Can tea bags go in your worm bin?
Tea bags can in principle go into your Bonter, but fall into the ‘with caution’ category. The tea leaves themselves are perfect ‘green’ material. The problem often lies in the bag and its fastening: many modern tea bags contain plastic fibres (sometimes up to 25%), are sealed with plastic, or contain metal staples or non-biodegradable strings and labels. Only tea bags made from 100% natural, untreated, plastic-free paper or fibres, without metal staples, are suitable. Unsuitable bags do not break down, pollute your compost with microplastics or metal, and can even be harmful.
How many tea bags can you add?
Add suitable tea bags (after checking that they are 100% compostable and removing any staples/labels) regularly to your Bonter. The quantity depends on the size and activity of your bin and the amount of other ‘green’ waste you add. Always ensure a good balance with sufficient ‘brown’ material. The paper/fibrous tea bag itself is ‘brown’ material, while the tea leaves are ‘green’. A few suitable tea bags at a time is fine, mixed well with other waste.
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What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
If you are in doubt about the compostability of a tea bag (for example, if it contains plastic), it is better to throw the bag in with residual waste and only add the tea leaves to the Bonter. You can cut open the bag, remove the tea leaves, put them in the Bonter, and discard the bag. Suitable tea bags can also go in with the organic waste bin if your municipality collects it. Tea leaves from loose tea are always perfect for the worm bin without concerns about the bag, and often just as easy to use with a reusable tea ball or filter.
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Tips for composting tea bags
The most important tip: check your tea bags! Look for tea bags clearly labelled as 100% plastic-free and home compostable (check the manufacturer’s website if in doubt). Always remove metal staples and plastic labels or strings. If necessary, tear open the paper/fibrous bag and make it smaller to speed up decomposition, and mix it well with other waste and bedding in your Bonter. Bury tea bags under the bedding to prevent fruit flies (attracted by tea residues). The Bonter’s air filter helps with odours, but a healthy bin starts with the right contents and preparation.
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Frequently asked questions about composting tea bags
Can all tea bags go in the worm bin?
How do I know if my tea bag contains plastic?
Do I have to remove the staple from a tea bag?
Do tea leaves and the bag break down quickly?
Can I add the tea bags with contents included?
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