Can toilet paper tubes go in your worm bin?
Yes, absolutely! Clean, cardboard toilet paper tubes are very suitable for vermicomposting. They are a fantastic source of ‘brown’ material, which is indispensable for maintaining balance with moist, ‘green’ food waste. They help absorb excess moisture and create an airy structure in the bin, which is essential for good oxygen circulation and the well-being of your worms. They break down relatively easily for cardboard. Make sure they are clean and no toilet paper remnants are attached.
How many toilet paper tubes can you add?
Cardboard toilet paper tubes can be added regularly and in generous quantities to your Bonter, preferably torn up. It is important to maintain the correct ratio between ‘green’ (food) and ‘brown’ (carbon, such as toilet paper tubes, other cardboard and paper) material. Add toilet paper tubes when you need new bedding, when the bin gets too wet, or simply when you have them left over. They help improve the structure and prevent the waste from becoming too compact, which is essential for aeration.
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What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Cardboard toilet paper tubes are so suitable and useful as ‘brown’ material and structure improvers in the Bonter that you should ideally save them for that purpose! They contribute significantly to a healthy compost bin. If for some reason you have an exceptionally large amount of clean, thin cardboard, other types of thin, unprinted cardboard (such as from egg cartons or packaging) can also be added as ‘brown’ material. Avoid throwing away clean toilet paper tubes with residual waste; they are perfect for your compost.
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Tips for composting toilet paper tubes
Tear or cut cardboard toilet paper tubes into smaller pieces before adding them. This increases the surface area and significantly speeds up decomposition. Moisten the pieces by burying them under wet food waste or mixing them with the moist bedding in the bin; dry cardboard composts slowly. Mix the torn tubes well with the waste and existing bedding to add structure and aeration throughout. Always ensure the tubes are clean and no toilet paper remnants are attached. The Bonter’s air filter helps with odours, but an airy structure provided by cardboard is essential for a healthy ecosystem.
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Frequently asked questions about composting toilet paper tubes
Can cardboard toilet paper tubes go in the worm bin?
Should I tear or cut the toilet paper tubes?
How many toilet paper tubes can I add?
Do toilet paper tubes serve as food or as structure?
Can I add toilet paper tubes if there is still paper from the roll attached?
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