Can Compost Pile Incorporate Used Parchment Paper Following Baking Application?
Parchment paper is quite useful in the kitchen, serving purposes like food storage, steaming vegetables and fish, and preventing cookies and cakes from adhering to baking sheets and pans. However, expended parchment paper tends to accumulate quickly and may not always be compostable. If you're aiming to make your kitchen more eco-friendly, learn about composting parchment paper after baking use.
What Parchment Paper Is Compostable?
Although parchment paper is made from biodegradable material, not all parchment paper can be composted. To ascertain if your parchment paper is compostable or not, examine its packaging.
Parchment paper coated or treated with silicone usually has better resistance to moisture, grease, and heat, but it's neither compostable nor recyclable. However, if your parchment paper is "natural" or "uncoated," it can be composted, or recycled if not covered in food or oils.
Choosing natural, uncoated parchment paper over silicone-treated parchment paper is a sustainable alternative that can make your home a bit greener. But further minimize kitchen waste by substituting parchment paper with silicone baking mats or beeswax food storage wraps that are reusable.
Parchment Paper vs. Wax Paper: What's the Difference?
Parchment paper and wax paper are often misconstrued as one another, but they are distinct products.
Parchment paper is generally treated with sulfuric acid bath and/or silicone, making it non-stick and resistant to high heat, moisture, and grease. This paper product is intended for baking or cooking use and can withstand temperatures up to 420 or 450°F (depending on the brand).
Wax paper is typically coated with paraffin wax, although more sustainable alternatives may use beeswax or soy wax. This non-stick paper is best for food preparation and storage but should not be used in the oven as it melts and may catch fire in high heat.
Tips for Composting Parchment Paper
Many paper products, including natural, uncoated parchment paper, can be composted in outdoor or indoor composting systems, like bokashi composters and worm bins. To expedite the composting process, follow these suggestions:
- Tear into Small PiecesTear parchment paper into small pieces before adding it to your compost pile to speed up the decomposition process.
- Use the Right MixParchment paper is considered a "brown" or carbon-rich ingredient and should be layered with plenty of "green" or nitrogen-rich materials, such as kitchen scraps. For faster composting, use around 3 parts carbon-rich materials for every 1 part nitrogen-rich ingredients.
- Aerate Your CompostNatural parchment paper and other organic matter will eventually break down in cold compost piles. However, by turning or aerating your pile 3-4 times a week, you can create a hot compost pile and produce finished compost significantly faster.
- Add MoistureCompost piles should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge. If your compost isn't breaking down and feels dry, add more water.
- Avoid Excess OilParchment paper coated in oil decomposes more slowly and may attract unwanted pests. To avoid pest issues, bury parchment paper deep in your compost pile or use a covered compost bin with a lid.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can you do with used parchment paper in the garden apart from composting? If you possess a large amount of coated parchment paper, layer it over empty soil before adding mulch, gravel, or bricks. Parchment paper serves as a weed-suppressing barrier, though it may temporarily prevent water from reaching plant roots in specific areas, such as garden walkways, paths, and unplanted areas.
- What crafts can you make with parchment paper scraps? Pressing flowers in a dedicated flower press or heavy book is an excellent way to preserve a piece of your summer garden. However, by sandwiching delicate petals between layers of parchment paper, you can protect your flowers and shield book pages from stains at the same time.
- Can you reuse parchment paper for baking? Yes, you can reuse parchment paper sheets after rinsing them with warm, soapy water and allowing them to air dry before using again.
After learning about composting parchment paper to make your kitchen more eco-friendly, you might be interested in exploring BHG's Recipes Cooking section for compost-friendly recipes. Remember, composting natural, uncoated parchment paper after baking is a great way to contribute to Caring for Your Yard. Additionally, when gardening, you can use old parchment paper as a weed-suppressing barrier in unplanted areas before adding mulch or gravel.
If you're setting up an indoor composting system, include natural, uncoated parchment paper in your compost pile, but be sure to tear it into small pieces first. Unlike coated or treated parchment paper, natural, uncoated parchment paper can be a valuable ingredient in your compost, contributing to a balanced carbon-nitrogen ratio.
When gardening, consider the wide range of uses for parchment paper beyond baking. With a little creativity, you'll find that parchment paper isn't just useful in the kitchen but also for preserving summer flowers or serving as a barrier in your garden.
