Vermicomposting corrugated cardboard
Brown corrugated cardboard (unprinted, without tape or labels) is excellent and even essential material for your Bonter vermicomposter. Thanks to its corrugated structure, it greatly improves aeration and provides indispensable carbon (‘brown’ material). Perfect for keeping your bin healthy, airy, and balanced for your worms.
Can corrugated cardboard go in your worm bin?
Yes, absolutely! Clean, brown, unprinted corrugated cardboard is very suitable and highly recommended for vermicomposting. It is a fantastic source of ‘brown’ material, crucial for balancing moist, ‘green’ food waste. The corrugated structure creates air pockets, which promotes oxygen circulation and helps prevent anaerobic conditions (and thus unpleasant odours). It also absorbs moisture and contributes to a good structure. Make sure all tape, labels, and plastic/glossy printing are removed, as these are unsuitable and will not break down.
How much corrugated cardboard can you add?
Brown corrugated cardboard can be added regularly and in generous quantities to your Bonter, preferably torn into smaller pieces. It is essential to maintain the correct ratio between ‘green’ (food) and ‘brown’ (carbon, such as corrugated cardboard, other paper/cardboard) material. A good guideline is to add as much, if not more, brown material as green material. Add torn corrugated cardboard when you need new bedding, when the bin gets too wet, or if you want to improve the structure and aeration.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Clean, brown corrugated cardboard is so suitable and useful as ‘brown’ material, structure improver, and aerator in the Bonter that you should ideally save it for that purpose! It contributes significantly to a healthy and well-performing 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 unprinted paper can also be added as ‘brown’ material. Avoid throwing away clean corrugated cardboard with residual waste; it is perfect for your compost. Cardboard with tape/labels must go with paper recycling or residual waste.
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Tips for composting brown corrugated cardboard
Tear or cut brown corrugated cardboard into smaller pieces (e.g., 5-10 cm) before adding it. This increases the surface area and significantly speeds up decomposition. Moisten the pieces by mixing them with wet food waste or burying them under the moist bedding in the bin; dry cardboard composts slowly. Mix the torn cardboard well with the waste and existing bedding to add structure and aeration throughout. Always ensure that all tape, plastic labels, and any glossy or coloured printing are completely removed. The Bonter’s air filter helps with odours, but an airy structure provided by sufficient corrugated cardboard is essential for a healthy ecosystem without unpleasant smells.
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Frequently asked questions about vermicomposting brown corrugated cardboard
Can brown corrugated cardboard go in the worm bin?
Yes, clean, unprinted brown corrugated cardboard (without tape/labels) is excellent.
Should I tear or cut corrugated cardboard?
How much corrugated cardboard can I add?
Why is corrugated cardboard so good for structure?
Do I have to remove tape or labels from the cardboard?
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