High fiber composting

High fiber composting is a method developed at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Wales. t consists of adding all cardboard (including packaging, toilet roll tubes, cereal boxes), newspaper, magazines, etc. to kitchen compost. The fibrous material is high in carbon, while the kitchen waste is high in nitrogen, allowing a balanced compost to form. Such material should be distributed evenly thoroughly throughout the heap, and well stirred through (mixed) in order to increase its surface area and improve aeration in the heap. It would be ideal for adding where there is a large proportion of nitrogenous material, e.g., grass mowings, kitchen vegetable wastes, and so on, and is thus well-suited to household-scale composting.

Benefits and Applications

1. Waste Reduction: Helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
2. Improved Compost Quality: Provides a balanced mix of carbon and nitrogen, improving compost quality.
3. Environmental Impact: Reduces the environmental footprint by promoting recycling and sustainable waste management.

Implementation

• Material Collection: Collect fibrous materials like cardboard and paper products.
• Mixing: Evenly distribute and mix the fibrous materials with kitchen waste.
• Aeration: Ensure proper mixing to increase surface area and improve aeration.

Considerations

• Safety of Inks: Modern colored inks are now safe for composting.
• Local Regulations: Check local guidelines for composting practices.