From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Massachusetts

We get a news papper evry day then just throw it out. Can you compost the sectons of the newspapper without colord ink? Also how long will it take to brake down?

3/31/2007 3:22:00 PM

Antigonish,Nova Scotia,Canada

It breaks down very quickly, especially if shredded. Most local papers around here are now using vegetable inks in their coloured sections,so I think most of that newsprint should be okay to compost too.(NOT 100 % sure, though.) Would appreciate hearing more expert advice on this!

3/31/2007 5:51:47 PM

[email protected]

Layer damp newspaqper with Peat Moss - add worms. Toss in an occasional handful of Corn Meal. You'll have free fishing worms & vermi compost & castings in no time.

3/31/2007 6:16:36 PM

Massachusetts

i do like fishing

3/31/2007 7:23:03 PM

[email protected]

We did this one summer in large plastic Rubbermaid tubs. The worms need to be kept cool so we stuck them under the trampoline, bushes, deck, etc to keep them out of the hot sun. Other than that, it is a fun low maintenance project.

3/31/2007 10:42:08 PM

San Jose [email protected]

i used to have this HEAVY DUTY shredder, it could grind a small dog, i shred all my news papers, and out in the compost pile they went, the red worms love almost everything. This is a COLD compost though. Like steve said keep em cool and moist and if you get a deep freeze you will have to insulate them over winter

4/1/2007 5:59:14 PM

I used to have a worm composter in Brooklyn that ran mostly on about half the Sunday Times, half coffee grounds and vegetable scraps. I didn't have a shredder, but I tore it into strips about 2" wide and that was okay. I grew great veggies on a deck in pretty much pure worm compost.

The newspaper didn't always break down completely, and I got a lot of volunteer tomatoes because it wasn't hot compost. But it was a complete little ecosystem and kept my garbage from smelling.

4/2/2007 8:58:54 AM