newspaper

Can you put newspaper in the organic waste bin?

In principle, newspaper is biodegradable and can therefore be thrown into the organic waste bin even in small quantities. The paper helps to absorb the moisture in the organic waste and bind odors. It also decomposes relatively quickly during composting.

In Europe, newspapers are mainly made from waste paper, which consists of cellulose, a natural material. As the tear resistance of the paper decreases over time due to repeated use, new wood fibers are always added during the recycling process. Because it is recycled and made from natural raw materials, paper is considered a sustainable material.

Even the printing ink on the paper does not inhibit the decomposition process. In contrast to the past, when printing inks were still contaminated with heavy metals, nowadays attention is paid to biological and less harmful components.

Nevertheless, large quantities of newsprint should be disposed of with the paper waste.

Caution with coated paper

Even though conventional newspaper can generally be disposed of in organic waste, coated or glossy paper, such as that used for magazines, has no place in the organic waste bin. The same applies to kitchen rolls. This is because white paper is bleached with chemicals that are very difficult to break down.

The chemicals used can affect the microorganisms responsible for the decomposition of organic waste and therefore negatively impact the quality of the compost. For this reason, many waste disposal companies recommend not putting newspaper in the organic waste bin, but disposing of it in the paper waste can instead.

It's the quantity that matters

Another aspect that should be considered is the amount of newsprint that is put in the organic waste bin. An excessive amount of newspaper in the organic waste can impair composting and lead to an unbalanced ratio of carbon to nitrogen. To avoid this, the amount of newsprint in the organic waste bin should be kept moderate to ensure healthy and efficient composting.

Wrap organic waste in newspaper

Newspaper is ideal as packaging material for organic waste as it absorbs moisture and binds odors. Food scraps in particular, such as meat or bones, which could encourage the development of maggots, should be wrapped in newspaper for disposal. This minimizes the development of putrefactive gases. When disposing of organic waste in newspaper, make sure that no plastic film or other non-compostable materials are disposed of with it.

Folding newspapers - Disposing of organic waste in DIY bin liners

Homemade bin liners made from newspaper are ideal for collecting organic waste in the home. These are practical and sustainable. They can be folded to any desired size and food waste can be disposed of in a sustainable and biodegradable way. You can find lots of DIY instructions on the internet.

Conclusion: Throw the newspaper in the organic waste bin

So there is nothing to stop you from throwing newspaper in the organic waste bin as long as it is biodegradable and does not contain any harmful substances. Folding newspaper can also save space so that more organic waste can be put in the organic waste bin. However, it is advisable to observe the local waste regulations of the respective municipality to ensure that the disposal of newspaper in the organic waste also complies with the guidelines applicable there.