How to Compost Fiberboard

Fiberboard can be an effective bulking agent in garden compost if hasn't been painted or stained. Fiberboard is formed using urea-based laminate. The urea gives fiberboard a very low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of 9:1. If the carbon-to-nitrogen proportion is too low, the compost ingredients may become too hot and kill compost microorganisms. To effectively compost fiberboard, your compost pile must have a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of approximately 30:1. You'll have to add ingredients with a high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.

• 1

  Use an ax or a saw to reduce the fiberboard into wood chips and wood shavings.

• 2

  Shred some cardboard and newspapers, which have very high carbon-to-nitrogen ratios. Wood and wood products other than fiberboard, as well as corn stalks, leaves and pine needles are "brown matter" in a compost pile. Brown matter increases the carbon-to-nitrogen level.

• 3

  Shred "green matter" as well. Grass clippings, kitchen scraps and manure have moderate to low carbon-to-nitrogen ratios. You will need both green matter and brown matter to compost effectively.

• 4

  Combine the fiberboard pieces with your green matter. Although it is a wood product, its low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio makes it green matter for composting purposes.

• 5

  Spread a 3-inch layer of brown matter on the bottom of your composting bin.

• 6

  Spread a 3-inch layer of green matter on top of the brown matter.

• 7

  Continue to alternate rows of brown and green matter until your compost bin is 2/3 full.

• 8

  Spread soil or finished compost over the compost pile. This layer will keep the compost from drying out, and it contains the microorganisms and soil animals that do the work of making the compost.

• 9

  Water materials in your compost bin so they're damp to the touch, but not so wet that drops come out when you squeeze it. You can add dry straw or sawdust to soggy materials, and you can add water to a pile that is too dry.

• 10

  Wait for four to five days, until your pile begins to "bake." The desired temperature for composting is between 90 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 11

  Stir your compost every week as it bakes. This will speed the baking time from six to 12 months to approximately one month.

• 12

  Remove the compost when it looks like dark crumbly soil mixed with small pieces of organic material. It should smell sweet and earthy.