Is paper biodegradable? Compostable and recyclable paper explained

Yes, paper is biodegradable. It is made mostly of cellulose fiber from wood or other plants, and microorganisms can break it down. How quickly that happens depends on conditions. In a compost pile with moisture and oxygen, uncoated paper breaks down in weeks to months. In a landfill, where oxygen is limited, it can take far longer.

Biodegradable, compostable and recyclable mean different things, and the coatings, inks and adhesives on a printed piece often decide which of them apply. This guide explains the difference.

Biodegradable, compostable and recyclable

• Biodegradable means a material can be broken down by microorganisms over time. It does not say how long that takes or under what conditions.
• Compostable means a material breaks down into compost within a set time under composting conditions. Products sold as compostable are often certified to standards for industrial composting facilities, which run hotter than a backyard pile.
• Recyclable means the material can be collected and made into new material. For paper, that means the fiber is pulped and made into new paper.

For clean paper, recycling is usually the better choice, because the fiber stays in use and replaces new pulp. Composting makes more sense for paper that is soiled with food or too small or mixed to recycle.

What makes paper hard to compost or recycle

The paper itself is rarely the problem. The additions are.

• Plastic lamination and plastic coatings. A thin plastic film bonded to paper does not break down in compost and is difficult to separate at a recycling mill.
• Glitter and heavy foil. These are usually plastic or metal and stay behind when the paper breaks down.
• Some adhesives and labels. Plastic labels and certain adhesives can contaminate both compost and recycled pulp.
• Heavy ink coverage and metallic inks. Small amounts of ink are usually not a concern, but large areas of metallic or specialty ink are best kept out of home compost.

Is glossy paper recyclable?

Usually, yes. Most glossy paper, such as magazines and brochures, gets its shine from a clay coating, and clay-coated paper is accepted in most curbside paper recycling. Laminated paper is different. If a glossy piece has a plastic film that you can peel or tear away from the paper, it is laminated and much harder to recycle. Check your local recycling rules for specific items.

Inks and compostability

Soy-based and other vegetable-based inks use plant oil in place of much of the petroleum oil in conventional ink. They also come off the fiber more easily during recycling. Read more in our guide to soy based ink printing.

Stickers and labels

Most standard vinyl stickers are plastic and are not compostable or recyclable with paper. Paper label stock and compostable film labels are better choices when the package should be recycled or composted. Stone paper, such as TerraSkin, is made from minerals and a resin binder, so it is not compostable in the way wood-fiber paper is, but it does replace plastic vinyl in many uses. See our eco friendly stickers and recycled labels.

How to print a piece that can be recycled or composted

1. Choose uncoated or lightly coated recycled paper.
2. Skip plastic lamination. Use a heavier stock if you need durability.
3. Use foil and metallic ink only in small areas, if at all.
4. Choose paper labels or compostable labels instead of vinyl.
5. Tell us when you request a quote that the finished piece should be recyclable, and we will specify the job to suit.

Products where this matters most

Greeting cards, coasters, packaging and mailers are often thrown away soon after use, so the finish makes a real difference. Our greeting cards are printed on recycled card stock with soy-based inks, our coasters are printed on recycled board, and our recycled kraft shipping mailers are designed for curbside recycling. For packaging, see sustainable product packaging.

Common questions about biodegradable paper

Can I put printed paper in my compost?

Plain printed paper is generally fine in small amounts, especially if it is shredded. Leave out laminated, glittered or foil-covered paper, and follow any rules from your local composting program.

Is recycled paper biodegradable?

Yes. Recycled paper is made from the same cellulose fiber as new paper, so it breaks down the same way.

Is it better to recycle or compost paper?

Recycling is usually better for clean paper because the fiber is used again. Composting is a good option for food-soiled paper and small scraps.

For more on how recycled paper, soy-based inks and finishes work together, read our guide to green printing, or request a quote.