Can You Compost Toilet Paper Rolls? Here’s The Answer!

The answer is a resounding yes! Toilet paper rolls, often overlooked as a compostable material, are actually an excellent addition to your compost pile. By understanding the principles of composting and following a few simple steps, you can transform these discarded rolls into valuable organic matter for your garden.

The Benefits of Composting Toilet Paper Rolls

• Enhances soil health: Decomposed toilet paper rolls add organic matter to the soil, improving its fertility, structure, and water retention capacity.
• Reduces waste: Composting toilet paper rolls diverts them from landfills, reducing their environmental impact.
• Provides nutrients: Toilet paper rolls contain cellulose, a primary component of plant cell walls, which provides essential nutrients for plants.
• Attracts beneficial organisms: The decomposition process attracts earthworms and other beneficial organisms that contribute to soil health.

How to Compost Toilet Paper Rolls

1. Choose the Right Rolls

• Use unbleached, undyed toilet paper rolls.
• Avoid rolls with plastic or foil linings, as these are not biodegradable.

2. Tear or Shred the Rolls

• Tear the rolls into smaller pieces or shred them using a paper shredder. This increases the surface area for decomposition.

3. Mix with Other Materials

• Combine the shredded toilet paper rolls with other compostable materials, such as:
• Kitchen scraps (fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds)
• Garden waste (leaves, grass clippings)
• Paper products (newspapers, cardboard)

4. Maintain Moisture

• Keep the compost pile moist but not soggy. Add water as needed to prevent drying out.

5. Aerate Regularly

• Turn or stir the compost pile every few days to aerate it. This allows oxygen to reach the microorganisms responsible for decomposition.

6. Monitor Temperature

• The ideal temperature for composting is between 130-160°F (55-70°C). Use a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the moisture or aeration as needed.

7. Harvest the Compost

• Once the compost is dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell, it is ready to use. This typically takes 2-6 months, depending on the conditions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Slow decomposition: Increase moisture or aeration.
• Unpleasant odor: Add more brown materials (such as leaves or cardboard) to balance the nitrogen content.
• Pests: Keep the compost pile covered and avoid adding food scraps that attract pests.

Alternatives to Composting

If composting is not feasible, there are other ways to dispose of toilet paper rolls in an environmentally friendly manner:

• Recycling: Check with your local recycling program to see if they accept toilet paper rolls.
• Biodegradable bags: Place toilet paper rolls in biodegradable bags and dispose of them in the garbage.
• Burning: In limited quantities and under controlled conditions, burning toilet paper rolls can be an option. However, always check local regulations and exercise caution.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I compost toilet paper rolls with feces on them?
A: No, do not compost toilet paper rolls that have come into contact with human waste.

Q: Can I compost toilet paper rolls that have been treated with chemicals?
A: Avoid composting toilet paper rolls that have been treated with chemicals, such as flushable wipes or scented rolls.

Q: How long does it take to compost toilet paper rolls?
A: The time it takes to compost toilet paper rolls varies depending on conditions. Typically, it takes 2-6 months.

Q: Can I use composted toilet paper rolls as mulch?
A: Yes, composted toilet paper rolls can be used as mulch around plants.

Q: Can I compost paper towels?
A: Yes, paper towels can be composted, but they may take longer to decompose than toilet paper rolls.