K wrote:
Broadback writes
Out council has recently gone from a 2 bin (garden rubbish and general
rubbish)to a three bin system (recyclables added). I rejected the
garden bin as I shred and compost everything. Now however they have
decided that card and cardboard must go in the garden bin.
Having just upgraded from plastic compost bins to three, roughly 1
cubic meter wooden ones, I have plenty of room for the card.
Incidentally the new compost bins are proving far more efficient than
the old. So how do I compost the card and cardboard? I already compost
shredded paper, but in the plastic bins that takes a long time to
decompose. Do I need to cut large sheets up, also do I wet it
thoroughly before placing in the composters, any tips most welcome?

I have 3 x 1 cu m wooden bins. I just add cardboard as it is. If the
weather is dry, I try to wet it, otherwise don't worry as I don't cover
the bins. Cardboard boxes compost well. Shiny cardboard (eg cereal
packets) takes longer - when I'm using the compost I may come across a
dense wadge of cereal packets (usually where I've put several inside
each other before adding to the heap - the heap's a long way from the
back door and we're all lazy about taking stuff down) with the layers of
cardboard sandwiched together with thick layers of worms. I just chuck
it back on to the next heap.

It's worth removing any sellotape or parcel tape before you put stuff on
the heap - it won't rot, and it's a nuisance to get out later as it
wraps itself around everything. And beware 'cardboard' drinks cartons -
they have a sneaky interlining of plastic.

So, to summarise. I don't think cutting up helps, but it is probably
useful not to have too many layers of shiny cardboard together. It is
worth wetting it.

And it makes very good compost.
Many thanks both for your helpful and definitive replies.