[mosser]

Having been self employed for many years but now retired, I have had to retain masses of paper.          Now I have the job of 'shredding'.       Can I use this paper in the compost bin, or can I add it to the ground while digging over.     I realise there is no nutritional value but it could retain moisture.     Any one help?

[mumofstig]

It counts as browns for the compost heap...........so as long as you mix it with some green stuff it will rot down nicely 

[peapod]

You can definitely put it in the compost bin, in fact its a good idea. You could also use it to help retain moisture in your bean trench, and lay it over the top of your veg patch/garden as a mulch over the winter.

[Kleftiwallah]

Shredded paper is excelent for the compost heap.  Make sure you mix it well with the other 'stuff'.  Too much in one layer will form a damp matt and stop or slow down the composting cycle.   I think you have to keep tax / payment doc's for 7 years, but I may be mistaken.   Cheers,   Tony.

[Coach]

It's great for compost even using in trenches!!!

That is where I place all the begging letters from my bank manager

[noshed]

I use it under my strawberries as well

[Rich]

any kind of paper? glossy stuff from magazines ok too?

[peapod]

Glossy paper is now fine to use, as the dyes are no longer lead based

[mosser]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.        Trouble is the shredder has had enough

[peapod]

Get shredding by hand - its good for stress