Is Shredded Paper Good for Compost – How to Make?

Instead of trashing the surroundings, as a self-sufficient gardener, you can recycle leftovers and waste papers.

With the perfect ratio of carbon and nitrogen, you can turn shredded papers into beautiful organic plant fertilizers.

Instead of throwing those overcharging bills, shred them to make nutrient-rich compost.

You can use a compost tumbler or DIY bin to decompose leftover newspapers.

Before adding those useless papers, you must shred them into small pieces to speed up the decomposing process.

Note: Avoid using colourful papers to compost, as they may be toxic.

Benefits of Adding Shredded Paper to Compost

Composting is an excellent way to get nutrient-rich organic fertilizer by recycling leftovers.

While most gardeners compost kitchen scraps and yard waste, you can even use shredded paper to compost.

Since paper is made from plant material, it breaks down naturally, contributing to the composting process in various ways.

However, not all paper is suitable—only non-glossy, non-colored, and ink-free paper should be used.

1. Enhances Carbon-to-Nitrogen Balance

Composting requires balancing green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials.

While kitchen scraps and grass clippings provide nitrogen, shredded paper is a carbon source that helps balance the compost pile.

Maintaining the proper C/N ratio ensures efficient decomposition and prevents foul odors.

2. Improves Aeration and Prevents Compaction

Shredded paper creates tiny air pockets within the compost pile, allowing better airflow.

Proper aeration is crucial for microbial activity and helps prevent the compost from becoming too dense or soggy.

This ensures faster decomposition and reduces the risk of anaerobic conditions that can cause unpleasant smells.

3. Absorbs Excess Moisture

Too much moisture can slow composting and lead to harmful bacteria or mold growth.

The shredded paper acts like a sponge, soaking up extra moisture and maintaining an ideal environment for decomposition. This is particularly useful if your compost pile contains a lot of wet kitchen scraps.

4. Encourages the Growth of Beneficial Microorganisms

The microorganisms breaking down organic matter thrive in a well-balanced compost pile.

Adding shredded paper provides a habitat that supports these microbes, helping them break down materials more effectively and convert waste into nutrient-rich compost.

5. Reduces Odors

Composting food scraps can sometimes lead to strong odors, especially if too much nitrogen-rich material is added.

Shredded paper absorbs excess moisture and helps prevent anaerobic decomposition, which is a primary cause of foul smells. This keeps your compost pile fresher and more manageable.

6. Eco-Friendly Alternative to Recycling

While recycling paper is a great option, adding it to compost is an environmentally friendly way to repurpose it.

Some paper types, such as shredded office documents or newspapers, may not be easily recyclable due to ink or contamination.

Composting allows you to keep these materials out of landfills while enriching your soil naturally.

7. Helps Regulate Compost Temperature

During the composting process, heat is generated as microbes break down organic matter.

The shredded paper helps retain some of this heat, allowing the compost pile to maintain an optimal temperature for decomposition.

A well-maintained temperature also helps kill weed seeds and harmful pathogens in the compost.

8. Reduces Waste and Promotes Sustainability

Composting shredded paper diverts waste from landfills and contributes to a more sustainable waste management system.

Instead of throwing away used paper, you can give it a second life as a soil amendment that benefits plant growth.

9. Acts as a Natural Weed Barrier When Used as Mulch

If you don’t want to mix shredded paper directly into your compost, use it as mulch in your garden.

When layered on top of the soil, shredded paper helps suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and gradually break down into organic matter, enriching the soil.

Which Type of Paper Are Safe for Composting?

Understanding which types of paper break down naturally and contribute to a healthy compost pile is essential.

Here’s a guide to help you choose the right kinds of paper for composting.

Plain White or Brown Paper

Uncoated printer paper, notebook paper, and kraft paper are excellent choices for composting.

These papers are made from natural fibers without chemical coatings, allowing them to break down quickly. Shredding them before adding them to the compost pile helps speed up decomposition.

Newspaper (Black & White Print Only)

Most newspapers use soy-based ink, which is non-toxic and safe for composting.

However, glossy inserts and colored advertisements should be avoided, as they often contain synthetic dyes and coatings that do not break down well in compost.

Cardboard and Corrugated Boxes (Uncoated)

Uncoated cardboard, such as plain shipping boxes, toilet paper rolls, and brown paperboard, is an excellent carbon source for compost.

Before composting, remove any tape, labels, or stickers, as these may contain plastic. Tearing or shredding cardboard into smaller pieces ensures faster breakdown.

Paper Towels and Napkins (If Not Contaminated)

Unbleached paper towels and napkins made from natural plant fibers can be composted if they are free from grease, cleaning chemicals, or synthetic additives.

They help absorb excess moisture in the compost, balancing wet kitchen scraps. However, heavily soiled or chemically treated paper products should be discarded separately.

Shredded Office Paper and Junk Mail (Without Glossy Coatings)

Office paper and junk mail can be composted if they do not contain glossy coatings, synthetic inks, or adhesives.

Envelopes with plastic windows, heavily inked brochures, and laminated paper should be avoided.

Before adding it to the compost pile, shredding paper enhances aeration and speeds up decomposition.

How to Compost Shredded Papers?

As mentioned above, maintaining the proper brown and green material balance is essential to make well-rotted compost.

Shredded paper is an excellent addition to compost. It serves as a carbon-rich “brown” material that helps balance nitrogen-heavy food scraps and garden waste.

However, composting paper properly requires a few key steps to ensure efficient decomposition and prevent issues like clumping or excessive moisture retention.

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Paper

Not all paper is safe for composting. Stick to uncoated, non-glossy paper such as:

• Plain white or brown paper (without ink or coatings)
• Newspaper (black-and-white print only)
• Cardboard and paper bags (uncoated and ink-free)
• Office documents and junk mail (if free from plastic windows and heavy ink)
• Paper towels and napkins (if free from grease, chemicals, or synthetic additives)

Avoid glossy magazines, colored paper, receipts (thermal paper), and anything with synthetic coatings or adhesives.

Step 2: Shred the Paper into Small Pieces

Shredding paper speeds up decomposition by increasing the surface area for microbes to break it down. Use a paper shredder or tear paper into small strips by hand. Smaller pieces also prevent clumping, which can slow decomposition.

Step 3: Balance with Green (Nitrogen-Rich) Materials

To maintain a healthy compost pile, balance shredded paper with nitrogen-rich “green” materials such as:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Grass clippings
• Fresh plant trimmings

A good compost mix follows a carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio of about 25-30:1. Shredded paper is high in carbon, so mix it with enough green waste to prevent the pile from drying out.

Step 4: Maintain Proper Moisture Levels

Shredded paper can absorb excess moisture, helping to regulate the compost pile. However, too much paper without enough greens can dry out the pile, slowing decomposition.

Grab a handful of compost to check moisture levels—if it feels like a wrung-out sponge, the balance is good. If it’s too dry, add water or more nitrogen-rich materials. If it is too wet, add more shredded paper or dry leaves.

Step 5: Turn the Compost Regularly

Aeration is crucial for decomposition. Turn or mix your compost pile every one to two weeks to evenly distribute moisture, oxygen, and heat. This also helps shredded paper break down faster and prevents clumps from forming.

Step 6: Wait for Decomposition to Complete

Depending on environmental conditions, the type of composting method, and the balance of materials, shredded paper can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to decompose fully. The compost is ready when it becomes dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell.

Paper Types You Shouldn’t Add to a Compost Bin

While many paper types can be safely composted, some should be avoided due to chemicals, coatings, or synthetic additives that can harm soil health and slow decomposition.

Below are the types of paper that should not be added to your compost bin and why they should be kept out.

1. Glossy or Coated Paper

Magazines, brochures, catalogs, wrapping paper, photo paper

Why to Avoid: These papers are coated with plastic, clay, or chemical finishes that do not break down easily in compost. The glossy coating can also contain petroleum-based substances harmful to soil and microorganisms.

2. Colored or Dyed Paper

Gift wrap, construction paper, heavily printed flyers

Why to Avoid: Some colored papers contain synthetic dyes or heavy metals that may leach into the soil, affecting plant health. Even biodegradable dyes may take longer to break down and could impact compost quality.

3. Receipts and Thermal Paper

Store receipts, shipping labels

Why Avoid: Thermal paper is often coated with BPA (bisphenol A) or BPS (bisphenol S), harmful chemicals that can contaminate compost and pose health risks when absorbed by plants.

4. Waxed or Grease-Resistant Paper

Wax paper, parchment paper, butter wrappers, fast-food wrappers

Why to Avoid: Wax-coated and grease-resistant papers contain synthetic additives that make them water-resistant, preventing proper decomposition. Some also have petroleum-based coatings, which do not break down naturally.

5. Paper with Adhesives or Plastic Components

Stickers, envelopes with plastic windows, sticky notes, tape-covered paper

Why to Avoid: Adhesives, glues, and plastic materials do not decompose properly and can leave microplastics in the compost. Even biodegradable glues may take too long to break down.

6. Paper Contaminated with Grease, Oil, or Chemicals

Pizza boxes (greasy parts), fast-food bags, cleaning wipes, chemically-treated paper towels

Why to Avoid: Grease and oils can create anaerobic conditions in compost, leading to unpleasant odors and slowing decomposition. Additionally, chemically treated papers may introduce harmful substances into the compost.

7. Laminated or Synthetic Paper

Posters, laminated menus, plastic-coated instruction sheets

Why to Avoid: Laminated papers contain plastic layers that do not break down in compost and can contribute to microplastic pollution.

Carbon Sources for Your Compost Bin

Carbon-rich materials (“browns”) are essential for balancing nitrogen-rich waste, improving airflow, and speeding up decomposition. Here are some great alternatives to shredded paper:

• Dry Leaves – Decompose quickly and enhance microbial activity. Shred for faster breakdown.
• Straw & Hay – Improve aeration, but use it in moderation to avoid drying out the pile.
• Wood Chips & Sawdust – Break down slowly; mix only untreated wood.
• Cardboard & Uncoated Paper – Tear into small pieces and remove plastic labels before composting.
• Pine Needles & Twigs – Add structure, but use sparingly, as pine needles are acidic.
• Cornstalks & Dried Plant Stems – Provide long-lasting carbon; chop into smaller sections.
• Dried Grass Clippings – Prevent excess moisture; avoid adding fresh clippings in bulk.
• Peat Moss & Coco Coir – Improve texture and moisture retention; coco coir is more sustainable.

Mixing these materials ensures a well-balanced, odor-free compost that decomposes efficiently.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take for Shredded Paper to Decompose?

Shredded paper typically takes 2 to 6 months to decompose in a well-maintained compost pile. The breakdown speed depends on factors like moisture levels, aeration, and the balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials.

Shredding paper into smaller pieces and turning the compost regularly can speed up decomposition.

Do Worms Eat Shredded Paper?

Worms eat shredded paper, especially in vermicomposting (worm bins). Paper provides a good bedding material, helping absorb moisture and balance the compost environment.

Red wigglers (common composting worms) consume paper and food scraps, breaking them down into nutrient-rich worm castings. However, it is best to use uncoated, ink-free paper and moisten it slightly before adding it to the worm bin.

Conclusion

Shredded paper is an excellent addition to compost, providing a valuable carbon source that helps balance nitrogen-rich food scraps and garden waste.

When used correctly, it improves aeration, absorbs excess moisture, and speeds up decomposition. To maximize its benefits, choose uncoated, ink-free paper, shred it into small pieces, and mix it well with other compost materials.

Shredded paper is an eco-friendly way to recycle waste while enriching the soil with nutrient-rich compost, whether added to a traditional compost pile or a worm bin.