Compost or Not

Can I Compost Cardboard tubes?

Yes

Cardboard tubes can be composted.

What to Know

  • Cardboard tubes, such as those from toilet paper or paper towel rolls, are excellent for composting
  • They're carbon-rich 'brown' materials that help balance the nitrogen in your compost
  • They break down relatively quickly and help aerate the compost pile

Tips

  • Shred or cut the tubes into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition
  • Make sure the tubes are plain cardboard without any glossy printing or plastic lining
  • Wet the cardboard before adding to the compost to help it break down faster
  • Mix with 'green' materials like kitchen scraps for a balanced compost