The ink is carbon-based and won't hurt anything. Some worry about dioxin used to bleach white paper, but I've read that it is almost all removed in the manufacturing process.
<Anonymous>
Posted
The ink is carbon-based and won't hurt anything. Some worry about dioxin used to bleach white paper, but I've read that it is almost all removed in the manufacturing process.
It makes sense that the bleaching agent would be removed, as it would likely continue to react with such chemicals as ink when later used. How quickly do you think white paper decomposes in mulching pile?
I use shredded paper often and even had earth worms in this paper after it's decomposting. For my large planter, I put this shredded wet paper in the bottom of my pots and fill the rest with soil and peat moss, manure and I've seen worms at the bottom in the shredded paper. If the ink was harmful, the worms wouldn't live there. Shredded paper can also be added to your compost pile. (not the colored paper though)
I have not only used it in my garden successfully but also have used it as bedding in my worm bins in which I harvest vermicompost. I don't use any colored inks and colored paper.
