Can I Compost Toilet Paper Rolls?

Toilet paper rolls are readily compostable because they are made from recycled paper, a primarily carbon-rich material that breaks down easily in a compost pile.

Toilet Paper Rolls
YES
Sourced & Cited

Overview

Overview
Toilet paper rolls are a great addition to your compost! They're a readily available, brown material that helps balance the nitrogen-rich "greens" in your compost bin. Just make sure they're free of any contaminants.

Compost Classification

Compost Type
Brown (Carbon-rich): Toilet paper rolls are primarily composed of cellulose fibers, which are dry and break down slowly, providing a crucial carbon source for the composting process. This slow decomposition helps balance the moisture from nitrogen-rich materials.

🏷️ Tags

Important characteristics to know about this item:

Breaks Down Slowly Pest Attraction Risk Avoid if Treated/Coated

⚠️ Potential Risks

Risks
  • Attracting pests if not properly buried or incorporated into the compost pile
  • Potential for slow decomposition if not properly shredded or broken down

💡 Best Practices

Best Practices
  • Tear or shred the rolls into smaller pieces to increase surface area and accelerate decomposition.
  • Mix them thoroughly with other "green" materials (food scraps, grass clippings) to maintain a good carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in your compost pile.
  • Ensure the rolls are free of any inks, dyes, or coatings before adding them to the compost.