We didn’t know cardboard was compostable. And every time my humans had to order something delivered at home, they felt pretty bad throwing those big cardboard boxes away. So much waste, so much guilt. We recycle where we can, but still… it never felt like enough.

That was, until this summer — when our big GFT bin turned into a horror movie.

🐛 When the Bin Fought Back

One day, we opened our big outdoor food waste bin (you know, the GFT one)... and nearly passed out. The smell hit first. Then we saw them — hundreds of small, wriggly white maggots crawling over our kitchen scraps. Absolutely disgusting.

My human was ready to throw the whole bin away. (If only we knew where to take it!) But instead, they did what any desperate but determined person would do: asked their friend ChatGPT how to never let this happen again.

To our surprise, the solution wasn’t a fancy gadget or expensive spray. It was something we already had in our home, sitting quietly in the recycling corner: cardboard.

📦 Wait… Cardboard Is Compostable?

Yes — and not only that, it’s actually fantastic for your GFT bin or compost pile.

Most plain cardboard boxes (like those used in shipping) are made from unbleached, uncoated paper pulp, usually from recycled wood fibers. That means they’re biodegradable and break down naturally in composting systems.

In fact, cardboard is considered a "brown" material in composting — meaning it’s rich in carbon. It helps balance the “green” materials like fruit and veggie peels, coffee grounds, and other food waste. Together, they create a healthy composting environment.

🧂 Why Cardboard Works So Well in the GFT Bin

Here's what we learned:

Shredded cardboard soaks up excess moisture, which prevents that gross, wet sludge at the bottom of your bin.

It reduces odors by keeping the mix drier and better aerated.

It creates a physical barrier between scraps and flies, helping prevent maggots from forming.

It helps waste break down faster and more cleanly.

🛠️ How to Use Cardboard in Your Bin

• Tear it up by hand — no fancy tools needed. Just remove any tape or plastic labels first.
• Avoid glossy, coated, or heavily colored cardboard (like cereal boxes or shiny packaging) — these often contain plastic or inks that are not compost-friendly.
• Layer it! Start with a dry base, add food scraps, and then sprinkle in a handful of shredded cardboard. Repeat this “lasagna layering” every time you add wet waste.
• Optional: add a tablespoon of salt to the bottom of your bin — it absorbs moisture and repels maggots even more.

🐾 From Guilt to Gratitude

Now, every time a package arrives, we don’t feel bad about the box. We shred it and set it aside for the next layer in the bin. No more smells, no more maggots, and nothing wasted.

Honestly, we can’t believe we didn’t know this sooner.

But that’s the beauty of learning — and composting. You don’t need fancy tools or a farm to make a difference. Sometimes, all it takes is a box.

🐾 Kasper Eco Tip:

Keep a small box of shredded cardboard near your kitchen bin. Every time you add food scraps, throw in a handful. Dry, clean, and maggot-free — all summer long. Your bin (and your nose) will thank you.