Composting paper tissues and napkins with worms
Clean or only lightly soiled with water or plant material paper tissues and napkins are suitable for your Bonter vermicomposter. They are highly absorbent and provide valuable carbon (‘brown’ material) for a healthy compost bin. A simple way to give this type of paper waste a useful destination as well.
Can paper tissues/napkins go in your worm bin?
Yes, paper tissues and napkins are suitable, but only if they are unused or only lightly soiled with water or plant-based liquids/materials (e.g., spilled tea, fruit juice, dropped fruit pulp, ground vegetables). They are a good source of ‘brown’ material, help absorb moisture, and contribute to the structure of the compost. It is crucial that they are free from fats, oils, aggressive chemicals (cleaning agents), and pathogens (e.g., from colds, flu, or animal droppings). Tissues with lotions or strong perfumes are also less suitable.
How many paper tissues/napkins can you add?
Clean or only soiled with water/plant residues paper tissues and napkins can be added regularly to your Bonter, preferably torn up. Add them as part of the ‘brown’ material, to maintain the balance with ‘green’ (moist) food scraps. Especially add extra if the bin gets too wet, as they are very absorbent. The quantity depends on the size and activity of your bin and the amount of other waste you add.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Clean or only soiled with water/plant material paper tissues and napkins are perfectly suitable for the Bonter as ‘brown’ material. Heavily soiled tissues or napkins (with grease, oil, chemicals, bodily fluids) are not suitable and must be thrown away with residual waste. Also, tissues used when sick (cold etc.) must go with residual waste due to possible pathogens. Other clean paper waste like paper towels, toilet paper tubes, or newspaper can also serve as ‘brown’ material.
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Tips for composting paper tissues/napkins
Tear or cut paper tissues and napkins into smaller pieces before adding them. This increases the surface area and speeds up decomposition. Mix them well with the other waste and existing bedding in your Bonter. Make sure they get moist enough in the bin to compost. Always check that they are only soiled with water or plant material; if in doubt, or if soiled with other types of contamination, throw them away with residual waste. The Bonter’s air filter helps with odours, but a healthy bin with the right mix of materials is essential for a fresh-smelling bin.
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Frequently asked questions about composting paper tissues/napkins
Can used paper tissues/napkins go in the worm bin?
Only if they are unused or only lightly soiled with water or plant-based liquids. Tissues/napkins with fat, oil, chemicals, or bodily fluids are unsuitable.
Can I put tissues used for colds/flu in the bin?
Should I make paper tissues/napkins smaller?
Do they help with moisture balance?
What about tissues/napkins with lotion or perfume?
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