Glossy paper. Mags, leaflets, etc.

[Stu_R]

I know that adding glossy paper to compost heaps is a bit of a no no due to chemicals and the likes used in production.

But, would it be possible to add them to the heap as ash after a burning?

[zazen999]

it's been fine to use glossy mags in composting for some years now....

What can I compost?

[Kristen]

I read somewhere that shiny paper takes much longer to rot down than other paper (but chucking a whole ream of paper in a compost heap without separating it is going to create a soggy-wad anyway! I think it might be worth running it through a (paper, not compost) shredder first.

I think the inks are supposed to only use vegetable dyes nowadays.

[Two_Sheds]

I tend to compost all paper, I haven't noticed any probs, apart from the little plastic windows from envelopes flapping around the plot

[Stu_R]

Brill, thanks for the replies everyone.


A shredding I will go come the next rainy spell.

[Dottie]

I only shred bills and other bits I don't want anyone to see, the rest I scrunch up as I put in the compost bin. I usually stand there with a big batch of papers and stuff, doing a layer of scrunched paper after I've just added a layer of greens from the plot.

Not done it yet, but I like TwoSheds tip of putting kitchen waste straight into a newspaper etc, and then adding it as is, to the compost bin.

[chris]

The GO site says poultry bedding is green waste - but goes on to mention shavings, and straw as brown waste... I've always assumed it has.. does anyone know what poultry bedding is classed as?