Composting is a process of waste recycling to obtain very useful amendments to soils from natural wastes. While many are conversant with the composting of kitchen scraps, garden waste, and leaves, using newspapers in composting is another effective way of recycling the wastes. In this article, we discuss the benefits, approaches, and considerations when composting with newspaper.
Why Use Newspaper in Compost?
Newspapers are a great source of carbon in any compost pile. Composting requires a balance of carbon and nitrogen materials to decompose properly. Newspapers are full of mostly wood pulp material to provide a balance of carbon to offset the nitrogen found in green materials like food scraps and grass clippings.
Benefits of Composting with Newspaper:
- Accessibility: Newspapers are easily and largely accessible, and most end up in trash bins. Their use in compost serves to recycle the wastes.
- Carbon Source: Newspapers act as a carbon source that would equilibrate the compost pile and raise its temperature for raising decomposition
- Better Aeration: Shredded newspaper is able to improve aeration of the compost pile; it gives it less compactness that allows action of the aerobic microorganisms.
- Moisture Regulation: Newspapers regulate moisture levels in the compost heap, thus soaking up additional moisture and preventing a soggy mess from occurring in the heap.
Types of Newspapers to Use
You have to be mindful of the type of paper and ink used when you compost with newspapers. Here are some guidelines:
- Black and White Newsprint: Most black and white newsprint uses soy ink, which is non-toxic and safe for composting.
- Avoid Glossy Paper: Most of the colored or glossy inserts contain heavy metals and other chemicals which are harmful to compost. These should be kept out of the pile.
- Plain Newsprint: Plain, matte paper is what’s best.
Preparing Newspaper for Composting
To make the newspaper appropriate compost for your pile, it needs to be prepared right. Here’s how to do it:
1. Shredding:
Shred the newspaper into small strips or pieces. Shredding helps to offer an extended surface area for attack by the microorganisms. You may shred it using a paper shredder, or you can tear it by hand.
2. Mixing:
Mix shredded newspaper with other compost materials. Try to get an overall mix of compost loaded with carbon-rich brown and nitrogen-rich green materials in a balance of 3 parts brown to 1 part green.
3. Mixing Mix:
The shredded newspaper into other materials in the compost. Start with coarse material like twigs or straw, so there’s some aeration add a layer of your green materials, and then add the shredded newspaper.
How to Build a Compost Pile So you have all of your materials; how exactly do you build an effective compost pile?
The secret is in the layering:
- Coarse Material : Add a layer of coarse material, for example straw or small branches. This layer offers a reasonable aeration and drainage.
- Alternate Layers: Alternate between green and brown materials. Begin with a thin layer of green material and then place some shredded newspaper on top of it.
- Moisture Control: Keep the pile moist, but not soaked. The newspaper will soak up any extra moisture, but it’s always a good idea to check on the pile regularly.
- Turn the Pile: To give decomposition a kick-start, turn over the pile every couple of weeks. This adds oxygen into the compost and allows for everything to break down evenly.
- Monitor Temperature: A balanced compost pile is going to get hot. As the microorganisms start breaking down the stuff, it is going to heat up. For optimal decomposition, the pile should be 135-160°F or 57-71°C. If the pile has become too cool, add some more green materials. If it is too hot, add more browns, like shredded newspaper.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with proper preparation and layering, sometimes some problems are encountered in composting. Here are some common problems and how to deal with them:
- Odor Problems: A foul smell usually means there is either an imbalance of materials or there is too much moisture present. Use a proper brown-to-green ratio and mix in some shredded newspaper to absorb the excess moisture.
- Too Slow: The compost is probably breaking down too slowly due to a lack of nitrogen or oxygen. Mix in more green materials and turn the pile to aerate the contents.
- Pests: If your pile attracts pests, such as rodents, don’t add meat, dairy, or oily foods. Bury food scraps deeper in the pile under a layer of brown materials, such as shredded newspaper.
Benefits of Finished Compost
Compost, enriched with newspaper in your garden, has the following advantages for your plants and soil:
- Enrichment in the Soil: Compost itself enriches the soil, providing better structure and necessary nutrients and organic matter.
- Better Water Retention: Compost gives better water retention, allowing the soil to retain its moisture for a longer period before extra watering.
- Resistance to Disease: Healthy, compost-enriched soil promotes stronger growth of plants and develops resistance against diseases and pests.
- Less wastes sent to landfill: Composting with newspaper reduces the quantum of wastes sent to landfills—an effort toward a sustainable environment.
Conclusion
Composting newspaper is a very efficient, neat way to recycle this very pervasive element in most households. Shredded newspaper provides a great source of carbon and enriches the composting process by improving aeration and moisture levels in the heap. If properly built and managed, then a fruitful amount of fertile compost can be gotten out of the mix from the addition of newspaper. Such practice will work wonders for your garden because it gives life back to the ecosystem. It reuses your waste resourcefully as a productivity-enhancing asset for the garden.