[FLPERMACULTURE] newsprint and cardboard OK to compost?

[Chrys Gardener]

Several years ago I was wondering the same thing, so I called the Ithaca 
Journal to ask what type of ink they use in their paper. They had switched 
over from a metal-based ink to a soy-based ink for cost reasons, so 
presumably it is safe to use the Journal as mulch. I still err on the side 
of caution, and only use newspaper on ornamental plantings and straw, hay 
or compost on edible plantings.

Brown cardboard with no printing on it is also safe to use. Take out the 
big staples first so they don't end up in your soil.

--Chrys Gardener



At 01:34 AM 12/4/2006, Margaret McCasland wrote:
>A question came up on the Sustainable Tompkins list-serve.
>Does anyone know how safe newspapers and regular (brown) cardboard
>are to use as mulch in gardens or yards?
>Are there  potential hazards, such as chemicals we don't want in out
>soil, groundwater or plants?  They presumably are chlorine-free (not
>being bleached), so they shouldn't be a source of dioxins.
>Thanks, Margaret
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Chrys Gardener
Community Beautification Coordinator
615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY 14850
607-272-2292, extension 123
http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/tompkins/community_beautification/index.htm