Newspaper in compost - ink issues?

illusio

Hubby is adamant that we shouldn't shred newspaper to put in the compost, as the ink contains toxins that will leech into the veg.

Now, from time to time, he does tend to add 2 and 2 and get 397.5, so is he right (and I owe him an apology, dammit) or is he talking tosh?

We've got loads of the stuff, and a bountiful supply of man-wee if that's what's needed to rot it properly , so it seems a shame not to use it if it's not harmful.

olibearhorse

bung it all in I say! I have been home composting for 3 years and all sorts go in from cardboard (with ink on!), newspapers, man-wee - yes you name it, it goes in. It'll be fine, it all rots down beautifully and and the amount of ink on the paper compared with everything else that is going in will be minimal.

stilernin

If it was a problem, then surely this government would have told us to wear protective gloves when reading our dailies :rolleyes:

But them I am prepared to be proved wrong...................

Dave101t

you shouldnt be eating the veg!!
dont you know that they contain small parts that may constitute a choking hazard?!
stuff it all in and to hell with the consequences (as the actress said to the bishop)

Mr_Warren_2

Let's not laugh too much about it, black inks are ok but coloured inks are more dangerous for the body and should be avoided :eek:

choille

I heard that yellow paper is bad chemically, so I re-cycle that. We have a local rag that is made entirely of it - must ask them if that's true.

I have been told that ink is fine from newsprint as it's all veg based now.

Rosie

We used to eat fish and chips out of newspaper lol

olibearhorse

loving the comments. We worry far to much in this country me thinks........

betterbargains4u

illusio wrote: »

and a bountiful supply of man-wee if that's what's needed to rot it properly

Is this true!!!???

SAMHP_2

Having taken the 'Master Composters' course (seriously!!) I was asked the question re the ink on paper by someone and as it obviously had serious consequences if I got the answer wrong (!) I contacted the Henry Doubleday Research Assocation which is where we did our training. They confirmed that the inks used in print production today are, apparently, non-toxic, so should not present a problem.
And yes, wee is a very good accelerator, but use it watered-down cos it's pretty strong stuff!
SAM

olibearhorse

betterbargains4u wrote: »

Is this true!!!???

only man wee though - don't go using girly wee, we are too hormonal apparently... :rotfl: