Quick Answer: Can You Compost Cereal Boxes?
Yes, you can compost cereal boxes as they are rich in carbon. You may chop them before adding them to the compost pile to fasten the decomposition process. They help in soaking moisture and balancing the nitrogen ingredients. You may follow the lasagna method for the effective decomposition of cereal boxes.
If you’re like most people, you probably have a lot of cereal boxes taking up space in your pantry.
If you plan to compost them but are confused about whether it’s a good idea, this guide is for you.
Are you ready to know more?
Contents
- Quick Answer: Can You Compost Cereal Boxes?
- Can You Compost Cereal Boxes?
- How To Compost Cereal Boxes With Ease?
- Can You Use High-Fiber Heap To Compost Cereal Boxes?
- Can You Recycle Cereal Boxes?
- How Long Does It Take For Cardboards To Decompose?
- What Are The Problems With Composting Cereal Boxes With Colored Inks?
- FAQs
- Bottom Line
Can You Compost Cereal Boxes?
Yes, you may compost plain cereal boxes. If these boxes have colored vegetable-based inks, they may be composted without a problem. But you can not compost plastic liners or plastic windows.
You may shred, rip, or cut into small pieces. Also, remove the tape or stickers that may not decompose easily.
They may be added to the compost heap to balance the moisture content of fruit and vegetable peelings, grass clippings, and other greens.
How To Compost Cereal Boxes With Ease?
Cereal boxes are rich in carbon and can be composted using the lasagna method. It is considered a brown material.
The various steps in composting cereal boxes in the comfort of your home are discussed below.
1. Add brown materials to the compost pile
Put a four-inch layer of twigs or branches at the bottom of the bin. Add roughly the brown materials, including cereal boxes.
You may scrunch the cardboard to maintain air gaps in the composting material.
Alternatively, you may chop them into smaller pieces and toss them into the compost pile.
Spread the ingredients over the whole area of the bin using a garden fork.
Also, you may soak them in water for faster decomposition.
2. Add nitrogen-rich materials
You may add a 4-inch layer of grass clippings, horse, or cow manure. Add a two-inch layer of soil on top.
Continue to layer until the pile is about 4 cubic feet. Add more water or cardboard according to the feel of the pile.
3. Maintain the compost heap
Turn the compost pile every five days to speed up the decomposition process. The level in the composting bin will go down as the composting process gets going.
Keep turning the compost pile every five days to speed up decomposition.
Check out the video for more information on lasagna composting:
Can You Use High-Fiber Heap To Compost Cereal Boxes?
Yes, the cereal boxes may be composted using a high-fiber heap developed by researchers at the Center For Alternative Technology.
Set up a compost bin and add a 12-inch layer of crumpled-up cereal boxes. Fill gradually the bin with equal volumes of kitchen scraps. It gives time for the worms to move in and build up.
Close the lid to avoid fruit flies. You may collect the compost after some time.
Can You Recycle Cereal Boxes?
Yes, you may recycle cereal boxes made of lightweight cardboard. It can be placed with other paper products, including newspapers, envelopes, and other food boxes.
You may recycle them by breaking them or flattening them. Also, make sure that the box is clean and dry to avoid contamination.
They can then be placed in curbside recycling programs and centers.
How Long Does It Take For Cardboards To Decompose?
The cardboards may take on an average of six to twelve months to decompose. It depends on the type of cardboard that you are composting.
Flat cardboard, including cereal boxes, may take more time than corrugated cardboard to decompose.
It takes about six to eight months to decompose.
The corrugated cardboard may take less than six months to decompose if broken into smaller pieces.
The wax-coated cardboards are the toughest and may take about 12 months and more to decompose.
What Are The Problems With Composting Cereal Boxes With Colored Inks?
The cereal boxes with surface coatings and inks may contain toxic substances that may contaminate the compost.
You may recycle them instead.
There are two different types of inks, vegetable dyes and colored inks used on cereal boxes.
The problem with colored inks is that they may contain heavy metals.
The heavy metals may not decompose in the soil. It may be a health concern if the plants absorb them when used as compost.
It is preferable to use the compost from the printed cardboard around the non-edible plants.
FAQs
There are many creative ways of reusing cereal boxes. You may make business cards, mini-pocket notebooks, miniature piñatas, drawer dividers, gift boxes, postcards, pencil cases, and bookmarks. Some turn the front panel of cereal boxes into simple puzzles.
Yes, you may compost leftover cereals. One problem is that they may attract rummaging critters. You may bury them deep in the compost pile to avoid unwanted scavengers.
Cereal boxes are rich in carbon and are a free brown material. It helps to balance the nitrogen ingredients, increase aeration, retain heat within the compost, and soaks up the excessive moisture. It helps in reducing the waste going to the landfill.
Bottom Line
I hope this guide has helped you learn how to compost cereal boxes and reduce trash!
Let me know your thoughts on composting cereal boxes and how it worked for you!