Yes, you can compost shredded paper, but only certain kinds
Shredded paper breaks down in a compost pile, but the type matters. Newspaper, plain office paper, and cardboard shred well and decompose within months. Glossy paper, colored inks, and anything laminated or coated should stay out — the chemicals and finishes don't break down and can contaminate finished compost.
The key is balance. Paper is carbon-rich (also called "brown" material), so too much slows decomposition and creates a dense, airless mat. Mix shredded paper with nitrogen-rich materials like grass clippings, food scraps, or manure to keep the pile working.
Shredded paper also works better than whole sheets because the smaller pieces expose more surface area to moisture and microbes, speeding decay. A pile of whole newspaper can sit unchanged for a year; shredded newspaper usually breaks down in three to six months.
Key Takeaways
- Plain office paper, newspaper, and cardboard shred are safe to compost and decompose in three to six months when shredded.
- Glossy paper, colored inks, thermal paper (receipts), and laminated or coated paper should not go in compost because the chemicals persist.
- Shredded paper is carbon-heavy, so mix it with nitrogen sources like grass clippings or food scraps to prevent the pile from becoming compacted and airless.
- Shredded material breaks down faster than whole sheets because smaller pieces allow moisture and microbes to work through the pile more easily.
Which shredded papers are safe for compost
Plain white office paper is the safest choice. It contains no dyes, coatings, or chemical treatments and breaks down completely. Newspaper also works well — the inks used in most modern newspapers are soy-based or mineral-based and decompose without harm.
Cardboard and kraft paper (the brown packing material) are excellent additions. They take slightly longer than office paper — six to twelve months — but add structure to the pile and help with aeration. Tear or shred cardboard into pieces smaller than 2 inches to speed breakdown.
Paper bags (grocery bags, kraft envelopes) are fine as long as they have no plastic lining or waterproof coating. Check the inside surface — if it feels waxy or plastic-like, leave it out.
Papers to keep out of your compost
Glossy paper — magazines, brochures, and photo paper — has a plastic or clay coating that does not decompose. The coating sits in your finished compost and can transfer to soil.
Colored or printed paper with heavy inks may contain heavy metals or synthetic dyes. While modern newspaper inks are usually safe, colored office paper, junk mail with colored printing, and anything with metallic or fluorescent inks should be avoided. When in doubt, stick to plain white or newsprint.
Thermal paper (receipts, fax paper, some labels) contains BPA or similar chemicals that leach into compost. Even though the paper itself is thin and would break down quickly, the chemical coating makes it unsafe.
Laminated or wax-coated paper (takeout containers, some food packaging) will not decompose. The coating is designed to resist moisture, which means it resists the breakdown process entirely.
How to add shredded paper without slowing your pile
Shredded paper works best when layered with other materials. A common approach is the "lasagna" method: alternate a layer of shredded paper (2 to 3 inches) with a layer of nitrogen-rich material like grass clippings, kitchen scraps, or manure (1 to 2 inches). Repeat until the pile reaches 3 to 4 feet tall.
If you add shredded paper all at once without mixing, it compacts into a dense, wet mat that excludes air and slows decomposition. Spread it throughout the pile rather than dumping it in one spot. If you already have a pile that feels soggy or smells like ammonia, mixing in shredded paper can help — it absorbs excess moisture and adds carbon to balance nitrogen-heavy materials.
Moisture is critical. Shredded paper needs to stay damp (like a wrung-out sponge) to break down. If your pile is too dry, the paper will sit unchanged. If it is too wet, the paper mats together and excludes oxygen. Aim for a pile that feels moist throughout but does not leak water when squeezed.
Shredded paper in finished compost: will it cause problems
Small pieces of paper in finished compost are normal and harmless. As long as the paper was safe to begin with (plain, uncoated, unprinted), it will have mostly broken down by the time you use the compost. Any remaining fragments will continue to decompose in the soil.
If you notice larger pieces of paper in your finished compost, it usually means the pile did not get hot enough or stay active long enough. This happens when piles are too dry, too carbon-heavy, or not turned regularly. Sift the compost through a screen if you want to remove larger fragments before using it on vegetables or ornamental plants.
Paper fragments in compost do not affect plant growth. They add organic matter and improve soil structure as they finish breaking down in the ground.
Shredded paper versus other carbon sources
Shredded paper is one of several carbon-rich materials you can add to compost. Leaves, straw, wood chips, and sawdust all serve the same purpose. Shredded paper has advantages: it is often free (especially if you shred your own documents), it breaks down faster than whole leaves or wood chips, and it does not introduce weed seeds or pests the way yard waste sometimes does.
The trade-off is that paper can mat if not mixed well, while leaves and straw naturally stay loose. If you have access to dry leaves or straw, they may be easier to work with. But if you have a shredder and office paper to dispose of, compost is a better destination than the trash.
For hot composting (piles that reach 130°F or higher), shredded paper works especially well because the heat and microbial activity break it down quickly. Cold composting (passive piles that never get very hot) takes longer — six months to a year or more — so shredded paper may still be visible in the finished product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I compost paper with ink on it?
Modern newspaper and office printer inks are usually safe. Soy-based and mineral-based inks break down without harm. Avoid colored inks, metallic inks, and anything that looks heavily printed or glossy. When in doubt, stick to plain white paper or black-and-white newsprint.
What about shredded junk mail?
Plain white junk mail is fine. Colored junk mail, especially anything with heavy printing or metallic inks, should be avoided. Check the back of the envelope — if it is plain white or light gray, it is safe. If it has colored printing or a glossy finish, leave it out.
How much shredded paper can I add at once?
Add no more than 25 to 30 percent of your pile's volume as paper at any one time. Mix it throughout the pile rather than layering it all in one spot. If your pile is small (under 3 feet tall), add even less — a few handfuls mixed in with other materials works better than a large dump.
Does shredded paper attract pests?
Paper itself does not attract rodents or insects. However, if you bury food scraps under a thick layer of paper, pests may tunnel through to reach the food. Keep paper mixed throughout the pile and bury food scraps under at least 6 inches of mixed material to reduce pest problems.
Can I use paper from a cross-cut shredder?
Yes. Cross-cut shredders produce smaller pieces, which actually break down faster than strip-shredded paper. The smaller size means more surface area for microbes to work on, so cross-cut shredded paper is ideal for composting.