I use it in sheets as mulch around plants. I put pine straw on top to weight it down.

When I compost it, I try to take the time to crumple it into balls, thereby incorporating air pockets into the compost pile. But I often don't have time, and just toss it in as is.

I accumulate newspaper, cardboard, phone books and other paper "brown" next to my compost bins. Then, as I add potentially smelly "greens" during the summer I have plenty of browns to add so that it smells like good healty compost, and not like kitchen waste.

Seedmama, thanks, I will try to get rid of some magazines. I have used newspaper as mulch but need to compost them also.

Larry

Larry, it is my understanding that slick paper like magazines doesn't compost well.

I have a friend who gives me her shredded junk paper (in a paper bag). I throw in wet peelings (like fruit/veggie/coffee grounds) and roll down the top and put the bag and all upside down into my compost pile. The paper bag contains the shreds longer until they less likely to blow around. I would think you could do the same with non shredded paper.

I have done a lot of the sheet composting with paper on the bottom. It works well. If you mulch paths, you could use it there.

or you could vermicompost....(worm bin).

I second what seedmama said. I managed to get a shredder a year or so ago but, before that, I just plopped the stuff out there, weighted down.

Lisa, I had heard the same thing about glossy paper but, last year, I mentioned it on another forum and the much-respected Martin chimed in that it's no longer an issue. (Or maybe it never was and I had it wrong all along.) Since then, I've been adding it as well. If I die a very shiny death in the next few years, we'll all know Martin was wrong.

Diane

hehehehehe....shiny death.....that's funny!

I have a shedder now, so I shred and add it in, but before I just tore it up and buried it.

I wonder how good paper, especially magazines, is good for plants? How long does it take to compost? It seems easier to trash or recycle it.

If we are going to throw shredded or ripped up waste paper in the compost bin, are there any thoughts about harmful chemicals in the ink? Or are there specific types of paper that are considered generally "safe" or "unsafe?"
Thanks!
--Sarah

It is my understanding that print contains soy based inks. I would not go so far as to say 'all' newspapers, etc., because not all publishers have caught up with contemporary practices.

I worm compost but rely on my neigbors for the shredded paper (he is a tax preparer so has lots) as I don't have a shredder, and have no plans to get one with two small kids who would likely shred their fingers.

I use newspaper and carboard in my worm bins or as mulch in my beds. Junk mail and glossy stuff (magazines) are worthless and I often toss.

I believe Newspapers use soy ink. Office paper, magazines, etc I cannot find a use for. I sometimes donate magazines to Goodwill but they may or may not just throw them out...I don't know.
Jo

I subscribe to the Wall Street Journal so I have lots of nonsense that needs disposal. Much of it I use like seedmama and use it as a mulch layer under straw or chipped wood. I've found the opinion pages work best for this because there is so much bull in them.

The rest I roll tight into logs and tie with string. I use it in my wood burning stove in the winter.

--Robert