Can You Compost Paper Bags?

Last Updated on April 24, 2021 by Jeffery Jago

Paper bags are one of the most common types of disposable packaging. They can be used for many purposes, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. The question is: Can you compost paper bags? Yes! Paper bags are biodegradable, so they will break down if exposed to bacteria or oxygen over time. Plus, paper bags don’t contain any chemicals or toxins which can harm plants or soil like some other materials do. That also means your worms are generally pretty safe. So if you want to get rid of your old paper bag, just place it in a compost bin where worms and microorganisms will break it down into natural fertilizer!

So, Can You Compost Paper Bags?

Not all bags are made equally of course, and some will have a plastic layer inside, which will not break down. But it’s a good idea to get in the habit of recycling those particular bags instead of they are recyclable. Plastic is not good for your worm bin and it won’t break down in your heap either no matter how hot you get it.

Some bags are also treated with various chemicals that are designed to make the bag waterproof. These chemicals will not break down, so those bags need to go in your recycling bin and not your compost bin where they can leach into our food supply and water sources for decades or more.

What about brown paper bags?

Yes! Brown paper bags make excellent compost. Just shred them up as much as possible – You can add these to your green waste bins as it will break down very quickly.

What about white paper bags?

White paper bags are also compostable and make great additions to your heap, bin or worm farm (they have a high carbon content). Dyed papers should not be added because they don’t break down as well. (Add them to a dye compost bin instead).

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