Paper is all around us, but have you ever wondered what happens to it after you throw it away? Does it break down naturally, or should we recycle it? In this article, we explore whether paper is truly biodegradable, how long it takes to biodegrade, and the best ways to dispose of it.
In this article:
Is Paper Biodegradable?
Yes, paper is biodegradable, but not all types. Paper is made from wood pulp, which contains natural fibers like cellulose. Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi break down these fibers over time. This process turns paper into organic matter, water, and carbon dioxide. Because paper is made from natural materials, it decomposes much faster than plastic.
Several factors influence how quickly paper breaks down:
- Coatings and additives: Some paper is coated with plastic or wax, making it harder to degrade.
- Presence of oxygen and moisture: Paper decomposes faster in wet and oxygen-rich environments.
- Thickness and density: Thicker paper, like cardboard, takes longer to break down than thinner paper, like tissue.
- Temperature: Warmer temperatures speed up decomposition.
- Presence of microorganisms: Composting helps paper degrade faster by providing the right bacteria and fungi.
Most papers can biodegrade, but some have coatings or chemicals that slow down or prevent biodegradation. Below is a summary:
| Types of Paper | Biodegradable? | Time to Break Down |
| Newspaper | Yes | 6 months |
| Cardboard | Yes | 3 months |
| Printing Paper | Yes | 2 months |
| Tissue Paper | Yes | 2–4 weeks |
| Glossy Magazine Paper | Yes (slow) | 1 year |
| Wax Paper | No | Several years, does not fully break down |
| Toilet Paper | Yes | 3 years |
| Parchment Paper | Yes | 2-6 weeks |
| Plastic-Coated Paper Cups | No | 20 -30 years, does not fully break down |
| Milk Cartons (Plastic Lined) | No | 5 years (due to plastic layer) |
| Paper Bags | Yes | 1-2 months |
| Photography Paper | Yes | 3 months |
Is Paper Compostable?
Yes, most paper is compostable, but not all types. Since paper is made from plant-based fibers, it can break down into organic matter, enriching the soil. However, some paper products contain coatings or chemicals that make them unsuitable for composting.
Paper can be composted at home or in industrial composting facilities, but the conditions matter:
- Home composting: Most uncoated paper, like newspaper and cardboard, can be composted in a backyard compost bin. Shredding the paper speeds up the process.
- Industrial composting: Some paper products, especially those with bioplastic linings, require high temperatures to break down. They need to be sent to specialized composting facilities.
- Landfills: Paper does not decompose well in landfills due to a lack of oxygen and moisture. It can take years to break down in these conditions.
Should We Recycle, Compost Paper, Or Let It Biodegrade?
Each method has its benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on the type of paper and how it was used.
Recycling
Recycling is the most eco-friendly way to dispose of clean, uncoated paper. Paper can be recycled up to 6–7 times before the fibers become too weak to be reused.
This method saves trees, reduces landfill waste, and lowers pollution from paper production. However, not all paper can be recycled. Greasy, wet, or plastic-coated paper can contaminate recycling batches at paper mills and should be disposed of differently.
Best for recycling: Office paper, newspapers, magazines, and cardboard (if clean).
Composting
Composting is a great way to turn paper into nutrient-rich soil. Paper breaks down quickly when mixed with food scraps and yard waste. However, some papers contain inks, coatings, or chemicals that make them unsuitable for composting. Shredding uncoated paper speeds up decomposition, and cardboard can be added in small pieces to help balance compost piles.
Best for composting: Newspaper, tissue paper, uncoated cardboard, and paper towels (if free from chemicals).
Biodegrading
If left in nature, most paper will eventually biodegrade. However, this is not always the best option and might leave a negative environmental impact. In landfills, where oxygen and moisture are limited, paper can take years to decompose. Worse, it can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Letting paper biodegrade on its own should be a last resort, as recycling and composting are much more sustainable alternatives.
Best for biodegrading (if no other option is available): Small amounts of uncoated paper waste.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take For Paper To Biodegrade?
The time it takes for paper to biodegrade depends on its type and environmental conditions. In ideal conditions, uncoated paper can break down in 2 to 6 weeks. In landfills, it takes 2 to 5 months to fully decompose. However, paper with plastic coatings or wax linings does not biodegrade easily and can take years to break down, leaving behind harmful microplastics.
Is Paper Better Than Plastic?
Yes, paper is generally better than plastic for the environment. Paper decomposes much faster than plastic, which can take hundreds of years to break down. Paper is also easier to recycle and compost, making it a more sustainable option.
Is Paper A Renewable Resource?
Yes, paper is a renewable resource because it is made from trees, which can be replanted and grown again. However, not all paper production is sustainable. Large-scale deforestation for paper manufacturing harms ecosystems and contributes to climate change.
