Process of Composting Paper
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Composting Paper
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When most people think about composting, they automatically think about organic trash such as eggshells, coffee grounds, fruit rinds and similar objects that can contribute nutrients to the soil. However, there are other materials that can decompose just as readily and offer similar nutrients to plants, include coffee filters and paper. Paper originally came from tree fiber, and the composting process removes many of the artificial bonds used to create the paper, reverting it to a more natural state.
Ink
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Of course, there are many different kinds of paper, and composters may wonder about the effects of ink on their compost. The ink leftover on paper is a residue consisting of petroleum-based chemicals and metals. These substances can be toxic in large quantities and may harm the animal and plant life where compost is being used. Fortunately, common paper such as newspaper is generally considered safe to compost. When it comes to thick and shiny colored paper like the kind used in magazines, it is not advisable to use it in a home-grown compost pile.
Compost Piles
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With compost-friendly paper, the process is very easy. The paper should be cut into shreds, using a paper shredder or similar device, and combined with other materials meant for composting. The compost pile can be located either in a mound on the ground or in a containment device, many of which can be bought. The goal of a compost heap is to decompose the material inside and make it ready to spread as fertilizer. This is done by added layers of compost and dirt.
The dirt seals the compost material inside the heap, where it can ferment and generate the heat necessary to decompose. The compost is helped along by keeping the top layer lightly moist and turning the pile at intervals, since most of the decomposing happens in the center of the heap. When the compost is malleable and well decomposed, it can be mixed in with soil and used as fertilizer.
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