As more people turn towards eco-friendly solutions, the question of whether cardboard is compostable often arises.
Cardboard is a common material in our everyday lives, from shipping boxes to product packaging, but what happens to it once it’s no longer needed?
One way you can do your part to reduce waste is by composting your cardboard boxes. This way, you can show some love to your unwanted packages and keep your garden flowers healthy.
Whether you are new to composting and wondering what types of cardboard are soil-friendly or are simply looking to learn more about the subject, this FAQ article has all the answers to your questions.
Is cardboard eco-friendly?
Yes, cardboard is eco-friendly because it is biodegradable, recyclable, and often made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials. The production of cardboard has minimal impact on the environment, releasing up to 60 percent less oil and carbon dioxide than other materials. It, therefore, has a lower carbon footprint compared to many other packaging materials, making it a greener choice.
It is also recyclable and biodegradable, which reduces waste and minimizes resource consumption.
By recycling cardboard, you can save up to 90 percent of water and 50 per cent of electricity from having to manufacture new materials.
Additionally, it is important to avoid coated or waxed cardboard for the best environmental impact.
Is cardboard biodegradable or compostable?
Cardboard is both biodegradable and compostable, taking up to two months to degrade naturally. However, some boxes, such as juice boxes and soup cartons, are lined with plastic, which is not biodegradable and can remain beneath the soil for centuries.
Therefore, you should check the packaging for a certified compostable symbol or ask the manufacturer if their packaging contains any hidden plastics.
What kind of cardboard is compostable?
Some types of cardboard that are compostable include:
- Corrugated cardboard – This material breaks down the fastest compared to other types of cardboard. You can find corrugated cardboard in packaging boxes.
- Flat cardboard – Regular flat cardboard can break down fairly quickly, provided that it is not mixed with other materials. You can find flat cardboard in juice boxes, cereal boxes, and shoe boxes.
- Wax-coated cardboard – This type of cardboard takes longer to decompose. You may need to remove the wax coating by submerging the box in water before adding it to the compost. Wax-coated cardboard can be found in paper cups and pet food bags.
Is corrugated cardboard compostable?
Yes, it can. As we mentioned in the previous question, corrugated cardboard breaks down quickly. Before composting corrugated cardboard, you may need to tear it into smaller pieces and submerge it in water mixed with liquid detergent to speed up the decomposition process.
Is coloured cardboard compostable?
Coloured cardboard may not be a great choice for the compost pile. The inks and dyes used to create it may contain heavy metals that can contaminate the compost.
The inks and dyes are permanently stuck to the cardboard’s surface, so removing them is impossible. However, you can take your coloured cardboard to your nearest recycling center and see if they accept it.
Is printed cardboard compostable?
Similar to coloured cardboard, printed cardboard is not compostable. This is especially the case if the cardboard is printed with petroleum-based inks that contain metallic pigments. If composted, it can leak harmful chemicals that can ruin the soil’s fertility.
Nowadays, manufacturers have opted to use water-based inks, glues, and glosses, which do not contain any toxins and are, therefore, safe to compost. To be on the safe side, you should contact the manufacturers and check what kinds of inks are used to make the cardboard packaging.
Is cardboard safe to compost?
Not all cardboard is safe to compost. Some boxes, like juice boxes and fast food containers, have a plastic layer to preserve contents and prevent leakage. Instead of degrading over time, the plastic layer will break down into smaller components and remain under the soil for a long time.
Is it OK to put cardboard in the compost?
Simply putting the cardboard into the compost pile is ill-advised, as this can delay the decomposition process. It is important to shred the cardboard and soak it in water mixed with liquid detergent to speed up decomposition.
Do compost worms eat cardboard?
Yes, compost worms like red wigglers do eat certain types of cardboard, particularly brown corrugated cardboard that is not highly processed. The worms can then convert the cardboard into compost material in less than two weeks.
For those using worms to create compost, cardboard should be mixed with other food sources, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, to provide optimal nutrition for the worms and, consequently, the soil.
How to tell if a box is compostable?
You can tell if a cardboard box is compostable by checking for a certified symbol or label on the packaging. If no such symbol is present, another method you can use is by soaking the packaging in water. A non-compostable package should have a plastic layer peeling away from the cardboard.
Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer and ask what materials were used to make the cardboard.
Concluding remarks
We hope that with these answers, you will be ready to start composting your unused packages. Not only will your plants stay healthy, but you can also create a cleaner planet for future generations.
