Don't panic! Our definition of ‘shredded paper’ doesn't mean you need to go out and buy stacks of paper. Do you happen to have a shredder at home? Great! Don't have one? No problem. Even then, you likely have more usable paper in your home than you initially thought.
One of the benefits of recycling household paper waste is that it significantly reduces the amount of household waste you would otherwise have to dispose of. This saves a trip to the recycling center, and that alone is a small contribution to the well-being of the planet. Another advantage is that your personal documents (containing any sensitive information) stay around your home and are completely destroyed, without the risk of other people getting their hands on them.
Below you will find various types of compostable paper shreds suitable for your HOTBIN.
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What you can add |
What you must remove |
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Office documents, printouts, photocopies, old emails, old paperwork, and letters |
Remove paperclips, staples, and tape |
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Invoices, delivery notes, white and brown envelopes |
Remove paperclips, staples, and plastic windows |
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Brown (corrugated) cardboard (delivery) boxes |
Remove tape, document windows, and staples. Only use dry cardboard! |
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Notebook paper, notepads, drawing paper, coloring pages, and diary pages |
Remove glue residue and bindings |
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Old newspapers, magazines, and phone books |
Remove glue residue and glossy (front) pages |
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Shopping lists, recipes, and paper bags |
Remove glue residue and staples |
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Unwanted manuals (not glossy) and leaflets |
Remove paperclips, staples, and tape |
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Unwanted inserts |
Remove paperclips, staples, and tape |
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Chocolate wrappers |
Definitely don't let the chocolate go to waste! 😉 |
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Cardboard toilet paper rolls and kitchen towel rolls |
See the advice below |
Why must it be torn-up paper?
Shredded paper has an increased cellulose content, which means bacteria can easily digest it, allowing it to compost effectively with the rest of your waste. But note: not all types of paper are equal in terms of absorption and decomposition properties. This is why we recommend certain types of paper over others.
- Printing paper – 95% cellulose | 5% wood dust (lignin)
- Low percentage of wood dust. Takes days/weeks to break down. Easy for bacteria to digest and will compost quickly and effectively with the rest of your waste.
- Brown (corrugated) cardboard boxes – 90% cellulose | 10% wood dust (lignin)
- Low percentage of wood dust. Takes days/weeks to break down. Easy for bacteria to digest and will compost quickly and effectively with the rest of your waste.
- Newspapers – 70% cellulose | 30% wood dust (lignin)
- High percentage of wood dust. Takes months to break down (do not underestimate the decomposition process of the wood dust here). Absorbs moisture but will still be visibly present in the final compost.
Cardboard and newspapers have a higher lignin content. So, although these materials can still absorb moisture, they take longer to break down. As a result, pieces may remain in your final compost that will need to be sieved out.
Why certain types of paper?
Before it becomes paper, pulp contains cellulose and lignin (derived from the Latin 'Lignum', meaning 'wood'). Lignin is a woody material that once gave strength to a plant's cell walls.
Once the paper production process removes this woody lignin, mainly cellulose fibers remain. The thermophilic bacteria in the HOTBIN break down cellulose faster than lignin. Therefore, it is better to add paper-based moisture-absorbing materials to your HOTBIN that are largely free of lignin. These break down more easily and are not visible in your final compost.
Can I compost glossy cardboard, leaflets, and magazines?
Glossy leaflets, magazines, wax-coated boxes, and heavily printed items do not have good moisture-absorbing properties and are therefore best kept out of the compost bin.
Can I use paper tissues and kitchen roll?
Yes, this is possible. However, we recommend mixing this with another type of paper/cardboard, as tissues and kitchen roll alone are too thin and lack the weight to absorb sufficient moisture.
Do I absolutely have to shred the paper and cardboard?
Many households today have a paper shredder for destroying personal documents. However, it is not a requirement for the HOTBIN. Instead of shredding the paper, you can also tear it. Ideally into small pieces less than 4cm in size, and in irregular shapes as much as possible. This speeds up the decomposition process.
All types of shredded material can be added. Whether it is in strips or cross-cut. The highest quality shredders can also shred single-walled cardboard boxes (as shown), but be sure to check if this is possible with your shredder.
Tip:
- If you are really struggling to keep your compost dry, you can always add newspaper and leaflets. However, always start first with the materials containing high levels of cellulose, and mix them well together. Are you using newspapers and leaflets? Just be aware that you may find these in your final compost. If you add newspapers, tear the paper into smaller pieces.
- Consider adding shredded paper to your kitchen waste caddy as you fill it. This way, you only need to give it a quick stir when you throw it into the HOTBIN. Advice: add 2-3 handfuls of shredded paper to every full 5-liter bin. For wetter waste, experiment with the ratios.
Our motto: ‘It is easier to fix a dry bin than a wet one.’
