Can You Compost Shredded Newspaper? Complete Guide to Fast Paper Recycling (2023)

Why Shredded Newspaper Is Your Compost Pile's Secret Weapon

Staring at that growing pile of shredded paper and wondering if it belongs in your compost bin? You're not alone. Every year, Americans generate over 68 million tons of paper waste, with much of it ending up in landfills where it can't break down properly. But there's good news for eco-conscious gardeners: that shredded newspaper can become valuable "brown" material for your compost pile, saving you money while reducing your carbon footprint.

This guide will show you exactly how to transform your paper waste into garden gold in as little as 2-3 months, address common concerns about inks and chemicals, and help you create the perfect compost balance with materials you already have on hand.

Quick Reference Guide: Newspaper in Your Compost

Material	Carbon:Nitrogen Ratio	Decomposition Time	Benefits
Shredded Newspaper	175:1 (high carbon)	2-6 weeks when shredded	Improves aeration, absorbs excess moisture, balances "green" materials
Whole Newspaper	175:1 (high carbon)	2-3 months	Weed suppression layer, moisture retention
Newspaper Ink	N/A	N/A	Modern soy-based inks are compost-safe

Best Practices:

• Shred into 1-inch strips for fastest decomposition
• Pre-moisten before adding to compost
• Use 3 parts newspaper to 1 part food scraps by volume
• Avoid glossy inserts with heavy metallic inks

Can You Compost Shredded Newspaper? The Quick Answer

Yes, shredded newspaper is not only compostable but highly beneficial for your compost pile. Modern newspapers use soy-based inks that are safe for composting and eventually for your garden soil. The paper provides essential carbon (browns) that balances kitchen scraps (greens), improves aeration, and helps control moisture—all critical factors for quick composting.

However, not all paper products are created equal. While plain newspaper breaks down in 2-6 weeks when properly prepared, glossy inserts and certain colored papers require more scrutiny before adding to your compost bin.

5 Environmental Benefits of Composting Newspaper Instead of Trashing It

1. Reduces landfill volume significantly – Paper makes up nearly 25% of landfill waste and takes decades to decompose in that oxygen-poor environment

2. Completes the natural carbon cycle – Paper comes from trees, and composting returns those nutrients to the soil in just 8-12 weeks

3. Decreases methane emissions – Paper decomposing in landfills produces methane (a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than CO2)

4. Saves water and energy – Recycling paper through composting uses zero industrial processing energy and requires no additional water

5. Creates self-sufficiency in your garden – Every pound of newspaper you compost is one less pound of store-bought compost or mulch you need to purchase

When you compost newspaper, you're not just managing waste—you're actively participating in a sustainable cycle that benefits your garden and the planet.

7 Ways Shredded Newspaper Supercharges Your Compost Pile

1. Balances nitrogen-heavy kitchen scraps – Newspaper provides the carbon needed to offset nitrogen-rich materials, speeding decomposition by up to 30%

2. Controls excess moisture naturally – Absorbs up to 8 times its weight in water, preventing soggy, smelly compost conditions

3. Creates critical air pockets – Improves oxygen flow throughout the pile, accelerating the decomposition process from months to weeks

4. Prevents compost odors – Properly layered newspaper absorbs smells and helps maintain aerobic decomposition

5. Attracts and sustains beneficial decomposers – The cellulose in paper feeds earthworms and beneficial microbes

6. Saves money on purchased browns – Eliminates the need to buy carbon materials like peat moss or coir (saving $10-20 per season)

7. Provides weed suppression when used as finished compost – The paper fibers help block weed growth while slowly releasing nutrients

A properly balanced compost pile with adequate newspaper can transform from raw materials to garden-ready compost in as little as 60-90 days, compared to 6-12 months for poorly balanced piles.

Are Newspaper Inks Safe for Composting? Addressing Common Concerns

Many gardeners worry about chemicals in newspaper ink contaminating their compost. Here's what you need to know about modern newspaper safety:

What's safe to compost:

• Black and white newspaper (uses soy-based inks since the 1990s)
• Most newspaper inserts with color (use vegetable-based inks)
• Plain office paper and envelopes (without plastic windows)
• Paper egg cartons and toilet paper rolls

What to keep out of your compost:

• Glossy magazine pages (contain clay and chemicals that break down slowly)
• Thermal receipts (contain BPA that can leach into soil)
• Heavily colored paper with metallic inks (may contain heavy metals)
• Any paper with visible plastic coating or lamination

If you're still concerned, a simple test can help: tear the paper and check if it rips cleanly. Papers that tear easily and don't have a plastic-like feel are generally safe for composting.

How to Prepare Newspaper for Fast Decomposition in 3 Easy Steps

The key to quick newspaper decomposition is proper preparation. Follow these steps to have your newspaper breaking down in weeks rather than months:

1. Shred it right – Tear or cut newspaper into 1-inch strips for optimal decomposition. A paper shredder works perfectly, but hand-tearing is just as effective and takes only 5 minutes per section of newspaper.

2. Pre-moisten for faster results – Soak shredded newspaper in water for 10-15 minutes before adding to your compost. This jumpstarts the decomposition process and prevents the paper from blowing away.

3. Store strategically – Keep a dedicated container near your compost bin to collect shredded newspaper. A simple paper bag or cardboard box works perfectly and takes up minimal space.

Pro tip: To speed decomposition by up to 50%, run your lawnmower over a thin layer of newspaper on your lawn. This creates tiny pieces that break down much faster than hand-shredded paper.

Achieving the Perfect Compost Balance: The 3:1 Paper-to-Food Ratio

The secret to fast composting lies in balancing carbon-rich materials (browns) like newspaper with nitrogen-rich materials (greens) like kitchen scraps. For optimal results:

• Aim for 3 parts shredded newspaper to 1 part kitchen scraps by volume
• A handful of newspaper (approximately 1 cup when shredded) balances about ⅓ cup of kitchen scraps
• For a standard 3×3 foot compost bin, you'll need approximately one full newspaper section per gallon of kitchen waste

How to tell if your balance is off:

• Too much newspaper: Pile looks dry and decomposition slows significantly
• Too little newspaper: Pile becomes wet, compacted, and may develop odors

Monitoring moisture is your best indicator—your compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge. If it's too dry, add kitchen scraps or water; if too wet, mix in more shredded newspaper.

Step-by-Step: Adding Newspaper to 4 Different Composting Systems

Different composting methods require slightly different approaches when adding newspaper:

1. Traditional Compost Bin or Pile (Most Common)

• Layer 2-3 inches of shredded newspaper between each 1-inch layer of kitchen scraps
• Turn the pile every 1-2 weeks to incorporate the paper throughout
• Expect complete decomposition in 2-3 months with proper turning

2. Worm Composting (Vermicomposting)

• Use newspaper as bedding material (3-4 inches deep)
• Replace the top inch of bedding weekly as worms consume it
• Avoid overloading with fresh newspaper, which can make the bin too acidic

3. Trench Composting (No-Bin Method)

• Dig a 12-inch deep trench in your garden
• Add alternating 2-inch layers of shredded newspaper and kitchen scraps
• Cover with 4 inches of soil and let decompose for 1-2 months before planting

4. Small-Space Composting (Apartment-Friendly)

• Use a 5-gallon bucket with drainage holes
• Create a base layer of 3 inches of shredded newspaper
• Add kitchen scraps in thin layers (no more than 1 inch at a time)
• Cover each addition with a handful of shredded newspaper
• Ready in 2-3 months with weekly turning

Beyond Composting: 5 Clever Garden Uses for Shredded Newspaper

Shredded newspaper's usefulness extends beyond your compost pile:

1. Weed-suppressing mulch – Apply a 2-inch layer around plants to block weeds for up to 3 months

2. DIY seedling pots – Form wet newspaper around a small jar, let dry, and plant directly in the garden

3. Winter plant protection – Create a 4-inch insulating layer around sensitive perennials to protect from frost

4. Temporary garden pathways – Layer 4-6 sheets thick between rows to block weeds and create clean walking areas

5. Fruit ripening accelerator – Place unripe tomatoes or avocados in newspaper to speed ripening by 1-2 days

The newspaper used in these applications will eventually break down and add organic matter to your soil, continuing the cycle of sustainability.

Closing the Loop: Transform Paper Waste into Garden Success

Composting shredded newspaper represents one of the simplest yet most impactful steps you can take toward sustainable gardening. By diverting this valuable resource from landfills into your garden, you're not just reducing waste—you're actively creating a closed-loop system where yesterday's news becomes tomorrow's harvest.

Start with just one newspaper section per week, and you'll quickly see how this free resource transforms your composting results. Your plants will thank you with stronger growth, and you'll enjoy the satisfaction of turning a waste problem into a garden solution.

FAQ: Common Questions About Composting Newspaper

How long does newspaper take to break down in compost?
Shredded newspaper typically breaks down in 2-6 weeks in an active compost pile. Larger pieces or whole sections may take 2-3 months. Pre-wetting the paper can accelerate decomposition by up to 50%.

Can I compost colored newspaper inserts?
Most colored newspaper inserts use vegetable-based inks and are safe to compost. Avoid extremely bright or metallic colors, which may contain heavy metals. When in doubt, stick with black and white sections.

Will newspaper make my compost too acidic?
No, properly composted newspaper has a neutral pH of 6.5-7.0, making it safe for all plants. The decomposition process neutralizes any slight acidity in the raw paper.

How much newspaper should I add to my compost bin?
For a balanced compost pile, aim for a 3:1 ratio of shredded newspaper to kitchen scraps by volume. For a typical household generating 1 gallon of kitchen scraps weekly, you'll need approximately one newspaper section per week.

Is it better to compost newspaper or recycle it?
Both options are environmentally sound. Composting is preferable when you need carbon materials for your garden, while recycling makes sense for excess paper. Never landfill newspaper, as it creates methane when decomposing without oxygen.