Because so many products are packaged in cardboard, many homes have an abundance of boxes. Rather than tossing them in the trash, put them in your compost heap. Cardboard is a source of carbon, which provides the microorganisms in your compost heap with the nutrients and energy they need to turn your trash into useable compost. You can't simply put the boxes into the compost heap, however, because they take a long time to break down. With the right process and materials, cardboard can be a valuable addition to your compost.
Compost is rich in nutrients that feed the soil where you plant flowers, shrubs, vegetables and fruits. The composting process turns large amounts of organic matter into small amounts of decomposed materials that are used to enrich other plant life. The microorganisms that turn the organic materials into decomposed materials require plenty of oxygen and water to create compost. A healthy compost pile must be turned regularly, using a shovel or pitchfork, to ensure that these tiny organisms get plenty of oxygen. Add water to the compost heap to supply them with the moisture they need to break the materials down into useable compost.
Many composting methods take a year or more to yield results, but rapid composting can be done in less time by using the correct materials. Cardboard helps speeds up the process by increasing the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in the compost heap. Plain cardboard boxes, toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls and cardboard egg cartons are usually safe to use in a compost heap. These items combine with the other materials in your compost heap to bring the carbon-to-nitrogen content closer to the 30:1 ratio recommended for speedy composting.
Shred cardboard into small pieces before adding it to the compost heap. Large pieces of cardboard won't break down quickly and will slow the composting process. Use a paper shredder or cut the cardboard into tiny pieces with scissors. Sprinkle the shredded cardboard over the top of your compost pile and turn it gently to incorporate it. Turning the cardboard also combines it with other green materials, which prevents the compost from matting. Matting will slow the composting process by reducing the amount of oxygen and water available to the microorganisms living inside.
Only clean cardboard should be added to a compost heap. Cardboard that has been treated with chemicals, that came into contact with spoiled food or chemicals or that includes synthetic substances, such as foil or plastic, shouldn't be used in the compost heap. These types of items can contaminate the compost and decrease its value. Composting with cardboard can still take several months to yield useable compost, though it is often much quicker than other methods.
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