11/16/2023 0 Comments Cabbage slicer shredder large sizeGlossy cardboard or (coated cardboard) is often covered in dye and paints. You can remove the parts of the cardboard that contain inks or dyes and use the plain cardboard pieces. These inks contain heavy metals which are toxic and may not breakdown in soil. Just try not to send them to the landfill! What Cardboard Should Not Be Compostedĭo not compost cardboard that contain inks or dyes, like logos or writing built into the cardboard. Wax-coated cardboard may be better suited for recycling. Sometimes this doesn’t always work, though. In order to remove the wax from the cardboard, it will need to be soaked in water in an attempt to remove the wax. Wax-coated cardboard is more challenging to compost. When you receive packages in the mail or if you’ve just moved, it is likely packaged using corrugated cardboard.Īny type of corrugated cardboard can be composted as long as it’s torn into small pieces.įlat cardboard is often used for pasta boxes, cereal boxes, shoe boxes, and so on. Different Types Of Cardboard To CompostĬorrugated cardboard is what is typically used for packaging, shipping, and moving. Matting slows composting by reducing how much oxygen and water are available to the microorganisms inside your compost. Turning speeds up the process and also prevents matting. If you don’t turn your pile regularly, it will get really smelly, and things won’t compost properly.ĭepending on the type of cardboard you’ve added, the pile can take six to eight months to be ready. Turn your compost pile every five days with a pitchfork to speed up decomposition. Once you reach the desired height, add a 2-inch layer of soil on top. Maintain this layering pattern for your compost pile. You can also add more layers, in the same order, if you have more. Green, or nitrogen-rich materials, include fresh grass clippings, food waste, etc. On top of your brown organic materials, place a four inch layer of green materials. Wetting the materials will aid in the decomposition process by creating a suitable environment for microbes and fungi to do their part in the composting process. Create A Brown Base With Your CardboardĪdd brown materials to the pile, such as dead leaves, straw, etc. Next, dampen the compost pile by sprinkling or misting it with water. You can continue to shred your cardboard into smaller pieces by hand or using a heavy-duty shredder. Then, slice the cardboard with a box cutter along the corrugation lines. To shred your boxes, lay your cardboard on a large flat surface. This can make it very difficult to turn and take longer to decompose. Shredding the cardboard is also essential so that clumps of composted materials won’t form. Next, shred or tear the cardboard into smaller pieces and place this into your compost bin or pile and build it to a 4-inch layer. Soaking the cardboard beforehand makes tearing and removing any labels, tape, or stickers easier. Dampen And Shred Your Cardboardįirst, before adding cardboard to your compost heap, remove any plastic tape, labels, or other inorganic materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing and using cardboard in your compost. Now that you’re set on composting cardboard, you’ve got to know how! There are many different methods of composting, but the result is essentially the same. However, this shredded method will be the fastest. Why Compost?Ĭomposting has pros and cons, but if you have the space and time, it can be highly beneficial and rewarding.Ĭomposting turns organic matter into a decomposed material that can appear similar to the soil but really is just an additive.Ĭompost is rich in nutrients that feed the soil, making it a great addition to areas where you plant flowers, plants, or a vegetable garden. Much like wood chips, cardboard can help speed up the decomposition process by increasing the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in your compost heap. In fact, there are many paper products that make a great substitution. This is important as oxygen is an important ingredient in the composting process. It also is great for the structure of your compost pile because it helps introduce air pockets. This includes things like paper towel rolls and toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, egg cartons, shoe boxes, and, of course, regular cardboard boxes.Ĭardboard packaging is an excellent substitute for carbon-rich materials when you can’t find dry plant material. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 30% of the waste in landfills is cardboard waste. Yes! Cardboard waste makes up a large percentage of landfills.
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