shredded paper tends to mat and clump together, so it can make it harder for microbes to break it down properly.
A good way to solve this potential issue is to try and use it as mulch instead of adding it to the compost. You can spread the shredded paper on top of the plant beds, and you will have a pretty good set of benefits similar to adding it to compost.
Shred it the best way you can and add it to your compost. It leads to great results, and your compost does require quite a bit of carbon, so the shredded paper will work great.
Additional Tips for Composting Paper
A few additional tips if you want to compost paper:
- Mix your shredded paper with proper ratios of other organic materials in your compost heap. Mix with grass clippings, leaves, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, etc.
- You can compost shredded paper from newspapers / newsprint and old mail.
- Do not compost glossy paper, receipts, magazines, or similar types of paper.
- Do not compost papers that have strong inks or printing chemicals. While papers with inks or chemicals can be recycled, they can be toxic for your compost. If using shredded office paper, make sure it doesn’t have ink or chemicals.
- Note that some cardboards have heavy metals, which should not be added to your compost! If you’re unsure, don’t use it.
- Not all paper materials may not be good for compost, but you can still recycle! Recycle paper when you cannot compost it!
- Be sure to shred the paper into very small pieces. This will help to prevent any clumping while encouraging paper to break down faster.
- Be happy for being green and be happy for your compost.
- Check your work office or local grocery stores if you’re looking for additional paper, boxes, and scraps to add to your compost. These places may offer it up for free.
- Don’t risk the health of your compost pile. If you haven’t done the proper research on what you plan to compost, then don’t put it in. If you’re unsure, seek professional advice!
Conclusion
We recommend you give shredded paper a try if you want to add adequate carbon sources for your compost. Sure, you’ll have to be careful about the type of paper and how much, but it’s something that a lot of people add to their compost.
People love using shredded paper for their compost because it works well and is easily accessible. Besides, using old paper is a great way to contribute to your ongoing recycling efforts. So check your recycling bin for shredded paper and mix it with food scraps to get yourself some high quality finished compost.
And if you can’t compost your paper, then recycle it! Recycled paper is better than trashed paper.