Can I Compost Dryer Lint?

Caution is advised for composting dryer lint because if your laundry contains synthetic fabrics, the lint will contaminate your compost with non-biodegradable microplastics.

Dryer Lint
CAUTION
Sourced & Cited

Overview

Overview
Dryer lint can seem like a perfect, fluffy brown material for your compost pile. However, its suitability depends entirely on the source material. If your household only uses 100% natural fabrics like cotton and wool, the lint is safe. But most modern clothing contains synthetic fibers like polyester and spandex, which shed non-biodegradable microplastics into the lint.

Compost Classification

Compost Type
Brown (Carbon-rich): Dryer lint is predominantly dry and contains little moisture, making it a carbon-rich material. Its relatively low nitrogen content means it breaks down more slowly than green materials and needs to be balanced with wetter, nitrogen-rich additions to avoid stalling the decomposition process.

🏷️ Tags

Important characteristics to know about this item:

Breaks Down Slowly Use in Moderation Pest Attraction Risk May Contain Synthetics

⚠️ Potential Risks

Risks
  • Fire hazard: Dry lint is highly flammable and can spontaneously combust if compacted too densely or exposed to high temperatures.
  • Pest attraction: Lint can attract insects and rodents if not managed properly within the compost pile.
  • Slow decomposition: Due to its low moisture content, it can take a significant amount of time to break down.

💡 Best Practices

Best Practices
  • Only compost dryer lint if you are certain it comes exclusively from 100% natural fabrics like cotton, linen, wool, or silk.
  • If your laundry includes any synthetic or blended fabrics (polyester, nylon, fleece, etc.), do not compost the lint.
  • When in doubt, the safest option is to throw dryer lint in the trash to avoid contaminating your soil with microplastics.