Composting is a natural process that recycles organic matter into a dark, nutrient-rich soil amendment. Yes, newspaper is an excellent material for your compost pile. Incorporating newspaper is a practical way to divert waste from landfills while improving the quality of your finished product. Successful decomposition requires understanding the material’s role and knowing how to prepare it correctly.
Newspaper’s Role as a Carbon Source
Newspaper is classified as a “brown” material in composting, signifying its high carbon content. Composed primarily of wood pulp, the paper provides the necessary carbon, which serves as the main energy source for the microorganisms that drive decomposition.
The balance between carbon and nitrogen materials is important for an efficient compost pile, often expressed as the Carbon-to-Nitrogen (C:N) ratio. Microorganisms thrive when the overall C:N ratio is approximately 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen. Since shredded newspaper has a C:N ratio estimated to be around 175:1 to 560:1, it is highly effective at balancing high-nitrogen materials, such as fresh grass clippings or food scraps.
Beyond acting as a carbon source, newspaper provides structure within the compost heap. When mixed properly, the paper helps create air pockets, which is important for aeration. Good airflow prevents the pile from becoming overly dense and slimy, which can lead to slow, odorous, anaerobic decomposition. Shredded newspaper is also effective at absorbing excess moisture, helping to regulate the water content of a wet compost pile.
Preparing Newspaper for the Compost Pile
Physical preparation is necessary to ensure the newspaper breaks down efficiently. Newspaper should be shredded or torn into small pieces before being added to the pile. Pieces no larger than one or two inches are ideal because they expose a greater surface area to the microbes, speeding up decomposition.
Adding whole sheets or large clumps of newspaper is not recommended, as they can mat together and block the movement of air and moisture. This clumping can create dry pockets or anaerobic zones that slow the process considerably. A home paper shredder or tearing by hand are effective methods for this preparation.
The prepared newspaper must be thoroughly moistened before being introduced into the compost. Paper tends to repel water initially, but once wet, it absorbs and holds moisture effectively. Wetting the paper prevents it from acting as a dry barrier and ensures the carbon source is readily available for microbial activity. After wetting, the shredded paper should be mixed throughout the pile rather than added in thick, solid layers to maintain even distribution and airflow.
Materials to Exclude from Composting
While most standard newsprint is safe to compost, some specific materials should be kept out of the pile. The primary concern used to be the ink, but most modern black and white newspaper inks are now soy or vegetable-based. These contemporary inks are considered non-toxic and safe for composting.
Caution should be exercised with materials that contain non-biodegradable components or heavy dyes. Glossy inserts, slick advertisements, and magazine pages must be excluded. They often contain clay coatings, polymers, or petrochemicals that do not break down well and can contaminate the finished compost. Heavily colored sections may also use pigments that contain trace amounts of heavy metals.
Non-paper items found within bundled newspapers must also be removed. This includes sticky labels, plastic windows from envelopes, staples, or adhesive tape. These materials are not organic and will remain as plastic or metal fragments in the final compost, which is undesirable for garden use. Sticking to basic, uncoated newsprint ensures a safe and successful outcome.