Vermicomposting newspaper
Black and white newspaper (non-glossy) is excellent and very valuable material for your Bonter vermicomposter. It serves as absorbent bedding, improves aeration, and provides essential carbon (‘brown’ material) for a healthy worm bin. A simple and effective way to put this paper waste to good use and contribute to your compost.
Can newspaper go in your worm bin?
Yes, absolutely! Unprinted or only printed with black ink and non-glossy newspaper is very suitable and even essential for a successful worm bin. It is a fantastic source of ‘brown’ material, indispensable for maintaining balance with moist, ‘green’ food waste. It helps absorb excess moisture and creates an airy structure in the bin, which is crucial for good oxygen circulation and the well-being of your worms. Avoid coloured ink and glossy sections, as these may contain chemicals and heavy metals that are harmful to the worms and the compost.
How much newspaper can you add?
Black and white newspaper can be added regularly and in generous quantities to your Bonter, preferably shredded. It is important to maintain the correct ratio between ‘green’ (food) and ‘brown’ (carbon, such as newspaper, other cardboard and paper) material. Add shredded newspaper when you need new bedding, when the bin gets too wet, or simply when you have it left over. It helps improve the structure, prevents the waste from becoming too compact, and contributes to an optimal carbon-nitrogen ratio.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Black and white newspaper is so suitable and useful as ‘brown’ material and structure improver in the Bonter that you should ideally save it for that purpose! It contributes significantly to a healthy compost bin. If for any reason you have an exceptionally large amount of clean, thin paper waste, other types of thin, unprinted or only black-printed paper/cardboard (such as from egg cartons or unprinted printer paper) can also serve excellently as ‘brown’ material and an alternative to newspaper. Coloured or glossy paper must go with residual waste or paper recycling.
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Tips for composting newspaper
Shred or tear newspaper into smaller strips or pieces before adding it. This increases the surface area and significantly speeds up decomposition. Moisten the paper by mixing it with wet food waste or burying it under the moist bedding; dry paper composts slowly. Mix the shredded paper well with the waste and existing bedding to add structure and aeration throughout. Always ensure you only use black and white, non-glossy newspaper. Coloured ink and glossy paper are unsuitable and should be avoided.
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Frequently asked questions about vermicomposting newspaper
Can I put all types of newspaper in the worm bin?
No, only black and white printed, non-glossy newspaper is suitable. Coloured ink and glossy paper may contain harmful chemicals and are unsuitable.
Should I shred newspaper?
How much newspaper can I add?
Does newspaper serve as food or as structure?
Can I add other paper too, like printer paper?
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