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Composting Shredded Paper w/ Ink
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Posted: Jan/13/2008 6:07 PM PST
I need some enlightenment about ink going into the compost pile. We shred bills and junk mail and recycle them. There my compost pile sits barely being fed. Are the inks okay on this type of mail for composting? I've heard something about only using inks that are vegetable-based. |
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Posted: Jan/13/2008 7:56 PM PST
I do know that most newspapers are vegetable based. Maybe we need to do an internet check to see if all ink is vegetable based. LB |
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Posted: Jan/14/2008 6:56 AM PST
I had heard that too, Linda. That's what's making me hesitate to add the shredded paper. I would have just thrown it in and never thought twice about it! |
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Posted: Jan/14/2008 10:30 AM PST
It seems most paper does not contain lead any more. When you consider that we recycle all paper these days I would think all paper would be safe to use. LB |
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Posted: Jan/14/2008 10:59 AM PST
So it's lead that is the culprit! Aha! |
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Posted: Jan/14/2008 7:35 PM PST
From what I have read, most black inks in newspaper are now soy based. I guess the colored inks in some papers are not. |
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Posted: Jan/14/2008 7:52 PM PST
I've done a little reading around. I saw discussions about soy-based ink in newspapers, so they are safe, but nothing that said not to compost mail. Colored paper and glossy magazines are supposed to stay out of the compost. This might only matter if you're going to use the shreds in a veggie garden though. |
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Posted: Apr/30/2008 8:37 AM PST
so now I can get satisfaction in shredding my bills? lol never thought of composting it. always send it out to recycling. thanks for the food for thought. |
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Posted: May/15/2008 6:50 AM PST
Newspaper is a great additive to composting. As far as shredded paper, I use it all the time. I've used it as a mulch for my strawberries, or add it to grass clippings to kill grass so I can plant something else there. I haven't run into any problems, but I don't shred glossy paper or colored paper. Just bills and stuff. 
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Posted: Jun/23/2008 6:15 PM PST
We use newpaper between our veg. rows to help keep the weeds under control. Put down 2-3 sheet and cover with some stones & dirt to hold in place, by end of summer they are rotten and can be plowed under. |
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