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Composting cotton wool?

josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
in The potting shed
The pads I use for my eye lotion are 100% cotton wool, and up to now they've gone in the bathroom bin, but I'm wondering if they are compostable.  Has anyone tried composting cotton wool balls or pads, and with what result?  I should imagine they'd just stay in a clump, but is there any reason not to try it?  There's the lotion, of course; each pad has about 1ml of lotion on it which is mostly water.  But if it's safe to wipe my eyes with it, is such a tiny amount likely to harm the compost critters?

Posts

  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    If you tear them up as suggested, they probably will eventually.  Most likely you'll come across little bits as you garden, but I don't see that as an issue.  

    Utah, USA.
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    Place it in one of those nets one gets with fruit etc. and string it up in a bush or tree for the birds to take for their nests.  We do it with the dog's hair and it always goes.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited August 2020
    Cotton wool that is made of cotton (not synthetics) composts beautifully, as with cotton and carboard-made cotton buds. Also sanitary wear like Natrapads (100% biodegrabale) and wet wipes, but do check that they are 100% paper or cotton. There are loads out there, like some by Nivea, Simple, Natracare. If you choose well, nearly all of these things can be composted, except some plastic packaging. I try and compost all household paper,  cotton and personal items, and try to choose what to buy accordingly.

    (I keep a recycling/composting bin by the bathroom for all this kind of stuff).
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    We use cotton buds that are 100% cotton, including the stick bit. Loads have gone into the compost and nothing but good soil comes back out.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Amen.

    I don't think any of it needs special treatment. I don't rip up cotton wool. It should break down v fast.
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
    Thanks everyone, I'll give it a go.
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