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what not to compost
john whinnom
Posts: 2
I wonder how many gardeners are aware that tea bags - the bag itself - contains 20% plastic . Tea bags will not be going on my compost heap, (It seems all makes of tea are the same) I am going to see if I can find an alternative. Anyone any ideas
John Whinnom
0
Posts
Hi
There plenty of other kitchen waste that can be thrown in the compost bin, so I do not put tea bags in.
Simple ?
I put tea bags in my compost bin a few years ago, I had strips of little plastic pieces everywhere. I think they use the plastic strips to seal the tea bags otherwise they will just part when making a brew. I haven't put any in since, you can cut them open and use the tea leafs still but I haven't got time for that.
Try buying loose tea, cheaper and no bags. If I use tea bags I dry them off a bit on the windowsill or on the radiator and take the leaves out For the compost. Shame the bags have to go in the bin, but what else can you do?
Me neither - I have 10-12 cuppas a day. All the bags go in the compost. I'm still alive and the compost is lovely stuff
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I read yesterday that the use of plastic in tea bags will be stopping.
That’s a good start Joyce, hopefully next will be the silly silver plastic bag the whole lot are wrapped in, didn’t tea used to be straight in the cardboard box?
I sometimes put used tea bags at the base of pots over the hole.It still allows drainage but stops soil falling through the hole.Can also help keep compost moist.
I think there was a similar thread a few weeks back?
I use PG tips and they certainly disappear in the compost but someone posted in the previous thread that they do contain 10% plastic. It would be good to know what effect this has on wildlife if it is spread with the compost.
Good idea!